Eastern Greene nips Miners in SWIAC battle

Linton-Stockton baseball coach Bart Berns is the first to admit that he doesn't like to lose, but he couldn't help but smile after a 1-0 loss to host Eastern Greene in a Southwestern Indiana Athletic Conference game at Eastern Heights Wednesday.

"From their coaching staff to their kids, they are a class program," Berns said of the Thunderbirds, who remained unbeaten in the conference (3-0) as they improved to 10-4 overall. "This was a fun game to watch and a fun game to coach in.

"It's not very often that I would say it was a pleasure to coach in a game and lose. But it was a pleasure to be part of a game like this. There were two class acts on the field tonight."

Eastern Greene scored the game's only run in the second inning. Sawyer Miller doubled off of tough-luck loser Jeff Laughlin. The Miner hurler then walked three consecutive Thunderbird batters as Miller came home on a bases-loaded free pass.

"Jeff Laughlin pitched a whale of a game," said Berns. "He struck out seven and those three walks in the second were his only walks. That was the best game he has pitched this year.

"He gave up four hits, including three doubles. He had a few control problems in the second. It was a shame that one hit and three walks were the difference in the game."

Ryan Wilcoxen tossed a one-hitter to earn his fifth victory in six decisions. Wilcoxen fanned four and only allowed a single by Laughlin.

"Ryan also pitched a whale of a game," said Berns. "Any time you pitch a one-hitter, you are going to win. You have to tip your cap. He is a heck of a competitor.

"We put the ball in play against him, but we have to work on our approach to plate appearances. We have to work on a better approach and get better at bats. We are not very good at this points, but have to a month to work on it."

Berns commended the defense of Eastern Greene. The Thunderbirds only made one error.

"They are a a very good defensive team. They do not beat themselves," said Berns, whose Miners slipped to 9-7 and lost for the first time in four SWIAC games.

He added that he was happy with the Miner defense, despite three miscues in the field.

"It might sound stupid to say we played a great defensive game with three errors," said Berns. "We had a throwing error, an error on a pick-off move and a error on a ground ball. That is a rough field. Even Eastern will tell you that.

"But one through nine I though we played a great defensive game."

Josh Avooske had a double and single for Eastern Greene. Cody Sparks had the other hit, also a double.

"They have had a complete turnaround," said Berns. "They are tough and are a class program.

"I was very, very proud of my kids after not playing well Saturday in our Wooden Bat tournament. This was a huge conference game and we played great.

"It was a no brainer that we took a lot from a game like this, even though it was a loss. We hope we get another chance to play them at our place during the sectional."

The Miners will play a double conference game at home against Shakamak at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Eastern Greene will play Thursday at Edgewood.

Linton-Stockton 000 000 0 -- 0 1 3

Eastern Greene 010 000 x -- 1 4 1

Laughlin and Bridges; Wilcoxen and O. Miller. W -- Wilcoxen, 5-1. L -- Laughlin. 2B -- Avooske (E), Sparks (E), S. Miller (E).