Mustangs Drop Two On Road Swing, Show Flashes In Loss To Wellsville-Middletown

Marion County endured a tough two-game stretch on the road, falling 15-0 to Clopton on April 7 before dropping an 11-1 decision to Wellsville-Middletown on April 8.
Clopton struck early and often in the opener, plating four runs in the first inning and adding five more in the second to quickly build a double-digit lead.
Marion County starter Olson was tagged for five runs (four earned) on five hits over the opening inning, while Clopton’s offense continued to apply pressure with 13 total hits and aggressive baserunning.
Clopton added six more runs in the third inning to put the game out of reach. Despite the lopsided score, Marion County saw solid defensive moments, but was unable to generate offense against Clopton pitching, which held the Mustangs hitless through three innings.
The Mustangs rebounded with a more competitive effort the following day against
Wellsville-Middletown, grabbing an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Wright drove in a run on a groundout.
Marion County’s pitching kept things tight early. Hathaway turned in a strong start, allowing just one unearned run on two hits over three innings while striking out five
and walking none. The game remained close into the middle innings before Wellsville-
Middletown took control.
After taking a 3-1 lead in the fourth, Wellsville-Middletown broke the game open with a seven-run sixth inning, capitalizing on a combination of hits, walks, hit batters and
defensive miscues.
Offensively, Olson led Marion County with a perfect 3-for-3 day at the plate from the leadoff spot and added two stolen bases.
Wright finished 1-for-3 with the team’s lone RBI. The Mustangs also turned a double play defensively.
While the results didn’t fall their way, Marion County showed improvement in the
second game, with stronger pitching early and more consistent contact at the plate