Smith Deals as Ocelots Pick Up First Conference Win

Macomb,MI- Schoolcraft (8-10, 1-1) was able to pick up their first conference win today (March 24) as they knocked off the Macomb Monarchs (2-11, 0-2) by a score of 13-2.

In the early innings of the contest, it was a tight game as the Ocelots plated the first run of the game in the top of the third. Thru five innings of the contest, the score was knotted at one a piece. The game would start to be cracked open in the top of the sixth for the Ocelots when, #29 Noah Felder would drive a pair in with a double. Schoolcraft never looked back from their 3-1 lead as they would outscore the Monarchs 10-1 in the final third of the ballgame. In that final third of the game, the Ocelots' plate discipline was key as they drew 7 walks and 2 HBP in those innings. 

On the offensive end, it was a solid day once the bats woke up. One highlight for the game was #29 Noah Felder going 3-4 with 4 RBI's and a double. Other key performers were, #28 Mason Malysz (2-3, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB), #18 Landon Kempainen (1-3, 4 R, 2 BB), #22 Nate Saavedra (1-3, 2 R, 2 BB), #24 Andrew Thorning (1-4, 1 3B, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB) and #1 Sawyer Pace (2-6, 1 R, 1 2B).

Pitching was dominant throughout the contest for the Ocelots. #12 Gabe Smith was locked in all game. Smith's final line would read, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB and 14 K's. The 14 strikeouts would be a career high for Smith in an Ocelot uniform. The bullpen would follow suit as #6 Joshua Michaels would go 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 K and #14 Luke Stevenson would close the game out with 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K. 

The Ocelots return to action tomorrow (March 25) when they play host to St. Clair County Community College (6-6, 1-0). First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM at the Corner Ballpark in Detroit, MI.