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East Palestine’s Cale Moraski hits against Wellsville on Tuesday at Ace of Diamonds. (Photo by Matt Morrison)
UNITY — East Palestine junior Cale Moraski looks to be the missing link the Bulldogs needed as they picked up their second win in a row since his return with a 9-1 victory over Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference opponent Wellsville on Tuesday.
“He is a huge asset to this team,” East Palestine coach Aaron Walker said. “He came back Friday in the lineup was able to bat. He just ignites the lineup and everybody just feeds off of him in that lead off spot. It is great to have him back.”
East Palestine improves 2-5 and 2-1 in the EOAC, while Wellsville falls to 1-9 and 1-3 in the EOAC.
Moraski was sidelined at the beginning of the season due to a collision that occured with teammate Blake Noel in a preseason hitting practice that left Moraski with a broken jaw and Noel a broken collarbone that ended his season.
“It was like a really freak accident,” Moraski said. “Nobody called for the ball and it was like a head-son collision.”
Since his return Moraski has had a major impact at the plate for the Bulldogs.
“We have been struggling at the plate,” Walker said. “He (Moraski) comes back in his first game and gets four hits and the last few games we have been able to get the bats rolling, so hopefully it stays that way.”
Moraski had a rough recovery road, but continued to put work in when we was sidelined.
“The recovery was a little rough. I lost 10 pounds, but I gained it back,” Moraski said. “I swung the bat a lot and used stretch bans.”
Moraski had a productive first day playing both sides of the field as he had two hits, four stolen bases and three runs scored.
“It feels good (to be back),” Moraski said. “I have the team behind me too.”
Kyler Bourne led the Bulldogs at the plate with two RBIs, three runs scored and four hits, including a triple in the sixth inning that scored one run and gave the Bulldogs a 9-1 lead.
“He (Bourne) finally came around,” Walker said. “He was been struggling at the plate a little bit. He is finally squaring some balls up because he is a great hitter, so it is nice when Cale gets on base and Kyler can knock him in.”
Logan Guy had two hits and two RBIs, while Peyton Rutledge had two hits and two RBIs. Tommy Beatty and Phoenix Marvin both had one hit, one RBI and one run scored.
Marvin earned the win on the mound for the Bulldogs allowing one earned run on eight hits with four walks and eight strikeouts through six innings of work. Moraski closed the game out, allowing one hit with two strikeouts in the final inning.
Wellsville had plenty of opportunities to score, but struggled to drive in runs as it left eight men on the bases.
“We have to be mentally prepared,” Wellsville coach Charles Heffner said. “We have to finish out there.”
Along with not being able to score runs, the Tigers struggled with anger issues, particularly when left fielder Nate McGraw got in an argument with the home plate umpire in the sixth inning that resulted in McGraw’s ejection.
“It is just different opinions,” Heffner said. “I’m not sure what actually happened, but usually the second hand gets the punishment.”
Jay Paige led the Tigers with three hits, while Ethan Morris had two hits. Tyler Landess had one hit and one run scored. Cooper Frank had one hit and one RBI.
Landess was the starting pitcher for the Tigers as he allowed seven earned runs on 12 hits with three walks and eight strikeouts through 5 2/3 inning. Darnell Roe pitched 1/3 of an inning allowing no hits.
East Palestine will play at Leetonia today, while Wellsville will host Columbiana today.
W: 0-0-0-0-0-0-1–1- 9-2
EP: 1-0-3-0-2-3-x–9-12-2
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