Baseball Open Series with a Win

The Bulldogs took the first game of the Fishers series 3-2.  In a game that was a battle of pitchers and the elements (a strong, gusting wind made play difficult at times), the Bulldogs were able to squeeze a few runs in early and hold off a late Tigers surge.  Senior RHP Caleb Sampen threw a complete game, striking out 7 batters and allowing only 2 runs (1 earned).  The Bulldogs were able to score two early when senior 3B Jacson McGowan was able to reach 2^nd on an error by the Fishers' RF.  Following that play, senior DH Andrew Dishinger doubled to right scoring McGowan and senior 1B Owen Gilbert singled to center to score Dishinger.  The 2 run lead from the 1^st inning was extended to 3 when McGowan reached again, this time on a double off the rightfield wall, he then advanced to 3^rd on a wild pitch and Sampen scored him on a ground ball to the right side.  The Tigers were able to scratch a run across in the 5^th after a Bulldog error and then tacked one more on in the 7^th, but Sampen was able to stomp out the rally sitting down the next three Tigers to end the game.  Offensively the Bulldogs were led by McGowan (2-4, 2 runs, 1 2B), Dishinger (1-3, 1 2B, 1 RBI), Gilbert (1-3, 1 RBI) and senior SS Travis Mears (2-3, 1 2B).  The Bulldogs move to 7-4 (3-1 HCC) and will play the Tigers tonight in a Friday night doubleheader to complete the 3-game series.