UNITY — East Palestine junior Cale Molasky was the missing link for the Bulldogs, who posted their second straight win since returning with a 9-1 win over Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference opponent Wellsville on Tuesday. looks like.
“He's a great asset to this team.” East Palestine coach Aaron Walker said: “On Friday, he came back in the lineup and was able to hit. He just lights up the lineup and everyone just feeds him in that leadoff spot. It's great to have him back.”
East Palestine improved to 2-5 and 2-1 in the EOAC, while Wellsville dropped to 1-9 and 1-3 in the EOAC.
Molasky was sidelined early in the season after colliding with teammate Blake Noel during preseason batting practice, resulting in a broken jaw for Molasky and a broken collarbone for Noel, ending his season.
“It seemed like a really freak accident.” Molasky said. “Nobody asked for the ball and it was like a head-to-son collision.”
Since his return, Molasky has made a huge impact at the plate for the Bulldogs.
“We’ve been struggling at the plate.” Walker said. “He (Molaski) came back in the first game and had four hits, and he’s been able to move the bat the last few games, so I hope that continues.”
Molasky's road to recovery was difficult, but he continued to strive even after we left the field.
“Recovery was a little tough. I lost 10 pounds, but I gained it back.” Molasky said. “I swung the bat a lot and used a stretch bang.”
Molasky had a productive opening day, playing both sides and recording two hits, four stolen bases, and three runs scored.
“(It feels good to be back).” Molasky said. “My team is rooting for me too.”
Kyler Vaughn led the Bulldogs with two RBIs, three runs scored, and four hits at the plate, including a triple in the sixth inning to score one run and give the Bulldogs a 9-1 lead.
“He (Bone) is finally back.” Walker said. “He's been struggling a little bit at the plate. He's finally starting to be able to throw the ball well because he's a great hitter, so it's great for Cale to get on base and Kyler to be able to knock him out.”
Logan Guy had two hits and two RBIs, and Peyton Rutledge had two hits and two RBIs. Tommy Beatty and Phoenix Marvin both had one hit, one RBI, and one RBI.
Marvin took the mound for the Bulldogs and pitched six innings, allowing eight hits, four walks, eight strikeouts, and one earned run. Molasky finished the game in the final inning with one hit and two strikeouts.
Wellsville had plenty of chances to score, but had trouble driving in scores with eight men on base.
“We have to be mentally prepared.” Wellsville coach Charles Heffner said. “We have to finish there.”
In addition to failing to score, the Tigers struggled with anger issues, especially when left fielder Nate McGraw got into an altercation with the home plate umpire in the sixth inning, leading to McGraw being ejected.
“It’s just a difference of opinion.” Hefner said. “We don't know what actually happened, but usually the one on the back foot gets punished.”
Jay Page led the Tigers with three hits, and Ethan Morris had two hits. Tyler Landes had one hit and one RBI. Cooper Frank had one hit and one RBI.
Landes, the Tigers' starting pitcher, pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing 12 hits, three walks, eight strikeouts and seven earned runs. Darnell Law pitched 1/3 innings without a hit.
East Palestine plays Leetonia today and Wellsville hosts Columbiana.
W: 0-0-0-0-0-0-1–1-9-2
EP: 1-0-3-0-2-3-x–9-12-2
