Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

ASHLAND, Ky. — If the old adage is true that walks will haunt, they could show this game at the annual Ironton Lions’ Club Haunted Tunnel.

Ashland took advantage of 11 walks to edge the Ironton Fighting Tigers 2-1 Monday and spoil the varsity pitching debut of Larry Morris.

The Ironton freshman pitched a five-hitter and struck out four but walked 11 — three intentionally — in taking the loss.

“Larry Morris pitched well in his first varsity start. He just needs to cut down on the walks,” said Ironton coach Larry Goodwin.

“However, three of his walks were intentional walks to set up force outs. He kept the Ashland hitters off-balance all night by mixing pitches well.”

Ashland (9-6) broke the scoreless tie with a run in the third on a hit by Evan Cox, a bunt single by Jared Slone and walks to Casey Clark and Cam Fritz.

Ironton tied the game in the top of the seventh.

Lucas Campbell singled but Hunter Weber hit into a force play. Tanner Price then doubled to put runners and second and third and Morris helped his own cause with an RBI single.

However, the Tomcats were able to get the relay throw home in time to tag Price out trying to score.

Ashland scored the winning run in the bottom of the inning on four walks, the final free pass to Pete Mullins with one out.

Ironton did not have an error.

“We also played very good defense tonight. Overall, we played well. We just need to cut down on the baserunning mistakes and get our bunt down when we needed,” said Goodwin.

Campbell was 2-3 as Ironton outhit the Tomcats 6-5.

The Fighting Tigers play at Chesapeake on Tuesday.

Ironton 000 000 1 = 1 6 0

Ashland 001 000 1 = 2 5 1

Larry Morris and Hunter Weber. Matt Vincent, Pete Mullins (1) and Cam Fritz. W-Mullins (IP-6.2, H-6, R-1, ER-1, K-6, BB-1). L-Morris (IP-6.1, H-5, R-1, ER-1, K-4, BB-11). Hitting-Ironton: Dane Wilson 1-2, Lucas Campbell 2-3, Hunter Weber 1-3, Tanner Price 1-3, Larry Morris 1-3 rbi; Ashland: Jared Slone 1-4, Casey Clark 2-2, Drew OBryan 1-3, Evan Cox 1-3.