KUA Defeats VA for First Win of the Season

Ben Bates struck out 16, walked 4 and gave up only 4 hits in 7 innings of work today to lead the host Wildcats to their first win of the season.  VA plated a run in the first inning on a leadoff walk, steal, fielders choice and a passed ball.  KUA responded with three runs in the bottom of the inning on singles from Paul Leger, Ben Bates and Duncan Spilsbury as well as a walk to Tom Jenkins.  Bates and the KUA defense shut down VA for the next two innings, while scoring two runs in the bottom of the second to go up 5-1.  Levy Byrd led off the second with a double and scored on Paluch's single.  After stealing second base, Paluch scored on Bates' second hit of the day.  VA scored one in the fourth after a single and a triple for the visitors, but Bates responded with two strike outs to end the inning.  KUA restored their four-run lead in the bottom of the fourth on a Leger leadoff double and a fielder's choice from Bates after Leger had advanced to third on a passed ball.  VA plated their third run of the game in the sixth after a leadoff walk, stolen base, fielder's choice and a sac fly.  In the bottom half of the inning, KUA got two more runs from Byrd (reached on error, Leger sacrificed him to second and Alex Wesoja doubled), and Wesoja (Paluch single).  VA put up a fight in the seventh, scoring three runs on two walks, a double, and a throwing error.  Bates struck out two and got the put out on the final out of the inning to seal the victory. 

KUA will faceoff with VA again on Saturday, 4/25.  First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in Saxton River.