‘Cats Claw ‘Jacks In Season Opener

Zach Heasley started the season on fire by hitting for the cycle, as Paden City turned a close game into an 11-1 mercy-rule shortened game Monday over Valley Lumberjacks in a mutual season opener at Paden City Park.
Hayden Hizer doubled, singled twice and drove home two runs, while the Sweet 16 Luke Cooper got a nice birthday present in the “W” from the mound. He struck out six and walked three, while collecting two hits and driving in a pair of runs home. In addition, Craig Allen and Michael Wilcox each singled in a run.
For the Lumberjacks, Brandon Stoneking took the loss, striking out six and walking one, while Padyn Palmer came in relief to strike out three and walk four.
Palmer, Taylor Bates, Triston Kocher, Colby Bucher, Colton Ring and Hayden Lancaster each singled, with Palmer knocking in Bucher for Valley’s only run.
“It’s nice to open the season with a win, but we left eight runners in scoring position and we must do a little better on that,” said Paden City Head Coach Brent Croasmun.

If the weather cooperates the Wildcats will entertain the Magnolia Blue Eagles in their season opener, March 28 at 5 p.m.
