Steers lose to Lions, enter three-team tie for first in district

The first for first place in 5-4A took an interesting turn Friday night with the Steers’ 8-2 loss on the road to Vernon. The loss, compiled with an Iowa Park win created a three-way tie on top of the district involving the Steers, Iowa Park and Vernon.

Vernon jumped on the board early and often. Scoring all eight runs in the first three innings, including a five-run third inning. The bats were silent for the Steers until the top of the third inning when Noah Casbeer hit a single on a 2-2 pitch. In total, the Steers collected four hits in the game. Casbeer, Corey Ballew, Parker Johnson and Gaven Henderson all picked up hits for the Steers. Brodie Bates, Ballew and Henderson each reached via walks. Noah Jilek, Alex Strawbridge, Balew and Landon Hebert were also hit by pitch.

The Steers found the scoreboard in the fourth inning via a sacrifice fly. Hebert led off the inning and was hit on the first pitch. He advanced to second on a single by Henderson. Jilek was hit on the first pitch of his at-bat, loading the bases and advancing Hebert to third. He scored on a sacrifice fly by Casbeer.

For the rest of the story, see the April 14 edition of The Graham Leader.