Trinity knocks out Mustangs
MT. PLEASANT – Early errors and the absence of a usually effective offense led Laurel Highlands’ playoff appearance to be shorter than the Mustangs had hoped as they fell 3-1 to Trinity in a first-round game Thursday. The Mustangs (15-5, 12-2) committed two errors in the first inning that led to an early deficit as Joey Havrilak took advantage and recorded a two-run single.
The two-run lead proved to be enough for the Hillers (12-5, 10-4) as Hunter Bigler pitched a gem and never surrendered the Trinity lead.
Bigler scattered seven hits and allowed a single run that didn’t come until late in the affair. The sophomore pitcher also had a nice day at the plate, reaching base in all three of his plate appearances.
Laurel Highlands coach Tom Landman didn’t attribute his teams’ shortcoming to its mistakes in the field.
“I didn’t think we lost the game in the first inning. We just weren’t able to score until the seventh and we came up a little short at the end,” said Landman. “It was a tough way to end the season, but Ethan threw an outstanding game and kept us in it the whole way.”
Ethan Mildren was fittingly impressive on the mound as he has been a major catalyst for Laurel Highlands’ success this season.
Mildren gave up five hits and allowed only one run after the first inning on his way to a 12-strikeout performance.
Despite struggling throughout the game, Laurel Highlands didn’t go down without a fight. The Mustangs came into the seventh down three runs, but led the inning off with three consecutive singles including their only RBI from the bat of Ben Kooser.
Bigler didn’t get shaken, though, as he recorded a pick-off at second and got two fly-outs to seal the victory for the Hillers
Trinity coach Levi Bristor thinks that the root of their success against LH was largely due the fact they have been in playoff mode for several weeks now.
“We had to win games to get to this point,” said Bristor. “We had nothing to lose. We were able to play loose and we have some experience as well, but Laurel Highlands is a great squad.”
Landman will look to return with a strong team next year, despite the loss of valuable senior players including his star pitcher.
“We have some younger kids coming up. We have to work on getting better, said Landman. “With a change in sections (LH moves from Class AAA up to Class AAAA) and we are going to have our work cut out for us.”