FAIRBORN — The Skyhawks had their heads hanging low early after a defensive miscue.
That was all Beavercreek needed.
The Beavers exploded for 14 hits en route to a 19-0 five-inning run rule victory over Fairborn Monday night in a Greene County rivalry and conference crossover showdown.
Monday’s win marked the seventh time this season the Beavers (7-4) have scored 10 or more runs against an opponent.
“We like these kind of ball games,” said Beavercreek head coach Brandon Long. “That’s the way it’s been all year. We start the ball rolling and it’s contagious. We know we can hit.”
Fairborn (5-4) managed just three hits against Beavercreek sophomore pitcher Trent Koehler.
The Skyhawks committed five errors in the field.
“It comes down to not fielding the baseball,” said Fairborn head coach Rob Smith. “We didn’t hit and we didn’t field. If we make plays, it’s not a 19-0 game.”
Beavercreek’s Wade Hofstetter had four hits — including a double — and four RBI, Sam Palmer had two RBI singles, Jake Hites had a three-RBI triple, Preston Merrill had two hits and one RBI, Mason Bach had a three-RBI double, Cory Lundy had an RBI single and Harrison Wolfe had an RBI double to lead the cause.
The Beavers blew up for 11 runs in the fifth inning to secure the run rule. The Skyhawks went through four pitchers in the game, including starter James Jessee, Nick Stephens, Anthony Fields and Joey Marsh. Jessee lasted 3.2 innings, giving up five hits while striking out three and walking four.
Koehler (2-0) struck out four and walked three in the win. He wasn’t overpowering, instead letting the defense do most of the work, Long said.
“I told him after the last game to pitch to make contact, and that’s what he did,” Long said.
Alex Johnson had a double, and Brad Hall and Zac Gillespie each had singles for Fairborn’s three hits.
Fairborn travels to Troy today, while Beavercreek hosts Centerville on Wednesday.
