by Hudson, Ohio – Thanks to four early runs in the first two innings, the Mentor Cardinals managed to defeat host Hudson, 6-3, in a Friday night contest at The Ballpark at Hudson.
Senior Eric Coode hit a two-out single to right field in the top of the first to put the Cardinals up 1-0.
Hal Walker added a single to center field to increase the lead to 2-0, and added two more runs to increase their lead to 4-0.
In the bottom of the third, the Explorers pulled off a successful double steal, with Wyatt Prado stealing home. Senior Drew Lightner hit a sacrifice fly to cut the deficit to 4-2.
In the top of the fourth, a bases loaded walk made the score 5-2, and Hal Walker hit a sacrifice fly to left field in the fifth to increase the lead to 6-2. Hudson countered in their half of the fifth with a two-out RBI single to center by Jacob Fabian.
Freshman pitcher Tyler Milnes earned the win Friday night, throwing four innings and allowing just two runs. Senior Perry Cantanese threw two innings in relief (and picked a runner off in the sixth) and junior Stevie Nedlik worked a 1-2-3 seventh, inducing two strikeouts and a flyout to picked up the save.
Despite the loss, Hudson senior pitcher Charlie Draper, who came on in relief in the top of the sixth, struck out a batter to pick up his 48th strikeout of the season, setting a school record.
Mentor improves to 17-8. They take on Greater Cleveland Conference rival Solon in a Hudson District semifinal Tuesday afternoon.
Hudson drops to 17-11. They take on Walsh Jesuit in a Euclid District semifinal Tuesday afternoon.
