×

Raiders win again – This time against Bellwood-Antis High School, 7-1

Jaymz McClelland (10) of Bellefonte High School swings at a pitch from Bellwood-Antis High School. The Red Raiders defeated the Blue Devils, 7-1, during baseball action in Bellefonte yesterday. (The Express/Tim Weight)

BELLEFONTE – Deprived of four starters and five seniors due to a class trip, the Bellefonte Red Raiders rallied around their underclassmen and defeated the Bellwood-Antis Blue Devils, 7-1.

Following the win, Bellefonte’s record increased to 7-2 on the year.

“A lot of young players are getting some experience,” Bellefonte head coach Dan Fravel said after the victory.

“There were a lot of guys playing that have never even played at the varsity level, and that experience and depth as the season goes on is very important to have.”

The Blue Devils grabbed an early 1-0 lead in the first inning, but Bellefonte quickly responded. After the first two Red Raider hitters struck out, the team went on to compile four runs in the inning. After CJ Funk singled into right field, Daniel Catchmark recorded an RBI single to even the contest at 1-1. Two batters later, Colton Burd hit a pop fly that landed on the grass between the Blue Devils’ left fielder and third baseman for a single and two RBI’s to give Bellefonte a 3-1 edge.

After the game– Raiders head coach Dan Fravel discussed how underclassmen like Catchmark and Burd, who saw an increased role on Wednesday, are begin ning to develop confidence after gathering valuable in-game reps.

“A lot of the reserve ball players are very good athletes and play good defense as well,” Fravel said. “That was the recipe again. And offensively, I think some of them are getting confidence, as it’s their first at-bats for some of the boys.”

Bellefonte out-hit Bellwood 7-to-4, and finished the game on defense with zero errors. Relief pitcher Ethan Corman posted five strikeouts, and after the win Fravel was impressed with his team’s pitchers and complimented them for their throwing accuracy.

“They did a nice job of throwing a lot of strikes and letting the defense play,” Fravel said.

CJ Funk finished the game 2-for-3 hitting with one RBI. Funk’s RBI single in the third inning put the Raiders up 6-1. Bellefonte recorded its last run in the bottom of the fifth inning when Cade Fortney stole home following a wild pitch to put the game at 7-1.

Despite the six-run victory, Fravel saw adjustments and improvements his squad could make. After the game, he remarked how his team needs to discontinue its sluggish first inning on defense it experienced, as well how he prefers to see a more intense team against Huntingdon on Friday.

“We can clean it up a bit,” Fravel said. “You can’t come out of the bullpen not throwing a couple good pitches and have a rough first inning.”

“And we need to bring in a little more energy,” he added. “Huntingdon is a tough ball game on Friday, and it’s a league game. We need to have a good day of practice tomorrow and come out with more energy on Friday.”

Bellefonte travels to Huntingdon on April 21. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E

BW 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 1

BF 4 1 1 0 1 0 x 7 7 0

Winning Pitcher: Kalen Shvenke (BF)

Losing Pitcher: Blake Johnston (BW)

Top Hitters

Bellefonte: CJ Funk (2-for-3 with 1 RBI), Colton Burd (1-for-2 with 2 RBI’s), Dylan Deitrich (2-for-3 and 2 runs scored), and Daniel Catchmark (1-for-3 with 1 RBI and one run scored). Bellwood: Jordan McCracken( 1-for-4 with ! RBI).

Top Pitchers

Bellefonte: Ethan Corman (five strikeouts).

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $3.69/week.

Subscribe Today