Crawfordsville drops North Montgomery, 8-2

Continuing its mastery of the county and conference opposition, Crawfordsville came away with an 8-2 win at North Montgomery Monday evening. On the hill, Chase Justus improved to 6-3 with five strikeouts in four innings, working around two hits and four walks. In relief, Chandler Pursell fanned another five in three innings, allowing just one Charger hit.

The Athenians (17-8) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning, but took full control of the game in the third inning with six runs. In the inning, Athenian seniors led the way. Caleb Rasmussen led off with a walk and Joel Hobson drew a base on balls of his own. Chris Minks then dropped a misplayed single into right. Jake Zurawski, a junior, followed with the key knock, a two-RBI line drive into left field.

After a Craig Brainard walk, Cam Monroe beat out a grounder to shortstop to plate Minks. After a Logan Meadows single made the score6-0, North Montgomery starting pitcher Aaron Williamson was lifted in favor of Bryce Woodall. The Athenians added a run on a Mitchell Reeves groundout to make the score 7-0.

In the fifth, the visitors tacked one on when Monroe singled to lead off the frame, advanced on a Meadows SAC bunt, and score on a Reeves’ single up the middle.

The Athenians worked out a few tight spots on the night, weaving around eight walks by Justus and Pursell.  However, the junior duo also tallied ten strikeouts to quell any North Montgomery threats.

The two teams will meet again Tuesday night, this time on the Athenian’s home turf at 7 o’clock.

Journal Review: Big Inning Leads to Crawfordsville victory

Game Notes:

• In the Junior Varsity contest, sophomore hurler Shad Conrad threw a no-hitter, in a 12-2 win, striking out twelve batters in six innings. The JV/C squad now has a record of 23-10.