It’s safe to say the Sinclair Tartan Pride has found its stride.
Entering with a 5-4 record, the Tartan Pride (10-4) muscled past their opponents by posting a 5-0 mark this week. Sinclair poured the runs in as the Tartan Pride scored 69 runs and gathered 76 hits in wins over Glen Oakes Community College, Urbana University and Miami University-Middletown. In the five-game span, Sinclair pitching allowed four runs in 34 innings for a 0.79 ERA. As of March 19, the Tartan Pride pitching staff haven’t allowed a run in 31 innings.
Pride sweep Glen Oakes
On March 14, the Tartan Pride swept Glen Oakes Community College at Grady’s Field. In game one, Jeremiah Kerns starred in Sinclair’s 14-4 victory. After starter Justin Schultheiss left in the third inning because of an ankle injury, Kerns tossed 3.1 innings of no-hit ball to earn his first victory of the year. Infielder Brad Yinger knocked in three RBIs and infielder Jake Heckman went 2-for-2 with a home run.
Game two belonged to pitcher Zach Botjer. Botjer kept Glen Oakes guessing throughout as the sophomore threw a complete game shut-out in a 5-0 win. Outfielder Zach Stewart stole three bases and earned one RBI.
Keeping steam
Pitcher Erik Lamka continued the Pride’s stellar pitching performances by throwing five scoreless innings in Sinclair’s 10-0 victory over Urbana University on March 17 at Grady’s Field. Lamka struck out seven and held Urbana to only two hits. All nine starters produced a hit as the Pride extended their winning streak to six games.
On the following day, Sinclair hosted Miami University-Middletown. Little did MU-Middletown know, a demolishing would occur.
After the doubleheader was concluded, the Tartan Pride racked up 33 runs compared to zero for MU-Middletown. In game one, nine Sinclair hitters produced at least two hits. Outfielder Byron Johann couldn’t swing-and-miss if he tried during the contest as the outfielder went 6-for-6 with five runs scored. Starter Jake Robinson tossed four shutout innings. In their first at-bats since high school, pitcher Erik Lamka and Jeremiah Kerns hit pinch-hit home runs.
The Tartan Pride continued its command on MU-Middletown in game two with a 10-0 victory. Starter Jacob Campbell kept the scoreless inning streak alive after throwing four scoreless frames. Catcher Justin Marrero hit a two-run home run and outfielder Clay Ragland earned two hits and two stolen bases. The win extends Sinclair’s winning streak to eight games.
Next weeks games:
Sat. and Sun. — Sinclair visits Potomac State College (three games)
Mon. at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. — Sinclair hosts Ashland University at Nischwitz Stadium
Wed. at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. — Sinclair visits Vincennes University
Thurs. at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. — Sinclair hosts Parkland College at Grady’s Field