The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Big Reds open season 1-1 in Ohio
By Brian Cox, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: April 10, 2008
It took the Milan varsity baseball team only seven innings to shake off the winter blahs last Saturday in Ohio.
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The Big Reds fell 8-3 to Columbus Bishop Watterson in the first game of the day, but found their rhythm - and their bats - in the second game, defeating Sylvania Southview 10-8.
Considering that it was the first time this snowy spring that the Big Reds had a chance to play on a real field, coach Adam Gilles was pleased with the results.
"Technically, we had one practice in a parking lot and one on a mushy JV field, and the rest of the time we were in the gym," he said. "I think we responded pretty well."
Zach McGovern was the winning pitcher against Sylvania, striking out five in five innings of work.
Down 1-0 in the third, Milan exploded for four runs, helped by senior Jake Hall's bases clearing double. The Big Reds scored another run in the third, three in the fifth and two more in the sixth to build a 10-4 lead.
When Sylvania threatened to mount a comeback, junior Matt Drewyor took the mound to earn a save in his first varsity appearance.
"For Matt to come in and shut the door on them was great to see," Gilles said.
The Big Reds stole eight bases in nine attempts in the game, helping to get runners in scoring position.
"We have a lot of speed on the team," said Gilles, "and we try to take advantage of it."
Gilles said it was encouraging to see the team improve after the loss to Bishop Watterson.
"We cut down a lot of the small mental mistakes we made in the first game," he said.
Milan was up early in the first game, leading 3-0 before pitcher Kyle Clump suffered soreness in his arm and was relieved.
Bishop Watterson went on to take advantage of eight walks - seven of which turned into runs - to snatch an 8-3 win.
"They were a good team," said Gilles, "but they had more games under their belt, four or five games. It's warmer down there."
Milan's hitting was plentiful, but scattered. Lance Smith, Josh Beller, Hall and McGovern each had two hits. The team suffered only one strikeout, but left more men on base than Gilles would like.
With the season officially launched, the Big Reds will see doubleheaders against Huron League foe Riverview at home on Thursday and on the road against Onstead Friday.
Staff Writer Brian Cox can be reached at 429-7380 or bcox@heritage.com.
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