Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

It wasn’t about how many hits, but how many timely hits.

The Fairland Dragons were able to hit in the clutch as they edged the Ironton Fighting Tigers 5-4 on Thursday.

The hits were nearly even at 9-8 in Fairland’s favor, but two of those hits were key extra base hits.

“Fairland played a solid game. They were able to get some timely hits,” said Ironton coach Larry Goodwin.

“We had too many base-running mistakes and we did not get our bunts down or get hits when we needed them. We are young and we will learn from our mistakes and move forward.”

The game was scoreless until the third inning when both teams crossed the plate.

In the top of the inning, Brandon Burcham walked, Kyle Sowards was hit by a pitch and Trace Adkins singled to load the bases. Tyler Campbell then doubled to clear the bases.

Ironton (3-1) rallied to get four runs in the bottom of the frame.

Trevor Eagles got a one-out single, Luke Diamond and Derek Battise walked and Hunter Weber had an RBI single. Lucas Campbell then reached on an error as two runs scored and Weber came home on a wild pitch.

Fairland (2-2) tied the game on a solo home run by Adam Taylor leading off the fourth inning.

The Dragons took the lead with a run in the sixth when Hayden James bunted for a hit, stole second, went to third on Sowards’ base hit and scored on a sacrifice fly by Adkins.

Ironton had two more scoring threats but failed to capitalize.

Weber singled to start the fifth but was erased on a comebacker double play. Hunter Klaiber then doubled but was left stranded.

In the sixth, Kyle Kleinman walked and Easterling singled, but both runners were thrown out on the basepaths.

Diamond then singled and stole second but was left stranded.

James got the win in relief and Tyler Blake notched the save.

Diamond pitched well in defeat. He went the distance striking out seven and walking five.

Taylor was 2-3 with an RBI and Sowards also went 2-3.

Easterling went 2-3 and Weber 2-4 with an RBI for Ironton.

Fairland 003 101 0 = 5 9 2

Ironton 004 000 0 = 4 8 2

Brandon Burcham, Hayden James (5), Tyler Blake (7) and Garrett Scheibelhood. Luke Diamond and Hunter Weber. W-James (K-0, BB-2, H-4, R-0). Burcham (IP-4, K-8, BB-4, H-4, R-4, ER-2, HBP-1). Save-Blake (IP-1, K-0, BB-0, H-0, R-0). L-Diamond (K-7, BB-5, ER-4, HBP-1). Hitting-Fairland: Kyle Sowards 2-3, Trace Adkins 1-2 rbi, Tyler Campbell 1-4 rbi-3, Adam Taylor 2-3 rbi, Hayden James 1-1; Ironton: Trevor Easterling 2-3, Luke Diamond 1-3, Hunter Weber 2-4 rbi, Lucas Campbell 1-4 rbi-2, Hunter Klaiber 1-4, Dane Wilson 1-2. 2B-Fairland: Tyler Campbell; Ironton: Hunter Klaiber. HR-Fairland: Adam Taylor.