Pioneer beats Faith Christian behind Erickson

BY VAL TSOUTSOURIS

Sports Editor, RTC

Baseball

Pioneer 18, Faith Christian 1 (5 innings, Tuesday): Brayden Erickson homered and also struck out five in two innings on the mound for the host Panthers in a season-opening win over Faith Christian on Tuesday.

Owen Miller had a pair of doubles and three RBIs and three runs scored. Erickson had three RBIs and two runs scored. Brenton Gaumer had a single and two RBIs.

Derek Duncan and Caleb Sweet each had a hit and an RBI. Caden Couch and Oscar Solano each had an RBI. Drew McKaig had a single.

Pioneer batters also drew 13 walks to go with their eight hits.

Erickson pitched the first two innings, and Couch, Sweet and Gaumer threw one inning each. They combined on a two-hitter with three walks and 13 strikeouts.

Pioneer scored 14 runs in the third inning to build an 18-0 lead.

Pioneer’s scheduled home game against Rossville Thursday was canceled.

Pioneer 18, Faith Christian 1 (5 innings)

Faith Christian 000 01 – 1 2 2

Pioneer 40(14) 0X – 18 8 1

WP – Braden Erickson (2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K)

2B – Owen Miller 2 (PIO)

HR – Brayden Erickson (PIO)