ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- A close game early slipped away from the Pirates, as Rocky River lost to Normandy 11-3 Friday.

The Invaders broke a scoreless tie with a four-spot in the top of the third. They would cross the plate three times in the fifth, three times in the sixth, and once in the seventh in claiming the Great Lakes Conference victory on a chilly day at Rocky River Stadium. Normandy got its leadoff man aboard in 5-of-7 innings, and the Invaders got to each of three River hurlers (Hudson Wissman, Thomas Rossi, Dan Capka). Pirate pitching clocked nine strikeouts in the game, but they were also undone by six walks and three extra-base hits.

The Rocky River offense was kept off the scoreboard in every inning but the fifth. In the bottom of that frame, the Buccaneers managed to string together two singles (Josh Mommers, Jake Florentine) and a double by Nate Mitchell. A strong outing by starter Brian Perdue (six innings, three runs allowed on six hits and three walks, six strikeouts) kept the Double-R in check otherwise. Nate Hinkle pitched a scoreless seventh.

Ten Normandy batters collected hits in the game. Logan Arndt and Jimmy Rockow each had two hits; Rockow went 2-for-3 with a home run, four RBIs, and two stolen bases.

Florentine and Anthony Ferchill both went 2-for-3 for the Pirates (3-2, 1-1 GLC), who were outhit 11-7.


by Skip Snow

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