Carterville, IL - After a slow start, the Logan Volunteers got things rolling and took down the McKendree Bearcats 12-7 on Thursday. Logan starting the game in a 4-0 hole after 1.5, but out scored McKendree 12-3 over the rest of the game to improve to 12-1 on the year. The Vols will be back in action on Friday when Carl Sandburg comes into Carterville for a doubleheader; first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
McKendree jumped out to an early lead scoring four runs on one hit over the first two innings. Logan would answer back and take the lead in the bottom of the 2nd with a five run frame highlighted by back-to-back 2-out RBI hits from Hunter Sullivan and Hunter Combs. The Bearcats would tie the game in the 4th with a lead off solo homer. The Vols would start to pull away in the 5th with another big inning, scoring four runs to put Logan up 9-5. McKendree wouldn't go away getting two runs back in the 6th, but the Vols would strand two Bearcat runners to end the threat. Logan would cement the game getting one in the 7th and two in the 8th to finish off the scoring and take the victory.
The Vols bats would collect 14 hits on the day, with four extra base hits and five stolen bases en route to their 12-run performance. Lathan Brooks led the charge going 3-3 with three runs scored and two walks. Hunter Sullivan, Hunter Combs, and Zak Hartleb would each add two hits apiece.
On the mound Gabe Schimpf (1-0) would pick up his first win of the year going 4.1 innings, giving up three runs on four hits while striking out six in relief. Hale Sims (1) would finish off the Bearcats going three innings only allowing one hit, striking out three, and picking up his first save of the season.