Squirrel News

June 18, 2009

fighting squirrels hammer woodland

The Charleston Fighting Squirrels moved their season record to 5-6 after a sweep of Woodland Thursday night. The Squirrels defeated the visitors 19-1 and 22-1 on the night as both games were shortened in run-rule fashion.

Earlier in the week the Squirrels dropped a doubleheader to the Dunklin County Dodgers, losing 8-6 and 10-0.

“We had a pretty good week. Dunklin County is a great ball team and we took care of business against Woodland. We have a tough schedule that is preparing us for the regionals. Our goal is to keep getting better and have our pitching staff and defense ready to go. We’re going to swing the bats,” said Squirrel Manager Michael Minner.

The Squirrels banged out 29 hits on the night against Woodland.

Mark Freed led the Squirrels with three hits on the night. Tyler Whybark, Zach Rowland, Blake Gaddis, Connor Scott, Garrison Eastman, Jamie Barber, and Steven Dooley all added two hits apiece in the doubleheader. “We hit everything they threw up there,” said Squirrel Bench Coach Spencer Whitehead. “Nights like that are great for confidence, we just have to keep plugging away.”

Steven Dooley and James Naile picked up the wins for Charleston. Both pitchers threw complete games. Dooley finished the night allowing just two hits while striking out two. Naile threw a one-hitter and struck out seven.

“Our pitching has kept us in games so far. We’re just trying to get pitchers the work they need to be sharp. We’re going to continue to get better,” added Whitehead.

Earlier in the week the Squirrels fell to Dunklin County. Dunklin County is 11-1 on the season.

In the opener Mikey Russell suffered the loss on the mound. He threw 5 2/3 innings and allowed ten hits and struck out a hitter. He walked five.

He was charged with eight runs (two earned). “I thought Mikey threw the ball really well. Dunklin County is a great team. If we play defense we probably win the game. But like we tell the kids, it’s early. We’ve got to fight through the rough start and get on a roll. You can’t get too high or too low right now. It’s a long season,” said Minner.

Tyler Whybark and Zach Rowland led the Squirrels with two hits and two RBI’s apiece. In the nightcap the Squirrels fell 10-0. Chase McClendon suffered the loss. Marshall Stallings worked four innings of relief and allowed eight runs (two earned). Mark Freed, Steven Dooley, and Jamie Barber all had a hit for Charleston.

The Junior Squirrels moved to 3-3 on the season with wins over Malden and Scott City.

The Fighting Squirrels will be back in action tonight as they host Poplar Bluff. They travel to Rolla this weekend to play in the Rolla Area Baseball Club Tournament. They open Friday at 4 p.m. against Camdenton.