With an added garment to protect himself from the cold, North Union’s Drew Schmidt delivers a pitch to the plate against Triad. The Wildcats won 3-1.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Bob Putman)
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The wind and cold may have had an affect on the hitters, but North Union’s Drew Schmidt pitched like it was warm and sunny.
Schmidt limited Triad’s batters to just four hits during a complete-game performance as the Wildcats posted a 3-1 victory.
“You try to stay as warm as you can, take deep breaths and get through it,” Schmidt said of battling not only the Cardinal hitters but also the weather. “My defense was the key to getting the win. Without that it could have gone the other way.”
Schmidt struggled a little in the first inning, issuing walks to the first two batters.
However, the defense he spoke highly of made plays to keep Triad from taking the early lead.
One of the runners was picked off second base.
Connor Lassiter and Ashton Haubiel each made outstanding defensive plays to end the inning.
Tyler Krebehenne got the Wildcats off to a good start in the bottom of the first inning with a single.
He then stole second and scored on a single by Landon Converse.
NU held the 1-0 lead until the fifth inning when Triad took advantage of two Wildcat errors to plate the tying run.
It was the only inning the Wildcats committed any errors.
After being limited to just three hits through five innings by Triad’s freshmen pitchers Waylin Holtsberry and Blayk Thomas, NU regained the lead in the bottom of the sixth.
Converse led off the frame with a single. He advanced to second and third on stolen bases.
Mason Bright worked his way on base with a walk and then swiped second.
Miles Marlette grounded out to second, but Converse was able to cross the plate.
A single by Evan Beery brought in Bright.
Schmidt allowed a one-out single by Brayden Hoffman, but got the last two outs on a ground ball and a strikeout.
“Drew was able to find the strike zone and the defense was there to back him up,” said Converse, who caught Schmidt’s pitches. “He was able to mix in his fastball and curveball.”
“Drew had trouble finding his accuracy early, but he kept it together and battled through it,” North Union head coach Nick Blakeley said.
Schmidt finished with seven strikeouts. The two walks in the opening inning were the only free passes he allowed.
There was no doubt the cold weather made it tough for the players.
However, Converse was able to block out the conditions in earning two singles.
“Be positive and confident is all I thought about,” he said.
The Wildcats have started the season with two straight victories. They scored the deciding runs in the late innings both times.
“Having an older team has paid off for us,” Blakeley said. “So far we are seeing the work the team has put into the season.”
A total of 12 of the 13 players listed on the roster are either seniors or juniors.
Holtsberry and Thomas combined to give five hits while striking out three and walking four for the Cardinals, who have just one senior listed on their roster.
In addition to Hoffman’s single, Brody Dean, Adler Perry and Connor Hayes each singled for Triad, which was playing its season opener.
Triad 000 010 0—1-4-1
NU 100 002 x—3-5-2
WP—Schmidt; LP—Thomas.