Clark County Wins Three Of Four During Busy Baseball Stretch

The Clark County Indians bounced back from a 1-0 pitcher’s duel against Quincy Notre Dame with three straight wins, defeating Hamilton/Warsaw, Mendon Unity and Monroe City during a strong late-season stretch.

Clark County opened the run April 28 with a narrow 1-0 loss to Quincy Notre Dame. Both teams were sharp on the mound, with Bennett Plenge going six innings for the Indians. He allowed one run on two hits while striking out five and walking two. Quincy Notre Dame scored the game’s only run in the fourth inning on a Doellman single. Gracyn Holsted and Ryder Howe each had one hit for Clark County.

The Indians answered the next day with an 8-5 win over Hamilton/Warsaw. Elijah Miller led the Clark County offense with four RBIs on three hits, including a two-run triple in the third inning and a two-run double in the sixth. Clark County scored four runs in the third, with Miller’s triple and Grady Webster’s lineout each bringing in two runs.

Howe started on the mound and allowed two runs, both unearned, on two hits over 4 2/3 innings. He struck out six and walked four. Amos Phillips and Ronan Anderson worked in relief. Howe also walked three times at the plate, while Phillips stole two bases. The Indians showed patience with eight walks and were aggressive on the bases, stealing nine bags.

Clark County kept rolling May 1 with an 8-3 win over Mendon Unity. Howe drove in four runs on two hits, including a three-run home run to right field in the third inning. He also singled home a run in the first.

The Indians scored two runs in the first, added another in the second and broke the game open with five runs in the third. Corrick Hunziker added a two-run single in the inning. Clark County finished with nine hits, with Hunziker, Mason Davidson and Howe each collecting two.

Anderson started for the Indians and allowed two runs, one earned, on three hits over three innings. He struck out five and walked five. Phillips followed with four strong innings in relief, allowing one run on seven hits while striking out five and walking none.

Clark County capped the stretch May 4 with a 10-0 shutout win over Monroe City. Hunziker went 3-for-3 with two doubles and a single to lead a 12-hit attack. The Indians scored twice in the first inning on a Davidson double and a Miller single, then added three more in the third on a Miller triple, a Wyatt Davis walk and a Phillips sacrifice fly into a double play.

Howe turned in a dominant start, throwing five shutout innings. He allowed three hits, struck out eight and walked one. Clark County played error-free defense behind him.

Miller and Anderson each drove in two runs against Monroe City. Holsted and Davidson each added multiple hits, while Hunziker and Davidson each stole multiple bases. The Indians stole six bases in the win.