SOME WILL, SOME WON’T — Wes Cosper applies the tag on an attempted stolen base by Magnolia after receiving the assist by catcher Malakai Anderson during Wednesday’s game at Paden City.

It’s not often when the Paden City Wildcats and Magnolia Blue Eagles meet on the same playing field. In the past, the two schools have played in every sport shared between the two schools located five miles apart.

One sport that has continued an annual pairing is baseball, and Wednesday was the latest chapter of the Wetzel County schools sharing the diamond.

For the first time in a few years, the game was played on Paden City’s turf, but that didn’t help generate any homefield advantage as Magnolia took an early lead after a run in the first, followed by three in the second and one more in the third.

Coach Cisar’s Blue Eagles would push the score up to 6-0 in the fifth before Paden City finally crossed a runner to avoid the shutout on a RBI at-bat by Malakai Anderson. However, Magnolia would put the pressure on in the top of the next frame batting around and scoring nine runs to go up 15-1.

Paden City was unable to score in their at-bat invoking the mercy-rule and ending the game an inning early.

The ‘Cats were able to pick up two hits including a double by Wes Cosper. Josh Bennett picked up the loss after pitching a complete game and striking out one.

PADEN CITY 9

BRIDGEPORT 1

One day earlier, Paden City welcomed Bridgeport, Ohio to the friendly confines. Wes Cosper was on the mound and once again he threw a gem.

The Bulldogs found themselves with limited baserunners as the ‘Cats senior gave up one hit while striking out eight on the night. On the offensive end, the Wildcats were firing on all cylanders in a nine run, nine hit game.

Paden City started the scoring with a run in the second. They would score in every inning to follow. After two more runs by Paden City made it 3-0 after three, the ‘Dogs lit the scoreboard and cut the deficit to 3-1.

When it was the ‘Cats turn to bat again, they answered by scoring two runs in the bottom of the fourth, followed by three in the fifth and one in the sixth to set up the game’s final score.

Ryan Thoburn had a strong night at the plate going 3-4 and scoring two runs. Ricky Wright went 2-4 with two runs and three RBI, including a home run. Cosper also got it done at the dish with two hits and scored two runs with a double.

Chaz Heasley and Malakai Anderson also picked up hits for the ‘Cats with Heasley batting in a run and scoring a run. Mitchell Stewart and Zach Yost also scored.

The ‘Cats were all over the bases as well as they totaled eight stolen bases in the game. Thoburn led the team with three. Heasley had two while Cosper, Wright and Stewart all swiped one.

With the split on the week, Paden City’s record now stands at 15-6 as they head into the final stretch of the season. They are slated to take part in Senior Day activities on Wednesday before their game with Doddridge County. The last scheduled home game is slated for Friday when they welcome the Linsly Cadets.