The Cougars got another outstanding pitching
performance from Derek Harmeier as they rolled to an 8-1 victory over the Vandalia Vandals, but North Clay used the longball
in a 9-6 loss the following day to wrap-up a pair of games played between the constant stormy weather.
On Monday, Harmeier picked-up his sixth win without a loss in a complete-game
effort as he one-hit the Vandals. The only hit came when the first Vandalia batter lined a double into center, but from there
he went on to strikeout 11 while issuing just 1 walk.
Colton Wilkins and Bret Pitts paced the offense as each blasted home runs to
give the Cougars an early lead. Wilkins' 2-run shot came in the 3rd and Pitts followed with a solo shot to put them up 3-0.
After scoring two unearned runs in the fifth, they put up three more in the
seventh when Luke Krajefska singled in a run, then two batters later, Reid Drewes chased two more home with a single
of his own.
On Tuesday, North Clay whacked three home runs to make things misereable
for starter and losing pitcher Colby Bushue, but he kept battling to keep the Cougars in it as he surrendered 7 runs,
on 9 hits, 1 walk, and 5 strikeouts.
The never-say-die offense never gave in to Cardinal ace Andrew Grahn as they
rapped out 9 hits and drew 4 walks to keep things interesting.
Leading the way was Fischer Tharp with two singles and two RBI's along
with Bret Pitts' two singles and an RBI and Heath Hoffmann's two doubles.
The Cougars are back in action on Wednesday when they hit the road again for
a date with the Noble Wildcats.
