Solid defense helps Zephyrs top Sidney

BY: MARK REIN, For the Star-Herald

Published: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 11:39 PM CDT

Chase Wickard tossed a two-hitter, and the WESTCO Zephyrs erupted for 10 runs and seven hits in securing a 10-2 five-inning win against Sidney on Tuesday night at Cleveland Field on Fan Appreciation Night.

The win was especially sweet for the Zephyrs considering Sidney defeated WESTCO 3-1 a couple weeks ago. WESTCO has now nine of its last 10 games.

``This game was a big difference [from the last time WESTCO played Sidney),'' said the Zephyrs' Jackson Pahlke, who went 4-for-4. ``We all showed up to play, and we all knew we had to go out there and play hard. I think we did.''

Zephyrs coach Mark Moran said his team is progressing well. WESTCO finished June above the .500 mark at 11-10, including winning nine of its last 10 games.

``We played better this time,'' Moran said. ``We got the lead early. Wickard pitched well, and we swung the bat a little bit better. We are improving in all phases. We just need to keep working for another couple of weeks.''

Pahlke said a big key for WESTCO was its offense, not only at the plate but also on the base paths.

``We are hitting the ball a lot better. I think we are just seeing the ball and being more patient in the strike zone,'' he said.

The Zephyrs also turned in some eye-popping defensive gems. Pahlke had a diving catch in foul territory to stop Sidney in the second inning. Then Nate Goodwin had an over-the-shoulder catch in foul territory in the third to thwart another scoring opportunity.

Sidney scored first with a single run in the second inning. To Wickard's credit, though, it was an unearned run as Hunter Roseberry reached base on an error and then scored on a throwing error.

WESTCO scored four times in the second inning for a 4-1 lead. Nate Goodwin led off with a double, followed by singles by Dusty Huddleston and Pahlke.

The Zephyrs added two more runs in the third on just one hit, a run-scoring single by Pahlke. WESTCO added a single run in the fourth for a 7-1 lead. In the fourth, Michael Hoppes led off with a triple and scored on a sacrifice fly by Garrett Deeds.

Sidney's Alex Bond brought the Black and Red back with a solo blast over the left-field fence. It was little consolation, though, as WESTCO scored three times in the fifth to end the game via the eight-run rule.

Wickard picked up the win, striking out four and allowing two hits in his five innings of work.

Pahlke paced the Zephyrs with a 4-for-4 effort with two runs scored and two RBIs. Hoppes also had a nice night, going 1-for-1 with two walks, a run scored and the game-winning RBI. Goodwin also went 1-for-1 with two runs scored, a double, and a stolen base.

WESTCO will host Alliance tonight at Cleveland Field. There will be a fireworks show after the game.

``We haven't played Alliance, but we have seen them a few times. They are a good team, and I am sure they will be ready to play,'' Moran said.

Sidney 010 02 - 2 2 2

WESTCO 042 13 - 10 7 1

WP - Chase Wickard, LP - Mike Wallesen; 2B - WESTCO (Nate Goodwin); 3B - WESTCO (Michael Hoppes); HR - Sidney (Alex Bond).