***Kendall Vincent is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
The A/W Varsity Titans came up short last Wednesday, falling 10-6 to the Bureau Valley Storm in a game that featured multiple lead changes and strong offensive efforts on both sides.
Bureau Valley took an early lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a two-run single by Blake Foster and a sacrifice fly from Drake Taylor to go up 3-0.
They extended their lead in the third inning with a triple to center field by Taylor and a sac fly from Brock Rediger, each bringing in a run.
The Titans battled back in the fourth, tying the game at 5-5. Kellan Keane came through with a clutch triple, and Nic Thurston added a run-scoring single to help even things up.
However, Bureau Valley regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth with a go-ahead RBI single by Landon Smith and never looked back.
Devon Horrie got the start for A/W, throwing one inning and allowing three runs (one earned) on two hits, with one strikeout and two walks. Rediger started for the Storm, pitching three innings and giving up two runs on three hits while striking out one and walking four.
Keane led the Titans’ offense with two RBIs, going 1-for-4 at the plate. Rashid, Heitzler, Thurston, and Horrie each added a hit. Jaxson Dunn drew three walks, contributing to the team’s nine total for the game. On the bases, the Titans were aggressive, swiping six bags, with Heitzler stealing two.
Bureau Valley racked up 10 hits, with Taylor going 2-for-3 and driving in three runs to lead the team. Elijah Endress also collected two hits.
The Storm showed solid plate discipline, drawing six walks, with Bryce Helms and Tyce Barkman each earning two free passes.
