Sandusky’s offense has fired on all cylinders in its first four games, and Lorain was on the wrong side of its might.
The Blue Streaks’ offense combined for 48 runs in its opening four games. They defeated Lorain, 17-4, in the Pipeyard on April 1.
“We didn’t have our best stuff on the mound, and our offense has been struggling for the first two scrimmages and the first game that we played (March 31). We are just having a hard time getting our bats going,” Lorain coach Brad Ternes said.
After holding Sandusky scoreless in the first inning, Lorain quickly took a 1-0 lead at the bottom of the first. Pitcher Preston Whitfield drove in Darel Encarnacion (2-for-2).
The Titans’ lead quickly unraveled, as the Blue streaks stockpiled five runs in the second, three more in the third and eight in the fourth.
“We are getting (on base). It is like the old saying goes, ‘Pass the bat,’” Sandusky coach Zack Moots said. “Whether it is by walk, by hits, hit batters. We are doing whatever it takes. We are that gritty team. Our game is to get on base and cause chaos.”
As Lorain lost to Rocky River, 7-1, in the season opener, its record dropped to 0-2. Sandusky improved to 4-0.
Sandusky junior Mykell Ott drove in four runs. Dillon Crawford recorded four hits and scored three runs.
Lorain did not do itself any favors. With 11 walks and three Blue Streaks hit by pitches, free bases were given.
Whitfield (2 1/3 innings pitched) was given the loss. He was relieved by Jalen Williams (one) and then Joey Hall (1 2/3).
Rocco D’Amico threw the entire game for Sandusky. Over five innings, he struck out nine Titans and gave up three hits and one earned run.
“We try to tell them to limit (the opposition),” Moots said. “Rocco (D’Amico) is a senior and is his first time pitching in three years. He had Tommy John surgery as a sophomore. To have him up there and throw a game like that, was solid (for us).”
As the game neared the end, Lorain recorded its best offensive inning with two runs.
“It was nice to see that last inning at least,” Ternes said. “We started to put the bat on the ball a little bit. Hopefully, that is something (positive) that we can take and move into Thursday’s game.”
April 3, the Titans will travel to Lutheran West in Rocky River.
