ALTON — The Alton Redbirds used a three-run fifth inning to pull away for a 6-3 win over St. Louis Homeschool on Tuesday.
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
St. Louis Homeschool struck first in the top of the first when Haverly Cox doubled on an 0-2 count to put his team on the board. Alton answered in the bottom of the inning, tying the game on a single by Alex Pilger and a double play.
St. Louis Homeschool regained the lead in the top of the second on Wyatt Duncan’s fielder’s choice, moving ahead 3-2. Alton tied it again in the bottom of the third on Blake Rensing’s sacrifice fly.
Alton took control in the bottom of the fifth. Donavon Ducey singled, Deacon Alm laid down a sacrifice bunt and Hayden Schepers singled to center field, with each play producing a run.
Fletcher Groppel earned the win for Alton, allowing no hits and no runs over two innings while striking out two and walking one. Luke Welby took the loss for St. Louis Homeschool after giving up three runs on three hits in three innings, striking out three and walking six.
Pilger started for Alton and allowed six hits and three runs over three innings, striking out three and walking two. Logan Hickman and Rensing also worked in relief and shut down St. Louis Homeschool.
Hickman led Alton with two hits in two at-bats. Schepers, Pilger, Rensing and Alm each drove in a run, and Parker Cannon drew three walks as Alton finished with eight walks. Alton also stole four bases.
Cox led St. Louis Homeschool with two RBIs and went 1-for-4. Vinny Tornatore had two hits in four at-bats from the leadoff spot. St. Louis Homeschool turned two double plays.