Loggers drop 3rd straight in Florida, losing 6-3 against Pasco Hernando.
The Loggers (4-6) were back in action on Wednesday looking to end a two game skid as they made their annual visit to New Port Richey to take on the Pasco Hernando Conquistadors (20-5). The matchup proved to be an exciting one, as both teams entered this season looking to add another year to their back to back (2014 ,2015) NJCAA National Tournament streak.
Freshman right hander Chad Weller (0-1) took the mound for the Loggers in his second start of the season and Tyler Beck (4-4), a transfer from Purdue University, toed the rubber for Pasco. Both pitchers were sharp early throwing two scoreless innings out of the gate. The Loggers struck first in the top of the third inning when Tyler Borski belted a solo home run over the right field fence, the first of his collegiate career.
Lincoln Land tacked on two more runs in the top of the 6th when Ben Hecht (3 for 4) hit a two out, two run single to score Tyler Borski and Tyler Ring. The Logger offense threatened several other times to score through out the game, but managed their only 3 runs on 11 hits, six walks, and a hit batter. They stranded 15 runners on base.
Weller cruised through 5 innings and took the 3-0 lead into the bottom of the 6th when his first pitch beaned Jordan Feist. The Conquistadors followed by sending 8 more hitters to the plate, scoring 4 runs to take the lead on 3 infield singles, a walk , another hit batter, and a fielder's choice. Weller finIshed the inning and his outing by getting Cade Kelley to fly out to center field. Weller finished his 6 innings of work with the 4 earned runs, 5 Strikeouts and 1 walk.
Pasco Hernando added 2 more insurance runs in the bottom of the seventh, one which was unearned, to give the game its final score of 6-3.
"I'm proud of the way the kids are battling and playing hard till the end," coach Ron Riggle said after the game. "The schedule we play down here (12 games in 9 days) is tough, and the players are giving us their best effort. We have lost some tough games the last three days, but if we focus on learning from our mistakes and make the adjustments needed, I am confident we will get back to winning ball games."
The Loggers take on South Florida State College on Thursday at 5:00.
