North Union’s Aaron Krebehenne dives back to first base after JA pitcher Chase Chopin (3) fires the ball to Andrew Harp (5) during a pick-off attempt.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
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North Union suffered a 3-0 Central Buckeye Conference baseball loss to Jonathan Alder.
“They have a really solid program over there,” NU coach Nick Blakely said regarding JA’s team. “We played really well in a lot of phases, but we struggled hitting which is something we will continue to work on.”
Both teams walked out of the first inning scoring no runs, but remained strong on the defensive side.
“I told our guys that sometimes you don’t have a lot to show in the hit column, but we hit the ball hard right at them,” JA coach Craig Kyle said. “I give North Union credit… they made plays when they had to.”
Jonathan Alder took a 1-0 edge in the bottom of the second inning as North Union struggled to produce much in the way of offense.
The Wildcats continued to struggle at the plate, but were steadfast on the defensive side of the ball. Several JA fly balls were caught by the visiting Wildcats.
“Aaron Krebehenne in center field is outstanding,” Blakely said.
Jonathan Alder increased its lead with two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Despite being down 3-0, the Wildcats stayed focused on defense.
NU, however, could not muster a run for the remainder of the contest as the Pioneers notched another home victory.
“Overall, I thought it was a good win and we did what we had to do to win,” Kyle said.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with how we battled all game long,” Blakely said.
Scoring for Alder included Nick Sowers, Brennan Nichols and Owen Braithwaite. Hank Shoemaker and Andrew Harp took credit for one RBI apiece.
JA’s Chase Chopin was the winning pitcher on the mound. The sophomore threw for seven innings. He allowed one walk, three hits and struck out nine.
Chopin is the first left-handed pitcher the Wildcats has seen thus far in the 2022 season.
“This was definitely a first for us this year,” Blakely said. “Sometimes it’s better to just make contact and make them play defense… but overall they are a good defensive team.”
Evan Hoffer took the loss on the mound for North Union.
He pitched slightly more than three innings before being lifted for Ozzy Wilson.
Alder scored three runs on two hits and three NU errors.
Garrett Roach and Shoemaker each had one hit for Alder.
Hoffer fanned two and walked six.
Wilson allowed one hit and struck out one batter.
North Union connected on three hits.
Hoffer, Kamren Apt and Austin Haubiel hit safely for NU.
JA pitcher Marl