ANDERSON, Mo. — The Carthage Tigers scored five runs in the first inning to set the tone for the 8-0 win over McDonald County Saturday.
Taylor Stevens-Diggs singled, scoring one run, Colson Brust hit a bases-loaded double, scoring three runs and Ethan Stark drew a walk to score another run in the opening inning.
“I was happy with the way we started the game,” Carthage Head Coach Kevin Burgi said. “Lots of people stepped up and put pressure on early. Colson had a big hit to break the game open.”
Stevens-Diggs scored on an error in the second inning to make it 6-0. Stevens-Diggs had another single in the third inning scoring Jordan Brunnert to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead. Landon West singled home Kayleb York in the fourth inning to make it 8-0.
Blayne Lilienkamp (2-2, 3.15 ERA) earned the win for Carthage. He surrendered one hit and allowed no runs over four innings, striking out six and walking one. Eider Lyckman, Brodie Cole and Nolan Brown all pitched in relief for Carthage. As a team, the Tiger pitching staff struck out 10 McDonald County hitters in the game and held the Mustangs to two hits.
“I was very pleased with Blayne, Brodie, Nolan and Eider on the mound,” Burgi said. “We needed to prove we could come out and throw strikes and those kids did it.”
The Tigers had 12 hits in the game and Brust led the way with three runs batted in, going 2-for-4 at the plate. Ty Perry, Stark and Stevens-Diggs also collected two hits each for Carthage.
Carthage collected seven walks in the game paced by Bradyn Tate, who drew two. Tiger catcher Zach Hoenshell threw out a baserunner in the only attempt.
“We have a big week ahead and I’m happy that we have positive momentum going into it,” added Burgi.
Carthage (13-12) welcomes Sparta Monday at 4:30 p.m.
