BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Keystone Heights High School’s baseball team took a one-run lead in the top of the fifth, but host North Marion scored six unanswered runs in defeating the Indians 10-6 on Feb. 12.
The Indians (0-2) trailed 4-3 entering the fifth. They began the inning with three straight singles hit by Anthony Peak, Destin Harnage and Ryder Trull, with Trull’s hit scoring a run. After Ethan Franklin walked to load the bases, Ryland Matuschke ground into a double play, but Harnage and Trull both scored on the play to put Keystone up 6-4.
North Marion (2-0) answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning to tie it up. The Colts loaded the bases with no outs on a walk and two hits. Wally Lasher then hit the team’s third straight single to drive a run in. Later, with one out, Trenton Ramsey hit into a fielder’s choice that allowed another run to score.
The Colts scored four runs in the sixth. A hit batter with two outs loaded the bases. Lasher then hit a double to score all three runners and later crossed home plate himself on a passed ball.
Franklin was Keystone’s only batter with multiple hits, going 2 for 3 with two RBI and a run scored.
Trull and Jacob Beach each had one RBI, with Trull also scoring a run.
Harnage scored three runs, while Peak scored one.
Only three of North Marion’s runs were earned.
Keystone opened the regular season with a 6-2 loss at Clay on Feb. 10. All of the game’s runs were scored in the first three innings, with three of the Blue Devils’ runs scoring off two homers.
Gavin Eubanks pitched three innings of relief for the Indians, giving up no runs, one hit and no walks, while striking out three.
Beach and Brock Screen each drove in a run, with Beach batting 2 for 3.
Matuschke and Cason Burton each scored a run.
The Indians host Orange Park on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. and will host Fleming Island on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. Keystone then hosts Bradford on Friday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m.
On Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Indians travel to play Ridgeview at 7 p.m.
