Staff writer
The Hillsboro High School baseball team split games with Marion on Friday in Marion.
Pitcher David Nelson was the player of the game for Hillsboro in the first game, a 6-2 Trojan victory.
Nelson pitched a complete game with three strikeouts while allowing four walks and five hits. Assistant coach Aaron Stepanak said Nelson forced an equal amount of fly ball and ground ball outs.
“He kept them off balance,” head coach Doug Dick said.
Nelson was aided by strong Hillsboro defense, especially by shortstop Cody Delk.
“We played pretty much error-free,” Dick said.
With Nelson pitching well on the mound, the Hillsboro offense was able to pick up a few runs, most of which came in the first inning. Leadoff hitter Luke Moore went 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Jordan Faul went 2-for-4 with a run in the second hole. Jacob Hanschu went 1-for-3 with two runs in the second half of the lineup.
It was a good night for Moore, who was the only Hillsboro batter to record multiple hits in the second game against Marion pitcher Ethan Hett. However, Marion jumped on pitcher Kale Arnold in the first inning of the second game. Arnold was pitching on two days rest after throwing against Haven on May 1. Marion won the game, 6-0.
“We’re still struggling in a couple of spots,” Dick said of the lineup in the second game.