SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Four costly errors opened the door to five unearned runs and spoiled the Wittenberg Tigers' 2007 home opener. Amidst the snow flurries and high winds of what all involved hope is winter's final blast, the Tigers dropped a 9-2 decision to visiting Adrian in the first of five Wittenberg Tournament games.
The loss dropped Wittenberg to 5-4 overall on the 2007 season, heading into a busy weekend with games against Hiram and John Carroll. Those two teams will also play nine-inning games against one another Saturday and Sunday.
The problems started immediately as the Tigers allowed three runs on just one hit in the first inning. Adrian took the early lead thanks to two Wittenberg errors on routine grounders, and by the sixth inning Tiger starting pitcher Tyler McClain (Springfield, Ohio/North) had hit the showers despite giving up just one earned run.
Offensively, the Tigers didn't fare much better as they managed just 10 baserunners, including five hits. The lone offensive highlights came in the eighth inning as freshman Chris Dorka (Worthington, Ohio/Thomas Worthington) tripled in a run and freshman A.J. Bush (Troy, Ohio/Troy) added a sacrifice fly, both in the eighth inning.
In addition, sophomore Ryan Montgomery (Powell, Ohio/Olentangy Liberty)reached base three times in the games, twice on walks.