By TODD REED

News Leader Sports Editor

In a battle of the league's top two baseball teams, Hiland defended its home field with a 9-2 win over Malvern.

Both teams came into the contest with one league loss.

"We had a big game, but we didn't handle the pressure very well," commented Head Coach Dennis Tucci. "Hiland hit eight ground balls, and we only made one play at first base. This was an extremely disappointing loss.

"You have to score with Hiland to beat them, and you must field the ball and make them earn their runs."

Sean Kettering pitched six strong innings, giving up three earned, while striking out eight. His defense let him down, committing seven errors, which led to six unearned runs.

Kettering also contributed at the plate with a single, double and two RBIs. Jesse Byrd and Julian Guiao each scored a run.

Malvern ended the week with a much-needed 9-1 win over visiting Conotton Valley.

Guiao had two hits, Doug Wood had three RBIs, Tyler Tucci scored two runs and Kettering had two doubles.

Vince Larson picked up the win, giving up one earned run on four hits in six innings of work. Byrd came on to pitch a scoreless seventh.

"We shuffled the lineup to see if we could jump start the offense," stated Coach Tucci. "We put Sean and Tyler at the top of the lineup and they combined to score four runs and steal three bases.

"Vince pitched well, and we only had one error, which we were able to overcome."

The Division IV tournament draw was held at Buckeye Trail, with Malvern (14-3, 9-2) getting the two seed. They will open play this Saturday, May 11, at 3 p.m. against five-seeded Caldwell.

The other game in the lower bracket pits third-seeded Tusky Central against seventh-seeded Strasburg on May 13 at 5 p.m.

The winners of these two matchups will play for the sectional title on May 15 at 5 p.m.

The upper bracket features top-seeded Hiland against eight-seeded Conotton Valley on May 10 at 11 a.m.; and fourth-seeded Zanesville Rosecrans against sixth-seeded Beallsville on May 12 at 5 p.m.

The winners in the upper bracket will play on May 14 at 5 p.m.

All games will be played at Buckeye Trail High School.

In regular-season action, the Hornets were to face Ridgewood on May 5 and Strasburg on May 6, before hosting Tusky Central this Friday, May 9. The boys will travel to Newcomerstown on Monday, May 12.

treed@alliancelink.com