(Photo gallery by Teran Malone)
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In a game played in challenging conditions atop Chaplin Hill in Morgantown, the Mohigans pulled away late to defeat Musselman, 8-3. The game was scheduled on short notice. Both teams were scheduled to play a pair of games Friday in the annual McDonald’s Classic. However, school closings in Harrison County altered the tournament schedule.
Both teams battled through less-than-ideal weather conditions in a windswept, chilly rain at Mylan Park.
“I want to thank all of our fans that came out. This obviously has been a little bit of a challenging spring with the weather. For our fans to show up in the rain, the wind and everything like that, we are very grateful for the support we had today from them,” said Morgantown head coach Pat Sherald.
“We practice in conditions like this up on the hill at the Dale [Miller Field]. We just told our guys not to give up on any balls and make sure they stay with everything because you saw some balls today in the outfield that ended up in the infield.”
The teams traded runs in the opening innings. The Applemen (9-7) scored first before the Mohigans (11-3) answered with a pair of two-run innings in the first and second frames to take a 4-2 lead.
Staked to an early lead, Morgantown starting pitcher Hunter Dakan went the distance on the mound. Working quickly in the adverse weather conditions, Dakan scattered seven hits and struck out four batters.
“That’s his natural rhythm. He likes to get the ball on the mound and pitch. I know for me as a coach, I was grateful for that today and I think all of our position players were grateful for the pace that he manages on the mound for us.”
Koa Silvers led Morgantown at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a walk and four RBI. Weston Mazey stole home in the fourth inning to give Morgantown a 5-3 lead.
Kyle Lore led the offensive attack for the Applemen. He went 2-for-4 and scored a run.
The Mohigans will host George Washington and Berkeley Springs in the McDonald’s Classic on Saturday while the Applemen will play Brooke and Ripley.
Next weekend, Morgantown will host an eight-team tournament with games at Ken Kendrick Field/Monongalia County Ballpark and Dale Miller Field.
“We’re going to be able to bring in eight really talented teams. Having a turf field allows us to do that. So we are very grateful to have that in our program.”