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GEORGETOWN – The Georgetown Eagles defeated the Elgin Wildcats Friday, March 31, on their home field to continue their hot start to the district season.
The 5-1 loss was the second loss in the district season for the Wildcats, and despite attempting a late rally the Eagles finished strong.
The game started with the Wildcats on offense, as they were the visiting team, and the Eagles'defense put on a show. The Wildcats' first two batters would strikeout and ground out respectively before Justin Strong was able to get a base hit for the Wildcats.
Strong’s single was the only offense by either team in the first inning as the Eagles secured the third out shortly after. Then with the Wildcats on defense, three ground balls were fielded easily and the Wildcats were back on offense in the blink of an eye.
This back and forth would continue through the second inning with the teams still feeling each other out and trying to find some early success. Minimal offense happened in the second inning as well with both teams leaving runners on base.
Now, heading into the third, the Wildcats found themselves with runners in scoring position looking to get the opening run of the game. Unfortunately, the Eagles would snag the last out to end their hopes of breaking the score in the third.
The Eagles started the bottom of the third with a pop up that was easily caught by the Wildcats. With two outs left, the Eagles remained calm and were able to get back-to-back base hits because of it.
With two runners on base, the Eagles were in the driver seat to open the scoring, and the odds were more in their favor after a walk to load the bases up. Georgetown got hold of a ball that shotdown the middle of the field and rolled into center field.
The Eagles scored two runs from this play, then addeded another run to their lead on a ground ball that was also the second out for the Wildcats. Jack Grames would strike out the next batter to send the Wildcats back on offense looking for a response.
The Eagles defense did not let the Wildcats get going in the top of the fourth, securing three outs quickly to go back on offense and build their lead. The Eagles led off with a single, and then two wild pitches helped advance the runner all the way to third base.
The Eagles then hit a sacrifice fly ball to bring the run in and give them a 4-0 lead before the Wildcats’ defense shut the field down. Elgin finally broke through on offense in the top of the fifth to try to start a late rally.
After an error and a couple of walks, the Wildcats had a great look at getting their first run of the game. After a bobbled strike three call by the Eagles, Austin Miller was able to slide into home plate for the Wildcats.
Down 4-1 and two outs on the board, the Wildcats knew it was going to be an uphill battle to get back into this game. The Eagles were equal to the task though and secured the third out.
The Eagles would add another run in the fifth inning before shutting it down for the rest of the game.
With this game behind them, the Wildcats want to get back on track in district play and their next opportunity was Tuesday, April 4, when they faced the Cedar Creek Eagles on their home field.
