East Juniata 9, St. Joe’s 3
COCOLAMUS — It was back and forth for the majority of the game. But it only takes one and one big inning propelled East Juniata over St. Joe’s, 9-3, in a Tri-Valley League baseball game on Thursday.

COCOLAMUS — It was back and forth for the majority of the game. But it only takes one and one big inning propelled East Juniata over St. Joe’s, 9-3, in a Tri-Valley League baseball game on Thursday.

“It is a great start for kids,” Tigers coach Justin Martin said. “They needed to get that first win under their belts to get things rolling.”

For most of the game, it appeared as though it was anything you can do. I can do better as anytime East Juniata scored, the Wolfpack answered.

East Juniata got on the board first in the bottom of the third inning. The Tigers had the bases loaded with two outs when Kolten Martin drew a four pitch walk that brought home Tate Jamison to put them up 1-0.

But the Wolfpack managed to get out of the jam as starting pitcher Luke Duckworth caught Kelton Bonnell looking to end the inning.

St. Joe’s responded in a big way as Spencer Gigante led off the frame with a massive triple to right field on a 2-2 pitch. Duckworth then came on and grounded out to first baseman Bonnell for the second out but scored Gigante to even the game at one apiece.

The Tigers took back the lead in the bottom half of the fifth starting with an RBI single to left that brought home Owen Yorks. Bonnell then reached first on an error at third base which allowed Kanagy to find his way home.

Once again though the Wolfpack responded in the top of the sixth taking advantage of East Juniata mishaps on the field. The first error came when Duckworth hit a fly ball to right field that was dropped and Nick Warner hustled his way down to score. Sam Krasowitz then reached by an error at third which moved Duckworth to home plate to tie the game at three.

But the Tigers finally got the bats going in the bottom of the sixth dropping six of their nine runs scored in the frame.

In fact, East Juniata had only four hits prior to the sixth inning and while in the sixth the Tigers had five hits.

Owen Dressler went five and two-thirds innings for East Juniata and collected eight strikeouts and zero walks. Dressler also had a SAC fly at the plate.

For the Wolfpack, Duckworth pitched three innings and had two strikeouts. Duckworth also had three RBIs.

East Juniata (1-2) hosts Sugar Valley on Monday. St. Joe’s (1-2) will look to rebound on Monday as they will host Juniata.