The Victory Christian Academy Lions traveled to Gary to face the Bowman Academy Eagles on Tuesday night. These two teams traded wins last year in tightly contested matches. The Lions expected nothing less this year on a night that was reminiscent of the April game last year with a temperature in the mid 40's and the wind howling in off of Lake Michigan making it feel much colder. The Lions went on to win that game 12-10 in seven innings. Unfortunately for the Eagles this year, 0-0 at the start of the game was the closest they would get to the Lions.
The Eagles starter, Pipkins, was wild from the outset of the game, walking the first two batters. A couple of fielding errors later and the Lions (6-5) had a 3-0 lead. The Eagles would respond with a run in the bottom of the first off of two singles by Phillips and Moore.
Colin Wilson and Calvin Reisinger led off the 2nd with singles and score on an error and a fielder's choice. Peter Guess and Justin Reisinger were both knocked in by Nick Schrader's long single to center field. Two more runs would be plated before the inning was over, leaving the Lions with a 9-1 lead.
Both teams failed to score in the 3rd inning, but VCA came up big again with four more in the 4th. The big hit was a two run double by Calvin Reisinger. The Lions had the game well in control at 13-1.
The Eagles managed to work a run across the plate on a walk, two stolen bases and a balk in the bottom of the 4th.
The Lions would add one more run in the 5th making the final score 14-2.
Pipkin pitched a complete game for the Eagles giving up eleven earned runs on seven hits and five walks. He also struck out five and hit on batter.
Luke Schrader (1-0) earned the win for the Lions, pitching three strong innings, giving up one run on no hits and three walks. He struck out five. Austin Thomas pitched one inning giving up a run on two hits. Justin Reisinger pitched the final frame for the Lions striking out two.
The Lions next play at Covenant Christian in DeMotte on Saturday at noon.