The East Knox varsity baseball team narrowly defeated Fredericktown 10-8 in extra innings on Monday in a closely contested matchup.
According to the game report, the Bulldogs quickly took the lead by scoring four runs in the first inning. Luke Holsinger initiated the early scoring with a two-run double, followed by a run-scoring error and an RBI single by Zayne Grennell. East Knox further extended its lead in the third inning with RBI singles from Caleb Armstrong and Shane Gardner, establishing a 6-0 advantage.
Fredericktown responded in the sixth inning to tie the game at 7-7. Jayce Beeman and Brode Davis each contributed RBI singles, while Grady Mills added a run-scoring groundout. The Bulldogs regained their lead for good in the top of the eighth inning when Dakota Cooper drove in two runs with a single, and Gardner added a sacrifice fly to make it 10-7.
Caden Ridenour started for East Knox, allowing three runs on four hits over five innings. He struck out one batter and walked nine. Holsinger and Colton Kidwell provided relief pitching. Kaine Sheriff started for Fredericktown, giving up six unearned runs on five hits in 2 2/3 innings, striking out one and walking four.
East Knox collected 11 hits during the game, with Gardner, Armstrong, Grennell, and Cooper each recording two hits. Gardner, Holsinger, and Cooper led the team with two RBIs each. Ridenour drew a team-high three walks as part of the Bulldogs' total of 10 walks in the game.
Fredericktown demonstrated patience at the plate as well, drawing 14 walks. Beeman led Fredericktown with a perfect day at bat going 2-for-2 with three RBIs and three walks. Davis also had two hits despite their loss.
The East Knox Bulldogs are set to return to action Wednesday at home against Cardington-Lincoln.
