Westfield’s comeback cut short in loss to Strong Rock Christian

PERRY — Just as Westfield’s (13-11, 5-7 GIAA District 5-4A/3A) offense found some rhythm, Rhodes Bledsoe hit an at-em to Strong Rock Christian’s (8-15, 3-3 District) second baseman for a game-ending double play.

The Hornets’ were 3-for-22 at the plate entering the bottom of the seventh inning and needed three runs just to tie, though they only got one in Thursday’s 8-6 loss to the Patriots.

Brock Johnson was a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI and three runs scored as he led off in the seventh. His hit-by-pitch put a runner on for Matt Molina, who was 0-for-3 coming up, finally got a ball on the ground and scored his teammate.

Brett Yawn, who was 3-for-4 with two RBI and runs scored in the previous game of the doubleheader, crushed a double and all of a sudden the tying run was in scoring position.

But Bledsoe’s at-em beamed straight into the second baseman’s glove, and he flipped it to the shortstop for the tag before Yawn could get back on base.

That brief stretch was a blip in an otherwise bleak contest for the Hornets, who benefitted from three walks and an error in their four-run second inning. Johnson’s double scored three of their runs in one go

The defense also let Cooper Kennedy down multiple times, specifically the infield. Between errant throws, slight positioning errors and other mistakes the Patriots were allowed far too many chances.

It wasn’t a bad series overall; Westfield came away with two wins (8-2, 5-3) to finish district play which could help them move up the MaxPreps rankings in the final weeks of the regular season.

Currently the Hornets are ranked seventh behind Piedmont Academy (6th), John Milledge Academy (5th) and Pinewood Christian (4th) for a bye week. They face Piedmont and Pinewood next week as well as Stratford Academy in the final week before the postseason.

Westfield head coach Ryan Wetherington refused to comment after the loss.