Caledonia High School Athletics

The Scots traveled to Hudsonville yesterday afternoon to face the Eagles in their second to last conference series of the season. In game one, Hudsonville jumped out to the bottom of the second after walk, a stolen base and an error. Caledonia tied the game up at one in the top of the third after a single by Derek Pennington allowed AJ Szabo to score. After a flyout and a strikeout, the Scots were able to grab a 2-1 when Jace Lawton singled on a line drive to center field. After Hudsonville went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the fourth, the Scots offense continued to stay hot in the top of the fifth. After Luke Shuster drew a lead off walk, Corbin Raffler was able to beat out the throw for a bunt single. An error by the Hudsonville first baseman allowed pitch runner Tommy Clarey to advance to third and Corbin Raffler to advance to second. A groundout by Alex Skibinski allowed Clarey to score and the Scots to take a 3-1 lead. A single by AJ Szabo allowed the Scots to stretch their lead to 4-1. Hudsonville was able to add one run in the bottom of the seventh from a sacrifice fly but a strikeout was ended to end the Hudsonville threat and secure the 4-2 win for Caledonia. Junior Carter Born got the start for Caledonia. The righty pitched six completely innings allowing no runs, two hits, five walks and three strikeouts. Nick Slater earned the save as he pitched one inning, allowing no runs, one walk and one strikeout. Corbin Raffler, Alex Skibinski, AJ Szabo, Derek Pennington and Jace Lawton each had a hit for Caledonia. Game two saw a pitching and defensive battle as the Eagles defeated the Scots 3-2. Hudsonville quickly jumped out to a 2-0 lead in bottom of the first on three singles and a groundout. The Scots and the Eagles were both retired in order in innings two, three and four. In the top of the fifth, after a quick two outs, Senior Mitchell Smith was able to get Caledonia’s first hit when he was able to single to right field. Tommy Clarey was able to reach by on an error by the Hudsonville shortstop. An overthrow by the Hudsonville starting pitcher allowed both Mitchell Smith and Tommy Clarey to score. The game remained tied a two through seven and a half innings. In the bottom of the seventh Caledonia quickly got the first out on a groundout. Back to back singles and an intentional walk loaded the bases for the Eagles with one out. Hudsonville was able to walk it off from a shallow fly ball to right field. Senior Micheal Douglass got the start for the Fighting Scots as he lasted five and a thirds innings allowing one run on four hits, one walk and striking out two. Nick Slater came in for relief as he tossed one and a third innings allowing one run on two hits. Alex Skibinski and Mitchell Smith each had a hit for Caledonia.