Ben Logan bests Indian Lake
By THE BELLEFONTAINE EXAMINER STAFF

Jonathon Robson ripped an RBI double to score Jeremiah Kerns with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning Monday to give host Benjamin Logan a dramatic 1-0 win over Indian Lake in a Central Buckeye Conference baseball game.

The Raiders improve to 7-6 overall and 4-3 in the CBC, while the Lakers fall to 7-4, 3-3.

“This was one of those games that you hate to see someone lose,” said Ben Logan head coach Doug Rutan. “Both teams deserved to win. I am happy for our kids that we came out on the winning end, but you hate that someone had to lose a game like that.”

Indian Lake’s Kendall Lewis and Ben Logan’s Jeremiah Kerns waged a tremendous pitching battle. Both pitchers went eight innings. Lewis, an Eastern Michigan signee, struck out 14 and walked three and gave up one hit. Kerns racked up 13 strikeouts and allowed just one walk and two hits in eight innings.

“Both starting pitchers were in complete command,” said Indian Lake head coach Brian Tidwell. “In his time at Indian Lake, I would say that was probably the best Kendall has ever pitched. He was hitting his spots and throwing his curve for strikes.”

Through seven innings, Indian Lake had two hits and Ben Logan had one.
Lee Kerns took over on the mound for the Raiders in the top of the ninth and worked out of a threat to keep the game scoreless. The Lakers had runners on first and third with one out, but were unable to score.

Michael Morgan came on for Lewis in the bottom of the ninth and struck out the first two Raiders he faced.

Jeremiah Kerns reached on a walk and then stole second base for the Raiders. Robson followed with his double to left to plate Kerns with the game-winning run.
“It was good to see Jonathon come through the way he did,” said Rutan. “We have counted on him for his senior leadership all season, so it was not a surprise that he stepped up like that.”

Rutan was also pleased with the defense.

“We made some outstanding plays defensively,” he said. “Gage Cochran made a couple of great plays at third base.”

Lee Kerns had the other hit for Ben Logan. Derek Welch and Matt Yanchik each had singles for the Lakers.

“I told the kids that we need to be involved in games like this,” said Tidwell. “These types of games are good experiences for us. A game like this helps you prepare for the tournament down the line.”

The two squads battle again today at Indian Lake.