Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PORTSMOUTH — When the defense disappeared, so did the Rock Hill chances.

The Redmen gave up three unearned runs in a 5-2 Ohio Valley Conference loss to the Portsmouth Trojans on Monday.

Sean McFann suffered the tough-luck loss. He struck out four and walked one.

“Sean threw the ball well, but we just didn’t give him enough run support and our defense was laxed today. The defense has been good. We just had a bad day,” said Rock Hill coach Barry Litteral.

“We’ve got to start hitting the ball. The defense will be okay, but we have to put the ball in play.”

Rock Hill (0-4, 0-3) took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

Drew McClaskey was hit by a pitch, McFann singled, a ground out moved the runners up and Danny Long had a two-run double.

Portsmouth got an unearned run in the bottom of the first and then got a run in the second when Michael Sturgill singled, Sky Oliver doubled and Ryan Williams singled.

The Trojans got three unearned runs in the fourth inning to break the tie and get the win.

Corey Noel, McClaskey, McFann and Long had Rock Hill’s four hits.

Oliver was 3-for-4 with a double to lead Portsmouth.

Rock Hill hosts Ironton on Tuesday.

Rock Hill 200 000 0 = 2 4 4

Portsmouth 110 300 x = 5 10 2

Sean McFann and Cody Lewis. Zach Delotell and Michael Sturgill. W-Delotell (K-10, BB-1, HBP-1, ER-2). L-McFann (K-4, BB-1, ER-1). Hitting—RH: Drew McClaskey 1-3, Sean McFann 1-4, Corey Noel 1-3, Danny Long 1-3 2B; Portsmouth: Sky Oliver 3-4 2B, Ryan Williams 1-4, Hunter Gibson 1-4, Zach Delotell 1-3, Michael Potts 1-3, Dylan Mullins 1-3, Michael Sturgill 1-2.