Suggitt reaches hitting milestone as Bulldogs extend streak
RUDYARD — The Rudyard Bulldogs extended their winning streak to 10 games, sweeping past the Soo, Ontario Black Sox 13-3 and 12-2 on Senior Night at Rudyard Township Park Monday..
EJ Suggitt started Senior Night out with a bang, hitting a 3-run home run for the Bulldogs in the first inning. The Bulldogs scored five in their opening at-bat and that would be all they needed.
“We set the tone for the night in the first inning,” Rudyard coach Billy Mitchell said. “EJ's home run was no doubt right off the bat. Austin and Brett had some big hits. That's what seniors are supposed to do, they step up in big moments and get hits when you need them.”
Brett Mayer helped his own cause from the plate, going 3-for-3 with a single, double and triple and three RBIs. Austin Warner added two hits and two RBIs, while Cam Peterson hit a triple, and Tanner Baker, Eli Sprague and Landen Mayer had one hit each.
The Bulldogs used three pitchers — Peterson, Brett Mayer and Landen Mayer. Brett Mayer took the win, working three innings and not allowing any runs on two hits, while striking out six and walking two.
Rudyard won the second game 12-2. Suggitt went 3-for-3, including two doubles and two RBIs while recording his 100th career varsity hit. Aiden Bickel, Tate Besteman, Warner and Landen Mayer added two hits each, while Peterson, Brett Mayer and Baker had one hit apiece.
“For EJ to be able to get his 100th hit at home on Senior Night with his family there to see it, it's a moment I'll remember for a long time,” Mitchell said. “I'm happy for EJ. You won't find anybody who outworks him. We hit the ball well after the Black Sox pitcher kept us off balance for the first two innings. You can always count on pitchers who throw strikes and keep you off balance, and a team that plays the game the right way when you play a team coached by Mike Lebel. Tonight was no different.”
Suggitt also notched the pitching win, holding the Sox to no runs on one hit over two innings, and striking out seven. Warner pitched 2 1-3 inning and allowed two runs on three hits.
“Overall the coaches were pleased with how we played tonight,” Mitchell said. “We still have some work to do heading into the postseason, but the players keep getting better every day just like we ask them to do.”
Rudyard improved to 16-6-1 overall. The Bulldogs are scheduled to play road games at Brimley, starting at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Contact Sports Editor Rob Roos at rroos@sooeveningnews.com. Follow him on Twitter, @rroosTEN.
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Suggitt reaches hitting milestone as Bulldogs extend streak
