Legion baseball bullies Buhler
Post 366 sweeps Buhler, 14-6, 6-2
BY RYAN RICHTER
Sports writer
Baseball is one of the few sports where a bigger school doesn't always mean better competition.
The proof of that was in the pudding June 20 when the Hillsboro American Legion Post 366 hosted a team from a Class 5A town.
But the younger, bigger team never really posed a threat that 366 couldn't overcome.
Hillsboro upped its record to a near-flawless 7-1 on the year, routing Buhler 14-6 in the early game and 6-2 in the nightcap.
Post 366 took an early 1-0 lead to close out the first inning, with Jerod Metcalf scoring Andy Brubacher on a sacrifice fly.
Then Hillsboro's offense stalled, going hitless for the second inning, too.
Hillsboro starting pitcher Kris Jones couldn't keep Buhler's offense down forever.
Jones gave up a wild pitch which allowed Buhler to tie the game at 1-1.
Buhler pulled ahead, 2-1, heading into the bottom of the third, but that was the last time Buhler had the lead.
Hillsboro erupted for six runs in the bottom of the third inning, highlighted by three consecutive doubles from the trio of Shawn Hughbanks, Jerod Metcalf, and Jones.
By the end of the third inning, Buhler was underneath a 7-2 rockpile.
Still, Buhler wouldn't go away, pulling to 7-5 with a three-run top of the fourth off a trio of hits, knocking Jones off the mound.
Hughbanks went the final two innings, picking up his second save of the year.
Another six-run inning in the bottom of the fourth, and once-threatening Buhler was out of striking distance.
Jones took an 0-2 pitch deep for a two-run homer, and Metcalf decked a two-run double, which put Buhler in jeopardy of being done after five, 13-5.
The game was called after Hillsboro poured on the final run for the eight-run mercy rule after five.
In the finale, with their ace Metcalf on the mound, Hillsboro overcame a 1-0 deficit, closing out the top half of the first.
Metcalf went the full seven innings, allowing nine hits, one walk and four strikeouts.
Hillsboro had control of the game 2-1 heading into the second inning after Metcalf singled and Jones grounded out to second base.
Post 366 built its lead to 4-1 to start the third on another RBI single by Metcalf.
Buhler again fought back, chopping the lead in two before Metcalf shut down the offense, surrendering three hits through the final four innings.
Hillsboro hosts Lindsborg tonight for a 6 p.m. start.
