Wildcats Drop Conference Contest

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The Milan Wildcats were host to the South Harrison Bulldogs in a Grand Rivers Conference battle at Milan’s American Legion Field on Thursday, April 7, 2022. On a cold, miserable, windy afternoon, the Milan Wildcats saw their lead drift away and lose 12 to 6 in seven innings. Milan is now 0-2 in GRC competition. Costly errors, as well as mental errors prevented the Wildcats from taking an important victory.

Brady Sayre was the Wildcat starter, going the first 4 innings, throwing73 pitches, 39 for strikes, allowing 4 runs on 3 hits, 3 walks, 1 costly Wildcat error, striking out 6 batters, in his first stint this afternoon. Brady came back to the hill in the top of the sixth, finishing the final 11/3 innings, using 19 more pitches, 13 for strikes, allowing another hit, striking out 2 more batters.

In between, Derrick Doporto completed 12/3 innings, throwing 62 pitches with 27 for strikes. He allowed 8 runs on7 hits, walked 6 and 2 Milan errors, and 1 catcher’s interference.

South Harrison scored first with 2 runs in the to of the first. A hit, Milan error and a fielder’s choice did the damage. The Wildcats answered to tie the contest with 2 runs in the bottom of the fist.

Jayden Sizemore and Jeremy Bennett led off with singles. Keaton Weter walked to load the bases. Derrick Doporto laced a single to right field scoring Jayden. A fielder’s choice by Grayson scored Jeremy. What looked like a huge inning in the making was altered as the next 3 Wildcats could not advance the runners. Milan 2 South Harrison 2 after 1 inning of play.

Brady struck out the side in the top of the second. The Wildcats took their first lead with 3 in the home half inning. Ethan Bennett was successful on a bunt single, advanced to second, then third, on consecutive walks to Jayden and Jeremy. A sacrifice fly by Keaton Weter scored Ethan. Derrick blitzed a single to center allowing Jayden to cross the plate. A ground out scored Jeremy. Milan 5 South Harrison 2 after 2 full innings.

South Harrison bounced back with 2 runs in the third cutting the deficit, 5 to 4. A walk, 2 hits and a fielder’s choice cut into the lead.

Neither team scored in the fourth. Derrick replaced Brady on the mound to begin the South Harrison fifth. South Harrison erupted for 4 runs and regained the lead 8 to 5. Four hits, two for doubles and 2 walks put the Bulldogs back in front. Milan answered with one in the bottom of the fifth. South Harrison 8 Milan 6 after 5 complete innings. With one out Blayton Dibble hit a home run over the left center fence.

Another four run inning put the Bulldogs in front 12 to 6. Two singles and a catcher’s interference loaded the bases with no outs. A walk forced in 1 run. A fielder’s choice recorded an out at home. A walk forced in another run. Another walk and single plated the final 2 runs. Three hits, 4 walks and 1 catcher’s interference put the game out of reach. Milan went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the sixth. South Harrison 12 and Milan 6 after 6 innings.

South Harrison was held in check in the top of the seventh after a Bulldog single and 2 stolen bases put a runner on third. A strike out for 1 out and a fly to right fielder Zack Banner, who made the catch, and rifled a lazer to the catcher, Derrick Doporto, who had plenty of time to apply the tag at the plate, double play. Milan failed to score in the bottom of the seventh to suffer a very tough loss. South Harrison 12 and Milan 6.

Derrick Doporto, 4 for 4, 2 RBI, 1 stolen base, leading the 11 hit Wildcat attack.

Jayden Sizemore, 2 for 3, 1 walk.

Grayson Smith, 2 RBIs.

Ethan Bennet, 2 for 3 scoring 1 run.

Jeremy Bennett, 1 for 3, scored 2 runs, walked once.

Keaton Weter, 1 for 2, 1 RBI, 1 walk.

Blayton Dibble, 1 for 4, one home run, 1 RBI, scored 1 run.

Jaron Dibble, walked once.

Zack Banner, a sweet defensive double play.

Season record, 2-6 overall and 0-2 in Grand Rivers Conference play.