Douglas baseball defeats Galena

by Joey Crandall

Appeal News Service

RENO - Chris Honer hit a grand slam and drove in six runs to lead the Douglas baseball team soundly past Galena 13-6 Thursday afternoon at Galena.

Honer, batting fifth in the lineup drove it deep over the left field fence with the bases loaded and two outs in the third inning to help Douglas (5-0) jump out to a 7-1 lead. He also belted a two-run single with the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth.

"We had some clutch hits, especially from Chris," Douglas head coach John Glover said. "In that five-hole, he knows that's what we're going to ask of him.

"I thought we did a fairly decent job today of not trying to go overboard and knock everything out of the yard."

The Tigers took advantage of some strong winds blowing out to left field, cashing in on a home run from Chad Walling, his third in two games.

Luke Rippee and Stormy Herald each went 2-for-3, while Rippee also collected a double.

Brandon Huff started the game, striking out three and allowing two runs through three innings before surrendering a grand slam to Galena's Brian Evans in the fourth.

Bryan Miller picked up the win in relief, striking out five and allowing just one run through the final 2 2/3 innings.

"I was just throwing as hard as I could," Miller said. "My knuckleball was working well today."

The Tiger defense also turned out some fine plays with Miller and D.J. Brady each making stellar diving catches in center field.

"We talk about just making those routine plays and if you can come up with a great one every once in a while, that's what we're looking for," Glover said.

Douglas has now scored 64 runs in five games.

"Let's just hope we can keep scoring like that," Glover said with a laugh. "The kids are staying within our philosophy and that's working the opposite field and trying to stay inside the baseball.

"I don't think we have very many guys right now trying to jerk the ball."

Doug Meiser went 2-for-4 with a double for the Grizzlies.