Red Devils run past Sidney 8-2
It was a fast start for the Tippecanoe baseball team last Wednesday that led the way toward an 8-2 victory over Sidney in the second game against the Yellow Jackets during the week. With the win, the Red Devils improved to 14-0 overall and 12-0 in the Miami Valley League, which has them at the top of the conference along with unbeaten Butler.
Cayden McKinney pitched three innings to get the win, with the Red Devils by four runs when he left the game. McKinney allowed one earned run and had four strikeouts. In the game overall, McKinney and reliever Drew Husic combined to allow no walks in the game.
“They swept us last year, and our successes have held toward the end of the season, but that just puts a target on our back,” Tipp coach Cameron Dickens said. “Our conversations with the guys are that we are our own worst enemy and have to control things on our end. You can’t worry about who is on the other side of the field.”
“We have to handle our business. We came out quickly before going flat there in the middle and put two up late to put it away.”
Tipp started quickly as Preston Zumwalt led off the first inning with a single and moved up when Carson Jackson had a hit to center. McKinney helped himself with a double to bring home Zumwalt to give Tipp the quick lead.
Landon Muhlenkamp then singled in two more, and Husic singled in a run to make it 4-0. A fifth run came across in the inning when Ethan Harney singled to score Husic. The Red Devils were in control of the game early, leading 5-0 after one plate appearance.
“Preston started to lead the game off, and Cayden continues to hit the ball well,” Dickens said. “We have been hitting it well up and down the lineup and are not reliant on any one player. It can be any player on any day.”
Sidney scored twice in the second, but the Red Devils got a run back when McKinney hit a sacrifice fly to center to make it 6-2.
That is how the game would remain until the sixth inning when Tipp finalized their scoring. James Merry singled and scored on an Eckert double. McKinney then plated Eckert with a single to close the scoring in the game.
*The Red Devils came into the game ranked #2 in the latest Division Three state poll, trailing Butler who is number one. It’s not something that the Red Devils are focused on, but Dickens does appreciate the respect his team has received.
“It’s nice to have the respect of the coaches from around the state,” Dickens said. “But we try to stay away from it. I would rather have the recognition now, toward the end of the season, but there is more work to be done.”
