Redbirds beat Crestline thanks to big seventh inning

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CRESTLINE — The Crestline Bulldogs were at home Wednesday to square off against the Loudonville Redbirds in Mid-Buckeye Conference action at Gates Brown Field.

Through the first six innings of play, the two teams were neck and neck, but it would be the Redbirds who would come out on top by a final tally of 6-1.

See more photos from the game in our online gallery.

Crestline and Loudonville would trade scoreless innings back-and-forth through the first four frames, scattering a few hits and leaving a few runners on base. The defense was tight throughout the ball game heading into the final inning.

Through that first six innings of play, Loudonville recorded just six hits and one run, which came on an RBI double in the fifth inning. Crestline had just three hits in this same time frame, all singles and scored in the fifth as well when JC Clark singled in Bailey Wollard from second base. Wollard had reached base when he lead off the inning with a single and was then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Logan Ronk.

The top of the seventh was the game changer, as Loudonville led off the inning with a single, a walk and another single to load the bases with nobody out. Another single for the Redbirds drove in a run and kept the bases loaded with still nobody down. A long drive that nearly left the ballpark caromed off of the right field wall, leading to a two RBI double. The Redbirds would get another single in the inning, scoring two before being retired to defending their lead in the field. Crestline went down in order to finish off the game.

The Bulldogs managed just four hits on the day. Wollard had two of those singles and scored Crestline’s lone run. Clark had the above mentioned RBI single, scoring Wollard two batters later. Ty Clark also recorded a single in the bottom of the sixth but was stranded there after Dillon Fultz struck out to end the inning.

JR Wolfe would be the losing pitcher on the day for the ‘Dogs. Wolfe was having a stellar day on the mound until the final frame, and finished up the afternoon with 6.1 innings of work. Wolfe allowed 11 hits in total, six runs, walked five Redbirds and struck out nine. Zac Hatfield came into the game for the final 0.2 innings and struck out a batter.

A trip to Loudonville awaits the Bulldogs on Thursday to meet up with the Redbirds again. On Wednesday May 3, Crestline will be back in action when they hit the road to take on the Plymouth Vikings.

The Bulldogs Bailey Wollard slides into third base ahead of the tag during Wednesday’s game against Loudonville. Crestline would allow five runs in the top of the seventh and fall to the Redbirds, 6-1.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2017/04/web1_all-3.jpgThe Bulldogs Bailey Wollard slides into third base ahead of the tag during Wednesday’s game against Loudonville. Crestline would allow five runs in the top of the seventh and fall to the Redbirds, 6-1.

Starting pitcher JR Wolfe delivers to the plate on Wednesday against Loudonville. Wolfe would take the loss for the Bulldogs on the day, allowing five runs in the final inning.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2017/04/web1_crestline-baseball.jpgStarting pitcher JR Wolfe delivers to the plate on Wednesday against Loudonville. Wolfe would take the loss for the Bulldogs on the day, allowing five runs in the final inning.

By Chad Clinger

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Follow Chad on Twitter @GalionSportsGuy

Reach Chad at 419-468-1117 x2048

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