A four-run seventh inning helped visiting Watervliet split a pair of non-league games with Brandywine Tuesday.

The Panthers (1-1) led 2-1 heading into the top of the seventh of the opening game when they erupted for four runs.

Brandywine rallied in the bottom half or the seventh with three runs, but came up on the short end of a 6-4 score.

The Bobats (3-2) scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning of the nightcap to win 7-3. The game was stopped after four innings due to darkness.

Joe Covyeou took the loss for Brandywine despite giving up just one earned run on two hits.

The Bobcats outhit Watervliet 4-3 as Brady Duval, Toby Fox, Taylor Casey and JeRod Glenn all singled.

In the nightcap, Fox worked all four innings to earn the victory as he allowed four hits and struck out five.

Fox, Scott Miller and Covyeou all doubled for the Bobcats, who finished with seven hits. Fox and Miller were both 2-for-2.

Brandywine will host Cassopolis in a BCS Athletic Conference non-divisional doubleheader scheduled to begin at 4:15 p.m. today.

 

WATERVLIET 6-3, BRANDYWINE 4-3

At Niles

First game

Watervliet      001      100      4 – 6 3 2

Brandywine   000      010      3 – 4 4 3

Ryan Chisek (W); Joe Covyeou (L), Kaci Lintz (6), Taylor Casey (6).

 

Second game

Watervliet      300      0 – 3 4 2

Brandywine   003      4 – 7 7 1

Toby Fox (W); Tommy Swanson (L).

2B: Joe Covyeou (B), Fox (B), Scott Miller (B).

Varsity records: Watervliet 1-1; Brandywine 3-2.

 

Marian at Niles

A three-run first inning was all visiting Mishawaka Marian needed in defeating Niles 4-0 in non-league baseball Tuesday afternoon.

Riley Tirotta doubled in a run for Marian in the opening frame, while Bryce Tomasi followed with a two-run double as the Knights grabbed a 3-0 lead.

Marian added a single run in the third inning.

“Jake Hamm and Jared Hainey both pitched well,” said Niles coach Mike Vota. “They controlled the zone and pitched to contact. They both made a few mistakes up in the zone, and those are areas for improvement.

“Defensively, we played pretty clean. Jake Lalone made some nice plays in the field, which was good to see.”

Alex Crum tossed a three-hitter with three strikeouts for the Knights.

Jacob Hamm worked the first four innings for the Vikings, allowing three earned runs on six hits with three strikeouts. Hamm did not walk a batter.

Jared Hainey pitched the final three innings for Niles, allowing one hit.

Bryce Lake, Austin Curran and Jakob Huffman all singled for the Vikings, who drop to 1-2 on the season.

“Offensive struggles continue,” Vota said. “Pitch discipline and situational hitting need to improve. We will continue to work on the mental side of hitting and as we get into more games, pitch recognition will improve.”

 

MARIAN 4, NILES 0

At Niles

Marian 301 000             0 – 4 7 3

Niles     000 000 0 – 0 3 1

Alex Crum (W); Jacob Hamm (L), Jared Hainey (5).

2B: Riley Tirotta (M), Bryce Tomasi (M), Mike Gibson (M).

Varsity records: Niles 1-2.