Hornets Win Frosty Home Opener

Mother Nature threw the Saline varsity baseball team a wicked curve ball Tuesday, but the Hornets got the last laugh, storming back from a 6-3 deficit with five runs in the bottom of the sixth to win their home opener played in miserable weather.

The Hornets over came early errors and four first inning runs to win 8-6 over De La Salle.

Saline (2-1), was up 9-2 in the nightcap when the game was called in the fourth due to darkness and does not qualify as a victory.

Saline Coach Scott Theisen liked the way his team pulled themselves back into the opening game.

"I don't think anyone played as well as they could or was on top of their game, but I liked the way we battled to get back in that opening game," Theisen said. "We didn't roll over after a miserable start."

The game, at times, was played under cold, windy and wet conditions. During the fourth, the Hornets batted while being pelted in the face by sleet.

Centerfielder Gage Hammond said he'd never been so cold playing baseball.

"It was definitely an experience. I've never played in this cold before. But we fought through it. It definitely played a role in the field. It was tough. But it was a good experience," Hammond said. "It's a challenge mentally, because nobody wants to be out here in the cold. But we got the job done. It's nice to win the home opener."

In the opener, Saline scored eight hits runs on eight hits and six De La Salle errors.

Justin Goike give up five runs (four earned) on five hits and two walks. He two struck out two. Eric Berki pitched 2 2/3rd innings of scoreless relief, giving up one hit and walking two. Michael Hendrickson was the winning pitcher in relief. He went 1 1/3 innings, giving up a hit and walking two.

Andrew White was 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBO and Andrew Valentine was 3-for-4 with two RBI. Austin Hauck drove in three runs and Justin Goike scored three runs.

Down 5-0 after three innings, some of which were playing in the pelting sleet. Leadoff hitter Brandon Gordon was robbed by the centerfield, who made a great catch in center-right field. Hammond followed with a line drive in the same gap for a triple. He scored on a single by White. Goike reached base on a force out and stole second. After a walk to Justin Barnes, Hauck reached base on an error, allowing Goike to score.

Saline added a run in the fifth when Goike walked, advanced on an error and then scored on Valentine's single.

De La Salle made it 6-3 with a run in the top of the sixth.

The Hornets' rally in the bottom of the sixth came with one out. Hammond reached on an error then White and Goike walked to load the bases. Barnes walked to drive in a run. Hauck followed by stroking a triple to score drive in three runs. He scored on a wild pitch to complete the five-run inning.

In the second game, it was clear that where the Hornets overcame the weather conditions, De La Salle had succumbed.

Saline scored nine runs in three innings on five hits and four De La Salle errors. It was 9-2 after the top of the fourth when the game was called.

Stefan Hastings, Trent Theisen, Eric Berki, Dan Bennett and Goike stroked hits for the Hornets.

Brent Vaccaro started and went three innings, giving up two earned runs, both earned, on three hits and three walks. He struck out four.

Brandon Martin pitched an inning of relief, giving up a hit while striking out one and walking one.

Saline 8, De La Salle 6

Saline 9, De La Salle 2