YSE File Photo
Five different Blazers scored two runs and the University Heights Academy baseball team remained unbeaten against 2nd Region opponents Tuesday, with a 15-6 come-from-behind victory at Webster County.
UHA, which had to overcome a 4-0 first-inning deficit, got a pair of RBI from Gavin Laronge and Ben Stone, then relied on a strong bullpen to move to 5-0 against regional foes and 6-1 overall on the season.
The Trojans banged singles during four of their six plate appearances in the first inning. And by the time Brennen Ferrell lined an RBI base hit into center field, host Webster was already out to a 3-0 lead. WCHS managed to tack on another run in the first, as a two-out Blazer error made it 4-0 at the end of one.
Heights would respond in a big way, though, proceeding to score in every inning between the second and the sixth, and taking the lead for good when a Laronge bunt led to one of eight Webster County errors and gave UHA a 5-4 advantage in the top of the fourth inning.
Laronge got involved again in the sixth, helping the Blazers go ahead 10-4 with an RBI single. Three batters later, Stone’s two-out, two-run double made it 12-4, capping a six-run frame. Laronge, Ryan Luckey, Ian Tyler, Ty Hunt and Nic Luckey all crossed home plate twice during the victory. Stone was the lone UHA player with more than one hit, finishing 2-for-5.
Luke Shouse started Tuesday’s contest and had a no-decision. He struck out three, walked one, scattered four hits and allowed four runs (two earned) in two innings. Nic Luckey came on to pitch two innings of his own, striking out three in two innings of his own. Between him, Aiden Jones, Jackson Flynn and Josh Pace, the University Heights relievers combined for five innings, three walks and no earned runs. As a pitching unit, UHA has only allowed seven earned runs in 40 innings this season.
The Trojans (3-3) were led by Canaan Taylor, who went 2-for-3 with a run, walk and RBI. There were no Webster extra-base hits. Jace Thurby (1-1) had some control issues on the mound, walking nine and allowing 15 runs, four of which were earned. Harrison Warren threw two nearly-perfect innings in relief.
UHA will vie for its sixth straight regional victory Friday, when the Blazers host Christian County. It will be a rematch of this past Sunday’s matchup at CCHS — a game won 10-5 by the Blazers. The Colonels (4-6) defeated Madisonville-North Hopkins 13-3 on Tuesday.
