By TODD REED
News Leader Sports Editor
The Minerva boys baseball team struggled a bit last week, dropping a non-league game to Hoover and two league matchups to Louisville.
The Lions (3-16, 1-9) were to face Northwest on May 6, before hosting the Indians tonight (May 8). The boys will battle St. Thomas at Thurman Munson Stadium this Friday, May 9, at 6:30 p.m., before hosting Alliance on May 13.
The Canton Division II district draw was held, and Minerva will open up play at Southeast on May 15. The winner travels to two-seeded Marlington on May 16.
Hoover 21
Minerva 8
The Lions were able to hit against the Vikings pitching staff, but the defense committed three errors, which led to six unearned runs.
Dustin Raper had a single and two RBIs, Stephan Hauenstein had two RBIs, Troy Summers had two singles and scored twice, and Zach Bowman had a two hits, including a triple.
Richie Walter was pinned with the loss as he gave up 11 runs, eight earned, in five innings of work. Joshua Sayre allowed nine runs, six earned, in 1/3 of an inning; and Corey Lawrence gave up one earned run in 2/3 of an inning.
"We got behind early to Hoover and then closed to 11-7," stated Head Coach Carl Michael. "Then we ran out of pitching."
Louisville 9
Minerva 3
Jeff Karman led the offense with a double and two RBIs, Justin Wade had a double, Hauenstein and Lawrence each singled and Ryker Locke had an RBI.
Cody McGee pitched the first two innings, giving up five earned runs. Tyler Crawford allowed four runs, three earned, in four and 2/3 innings, and Locke got out the only batter he faced.
"Once again we got behind, but came back to make it 5-3," noted Coach Michael. "And once again our pitching couldn't hold them and we lost 9-3."
Louisville 21
Minerva 0
The Lions failed to get a hit, as they dropped their second game of the week to the Leopards, this time in five innings.
Walter gave up eight earned runs in one and 1/3 innings, Wade allowed two runs in 2/3 of an inning, Locke gave up five earned in 2/3 of an inning, Raper allowed five earned in 2/3 of an inning, and Lawrence allowed one earned in 2/3 of an inning.
"We simply didn't perform on either side of the plate," commented Coach Michael.
treed@alliancelink.com