Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

CHESAPEAKE — Pitching and defense are the keys to winning. Just ask the Ironton Fighting Tigers.

Ironton did not commit an error and Derek Battise pitched six strong innings as the Fighting Tigers beat the Chesapeake Panthers 9-1 on Friday.

Battise struck out seven, walked one and gave up just four hits as he picked up the win.

“Derek threw a good game. The defense played well,” said Ironton coach Larry Goodwin.

“We really need to turn it up a notch as we head into the last week of the regular season and sectional play.”

Ironton (7-8) banged out 13 hits led by Steven Easterling who went 4-5 with a pair of runs batted in.

Sean Lawless and Battise were 2-4 with an RBI, Luke Diamond was 2-4 and Aaron Stephens was 2-5 with an RBI.

Dennis Sanchez went 2-3 to pace the Panthers.

Ironton hosts River Valley on Monday and Chillicothe on Tuesday.

Ironton 110 201 4 = 9 13 0

Chesapeake 000 001 0 = 1 5 0

Derek Battise, Steven Easterling (7) and Mo Phillips. Mikey Walters and Joe Bias. W-Battise (IP-6, H-4, K-7, BB-1, R-1). Easterling IP-1, K-2, BB-1, H-1. L-Walters (IP-6, R-5, H-7, K-5, BB-2, HBP-1). Hitting-Ironton: Steven Easterling 4-5 rbi-2, Luke Diamond 2-4, Aaron Stephens 2-5 rbi, Derek Battise 2-4 rbi, Sean Lawless 2-4 rbi; Chesapeake: Joe Bias 1-2, Jacob Eddy 1-2, Dennis Sanchez 2-3, Brett Curry 1-2.