Final from Myrtle Beach..

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The annual trip south started off well for the Blue and White.

The Highlands Bluebirds edged Painesville (Ohio) Riverside located east of Cleveland, 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh. Mitch Gesenhues hit a fly ball to left. It was misplayed allowing Jake Whitford to score the game-winning run from second.

Highlands outhit Riverside, 8-6. The Bluebirds won despite committing five errors to two for Riverside.

Ben Vermeil pitched the seventh to pick up the win for Highlands. He allowed one hit.

Vermeil and Evan Allen had two hits each for Highlands. Vermeil had a double and run batted in.

The Bluebirds (5-1) take on Johnson Central in the second game of the Ripken Experience at Myrtle Beach (S.C.). Game time is 3 p.m.

 

Fort Thomas Sports: Monday Sports Briefs

 

Nice new travel unis for the DirtyBirds!

Not the prettiest game to watch, but need to win those games. JR Jones was sharp and got way more than the 18 outs he was credited with over his 6 innings. He was also pretty efficient with his pitches to get those outs. Worked ahead and forced them to put it in play.

 

Birds started strong with 2 in the bottom of the 1st, but struggled from there. Opposing pitcher was a soft-tossing lefty that seemed to keep them off balance most of the night. Eventually scratched one across in the bottom of the 7th to get the "Ripken Experience" underway.

 

Shout out to the "traveling O-Zone" of students making the trip to Myrtle Beach with family & friends. They have been rewarded with beautiful weather so far.

 

Oh - the blue "camo" uniforms are pretty sweet. H in a baseball with crossed bats logo on the front. Will make for a nice alternate jersey for special occasions and 2nd games of DHs.