NORTH CANTON, Ohio— The Stark County Terriers were swept in their Sunday double header against the Hamilton Joes. The first game was a 5-4 loss, followed by a 4-3 loss in game two. The losses drop the Terriers to 17-16 on the season.

The Terriers would strike early in game one, scoring two runs in the first inning. Zach Leonard (Eastern Michigan University/ Canton, OH) would hit an RBI double to the left center field gap to bring home center fielder Josh Haley (UNC@ Pembrook/ Jackson Springs, NC). Leonard would be brought home later in the inning by a fielder’s choice.

Hamilton would not let the Terriers quick start bring them down, tying the game up in the second inning  by way of a two run home run. The Joes would unload on another pitch in the fourth inning, this one being a three run home run to left field.

Stark County would respond in the bottom half of the fourth, pushing two runs across to pull within one run, making it a 5-4 ballgame. Right fielder Dominic Spadafora (Wabash Community College/ Fort Wayne, IN) would start the inning off with a double to right center field. Jason Leblebijian would then hit an infield single to the left side, scoring Spadafora. Leblebijian would later score in the inning off a fielder’s choice.

Unfortunately, the Terriers could get nothing else going, failing to record a hit in the final three innings resulting in the loss.

Starting pitcher for the Terriers was LHP Andrew MacDonald (UNC@ Pembrook/ Pinebluff, NC). MacDonald pitched five plus innings, allowing five runs, off seven hits, while striking out six Joe batters.

Leading hitters for Stark County in game one were Dominic Spadafora (2-3, R, 2B), Jason Bagoly (2-3), and Zach Leonard (1-3, RBI, R, 2B).

In game two, the Terriers would once again get on the scoreboard first, scoring two runs in the third inning. After consecutive singles by Jared Turocy (University of Akron/ Canfield, OH) and Josh Haley, the bases were loaded following a walk issued by the Hamilton pitcher. Turocy would then come score off a passed ball, followed by Haley coming home thanks to a fielder’s choice.

Hamilton would finally crack starting pitcher Scott Foster’s (University of Akron/ Green, OH) armor in the seventh inning scoring their first run of the ballgame.

Stark County would add an insurance run in the bottom half of the eighth inning, when first baseman Mark Lapikas (University of Toledo/ Youngstown, OH) doubled to center field, scoring Zach Leonard.

Hamilton would rally in the ninth inning to score three runs, giving them the win.

Foster pitched seven innings for the Terriers, allowing just one run, off five hits. Most impressive about Foster’s performance was him striking out ten batters. Earning the loss was RHP Pat O’Brien (Bowling Green State University/ Boardman, OH).

Leading the hitting for Stark County in game two was Jared Turocy (2-3, R).

The Terriers will take a day off before they travel to Xenia on Tuesday to take on the Scouts in a double header. First pitch is scheduled for 4PM.