Three-run first inning gives Saukees control in victory over Blue Devils

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Pittsfield baseball team wasted no time taking control.

Run-scoring doubles by Brennan Tomhave, Konner Allen and Hayden Gratton in the bottom of the first inning Monday led to a three-run frame and catapulted the Saukees to a 5-3 victory over Quincy High School. 

The Saukees’ Luke Archer led off the fourth inning with a home run, and Luke Saxe blasted a two-out solo home run to center field in the sixth inning to give Pittsfield (12-1) some cushion.

Prior to that, the Blue Devils narrowed the gap to a run.

In the third inning, Owen Zanger was hit by a pitch leading off for Quincy. A sacrifice moved courtesy runner Jacob Salisbury into scoring position, and following a ground out that got the runner to third base, Trace Routh singled through the right side to plate the first run.

In the fifth, Zanger led off again, this time collecting a single to right field. One out later, Gavin Powell singled to right field. An error allowed the first run of the inning to score, and a dropped third strike enabled the Blue Devils to load the bases with one out.

After a strikeout, the Blue Devils (7-7) were able to plate another run on an error before Tomhave got out of the frame with a ground ball.

A two-out single by Mason Ritter in the sixth was the only baserunner the Blue Devils had the final two innings.

Tomhave struck out six and allowed one earned run over five innings to earn the victory. Justin Pennock struck out three over the final two innings to earn the save. Saxe finished 3 for 4 while Tomhave and Gratton each had two hits.

Zanger pitched all six innings for Quincy, allowing 10 hits while striking out five and walking two. All six of the Blue Devils’ hits were singles.