Scott City splits season-opening doubleheader with Ulysses

Scott City, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)–Tuesday’s season opener between Scott City and Ulysses would see some new faces take the field in varsity competition. It would also see a split doubleheader, as the Beavers opened up with an 11-1 win in five innings, while Ulysses took the finale 12-7.

In game one, the Beavers got started right away with two run, and led 2-0 until Ulysses scored a run on a Scott City error in the top of the third. After that, it was all Beavers, as they opened the game up with five runs in the third, and added two runs in the fourth and fifth innings to win 11-1 in a run-rule. Lawson Bailey drove in four runs for the Beavers, and JP Harris had three hits and three RBI, as he was a home run shy of the cycle. Aaron Ruelas also had three hits for Scott City, as they ended up with 13 hits and committed three errors. The Tigers had only three hits in the game, as Ryan Nightengale scored their lone run. Harris went five innings, throwing 95 pitches in the win for the Beavers, as he gave up an unearned run on three hits and struck out 12. Blayc Nelson took the loss for the Tigers, going three innings, allowing seven runs on six hits.

It would take a couple innings before a run would be scored in the nightcap. Both teams would score a run in the third inning, and the Tigers took the lead in the top of the fourth at 2-1. In the top of the sixth, Ulysses took advantage of a couple errors, and blew the game open in the seventh with eight runs to take a commanding 12-1 lead. However, Scott City tried to make things interesting, plating six runs in their final at bat, but would fall 12-7. Blayc Nelson had four hits and three RBI for the Tigers, while Ian Sanchez had tow hits and drove in a pair of runs, as Ulysses had 11 hits in the game. Matt Bushnell went 6 2/3 innings for the win, throwing 107 pitches, as he gave up five unearned runs on five hits and had nine strikeouts. Justin Degollado picked up the save in 1/3 of an inning, despite giving up two runs. Brady Welker had three innings on the mound for Scott City, giving up an unearned run on three hits. Lawson Bailey went two-plus innings on the bump, and took the loss, giving up a run on two hits with three strikeouts. Eloy Ruelas had two hits and an RBI in game two, as the Beavers finished with seven hits. Both teams had three errors.

At 1-1 overall and in GWAC play, Scott City heads to Spearville for a Thursday doubleheader, while Ulysses is also 1-1 overall and in league play, as they will face Lakin on Thursday.

Coach David Dirks Postgame