Paden City outranks Linsly Cadets 11-8
Paden City’s regular season finale against the Linsly Cadets was what Coach Brent Croasmun called a great tune-up game for the sectional tournament.
After all, the former military school recently won the Class AA OVAC championship and defeated Cameron, the No. 1 seed in the section, earlier in the week.
So when the Cadets made their way to Paden City, the Wildcats knew they had a tough game ahead. Right off the bat Linsly showed some of their talent taking an early 1-0 lead in the first inning.
However, Paden City has shown all season that they are talented just as much themselves and showed it in the bottom of the frame.
The Wildcats proved to be more impressive with a five-run outburst highlighted by a 3-run home run over the left field fence by Malakai Anderson. Mitchell Stewart executed a squeeze bunt to perfection to also bring in a run.
Linsly didn’t quit and was able to come back in the second with four runs including a home run of their own to tie the game. In the inning to follow, they would take an 8-5 lead to take control once again.
With Paden City already showing the ability to jump on top of one of the best teams in the conference, it was now their turn to show their ability put on the rally caps and come from behind.
The ‘Cats worked the sticks once again with a 4-run fourth to regain the lead. Two more runners would cross the dish in the fifth to set up the final 11-8.
The 11 runs came on 11 hits while two Linsly errors aided the Wildcats. Wes Cosper started the game but would get the no-decision as Ryan Thoburn took the mound in the fourth and struck out five.
Linsly’s eight runs came on nine hits with Paden City making four errors.
In addition to Anderson’s round trip, he had two singles helping him to four RBI on the evening. Thoburn singled for two RBI and Stewart had two singles and an RBI. Cosper and Chris Loy both had a single and an RBI. Zach Yost also singled twice for Paden City.
The win improves the Wildcats’ record 16-6 as the prepare for the sectional tournament which was slated to start Monday, but was postponed and rescheduled for Tuesday. Results were not available at press time.
The Wildcats played Valley, with the winner advancing to play Cameron today at 5 p.m. The loser of today’s first game will play the loser of the game yesterday at 7.