Similar to the first day in the Cal Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Highlands won its first game Sunday but lost the second one.
Highlands (4-3 overall) knocked off the Marshall County Marshals (9-3) from the 1st Region in western Kentucky by a 9-2 count. That marked the first Kentucky opponent Highlands faced in the Cal Ripken Experience.
Senior Abe Hils (2-1) picked up the pitching win throwing five innings for the Bluebirds. Hils struck out eight and allowed three hits. Junior Elijah Hale pitched the last two innings striking out two and allowing two hits and two earned runs to go with six walks.
“Pitching definitely facilitates the entire game. But no matter what, it’s a team effort,” Hils said. “Each game whether it’s been a win or a loss, the team has provided. Having pitching and hitting together is what makes teams winning teams and what wins championships.”
Highlands batted .333 (11 for 33) in the game. Senior Drew Hack went 2 for 4 with a double, triple, one run batted in and one run scored. Senior Jack Schneider went 3 for 4 with one RBI and one run scored.
The Bluebirds had four extra-base hits total. Senior Jonah Hankins and junior Jack Hendrix added doubles. Hankins drove in three. Senior Camden McAtee scored twice and drove in two. Senior Charlie Gorman scored twice.
Highlands then faced the Chantilly (Virginia) Chargers. The Bluebirds led until late in a 7-5 loss.
Sophomore Brody Benke started the game for the Bluebirds pitching four innings striking out seven, walking one and allowing five hits and two earned runs. Junior Logan Weber struck out two pitching into the sixth inning before Hankins came in and finished the game striking out one.
Highlands batted just .233 (7 for 30). Junior Ryan DeBerger went 2 for 3 with three RBIs to lead the Bluebirds. Senior Ryne Wiseman doubled, drove in one and scored twice. Senior Nick Robinson stole two bases.
The Bluebirds finish the Cal Ripken Experience with two games Monday. Highlands takes on Franklin-Simpson at 9 a.m. then Lawrence County at 11:45 a.m.