Polk County scored five runs in the first inning and never looked back, defeating Owen 14-3 in Tuesday’s Western Highlands Conference baseball opener.
The Wolverines built their early lead with an offensive explosion in the opening frame.With one out, Noah Harden and Alex Perry drew back-to-back walks. Nate Fagan singled to load the bases, and Gavin Waldbillig’s sacrifice fly scored Harden.
Cooper Meyer followed with a bunt single to keep the bases loaded, and Matthew Foy’s walk forced in Perry. Aaron Jackson’s single to shortstop scored two more runs, and Matt Jarrett added an RBI single to make it 5-0.
Get PolkSports delivered to your inbox
Sign up for our free newsletter →
Owen pulled within 5-3 with three runs in the third inning, but Polk County answered with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings before adding four runs in the sixth to pull away.
Jackson led the offensive attack, going 2-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, two stolen bases and a double. Meyer finished 3-for-3 with two runs and a stolen base, while Jarrett and Waldbillig each contributed two hits. Jarrett drove in a run and Waldbillig added an RBI and a stolen base.
Harden collected a hit and three RBI, Perry added a hit and two RBI and Fagan contributed one hit. Alm scored twice, drove in a run and stole two bases.
Harden earned the win, pitching all six innings and allowing five hits with six strikeouts, three runs and two walks.
Polk County (3-3, 1-0 WHC) hosts North Henderson on Wednesday in a non-conference game.
Owen fell to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the WHC.
