The Morton Indians played host to the Ropes Eagles for a district baseball doubleheader this past Tuesday night, resulting the Eagles pulling off the series sweep on the road.
In the first game, Ropes run ruled Morton 16-0 across four innings. Ropes scored three in the first inning, eight in the second inning, two in the third inning and three in the fourth inning to wrap up the game.
In the team statistics, the Eagles bested the Indians 9-1 in hits, 5-2 in walks and 0-4 in errors committed.
Ropes’ standouts at the plate included third baseman Garland Higginbotham going ½ with four runs-batted- in, one run scored and a home run, first baseman Elijah Flores going 2/2 with three RBI’s, two runs scored and a walk, Kade Franklin going 1/3 with three RBI’s, three runs scored, two stolen bases, a home run and a walk, left fielder Maddux Sierra going 2/3 with two runs scored, an RBI, a double and a stolen base, and shortstop Ryland Kieth going 1/3 with two runs scored, an RBI, a walk and a stolen base.
Franklin pitched all four innings for the Eagles, holding Morton to zero runs on one hit and two walks while striking out nine batters.
Morton’s standouts at the plate included center fielder EJ Rivas going 1/1 with a double, a stolen base and a walk, and shortstop Britton Boggs with a walk.
Eder Vasquez pitched 3.2 innings for the Indians, surrendering nine earned runs on nine hits and five walks while striking out one batter. He’d be relieved by Rivas who recorded an out.
In the second game, Ropes run ruled Morton 12-2 across six innings. The Indians held their own early on as the game was tied 0-0 after two frames, but Ropes would respond with three runs in the third inning and four runs in the fourth inning, and then best Morton 3-1 in the fifth inning and 2-1 in the sixth inning to ultimately secure the win.
In the team statistics, the Eagles bested the Indians 14-4 in hits while the Indians bested them 2-4 in errors committed, and the two teams tied at two walks apiece.
Ropes’ standouts at the plate included third baseman Kade Franklin going 4/4 with three runs scored, two RBI’s and a stolen base, first baseman Elijah Flores with three RBI’s, catcher Zach Ramirez going 2/4 with two RBI’s and a stolen base, left fielder Briggs Bourne going 2/3 with two RBI’s, a run scored, a triple, a walk and a stolen base, designated hitter Maddux Sierra going 2/3 with three runs scored, a triple, a walk and a stolen base, and shortstop Ryland Kieth going ¼ with an RBI, a run scored and a double.
Brayden Hogg pitched four innings for the Eagles, holding Morton to zero runs on one hit and one walk while striking out eight batters. He’d be relieved by Garland Higginbotham, who’d pitch the final two frames, surrendering one earned run on three hits and one walk while striking out three batters.
Morton’s standouts at the plate included EJ Rivas going 2/2 with a run scored, a walk and a stolen base, third baseman Matthew Rodriguez going 1/3 with an RBI and a double, first baseman Britton Boggs going 1/3, and catcher Jaeden Alvarado with two stolen bases, one run scored and a walk.
Rivas pitched the entirety of the game for the Indians, surrendering eight earned runs on 14 hits and two walks while striking out two batters.
The pair of wins improves the Eagles to 20-4 overall and 10-0 in district play, which puts them first in the 2A District 4 baseball standings. Following the sweep, Ropes Head Baseball Coach Nathan Flores reflected on what he thought went so well in the series.
“We have been working through our thought process at the plate, and it seems the players are buying into what we’re trying to do. I’m proud of how we are swinging the bat and staying in control of what happens during each at bat,” Coach Flores said. “Our pitching is complemented well with our defense, and we’re doing a great job of minimizing mistakes and moving on when they do happen. Staying mentally tough through adversity is the message we’re trying to teach our guys, and they’re embracing it. I’m super proud of our team.”
Meanwhile, the losses drop the Indians to 3-15 overall and 3-7 in district play, which puts them fifth in the 2A District 4 baseball standings. Following the sweep, Morton Head Baseball Coach Jared Thomas shared his thoughts.
“It’s not the result we wanted, but we competed well in game two and showed some improvement that’ll carry over towards the rest of the season,” Coach Thomas said.
Following the series, the Indians return on Tuesday at Smyer at 4:30 p.m. and the Eagles return on Tuesday at 4 p.m. to host New Home.