By Cort Reynolds
Behind strong pitching and timely hitting, the Ada High School baseball team won its season opener 3-1 at Arcadia on a chilly Tuesday evening, March 29.
Senior Kadin Phipps Phipps struck out 11 Redskins and allowed just two hits and a run over six innings to earn the win.
The Bulldogs led 1-0 early before tacking on two more scores in the fifth frames.
In the second inning Phipps walked, stole second base and scored on a Levi Sousley grounder to give Ada a 1-0 edge.
In the top of the fifth, Spencer Wall drew a walk and Jacob Sutherly stroked a single. Both came around to score on a two-run Zach Neiswander single.
Arcadia plated its lone run in the home sixth to inch within 3-1.
But Ada reliever Roman Snyder pitched a clean seventh frame to earn the save.
"Always nice to start the season off with a win," said veteran Ada head coach Jason Campbell. "Phipps pitched six strong innings; a great way to start off his senior year.
"It was a good team effort," he continued. "Everyone contributed to this win. We found out what it takes to win a close game. We did some good things today, but we are striving to get better every day."
Dalton Amos added two singles as Ada out-hit Arcadia, 6-2. Snyder also smacked a double.
WP-Phipps 1-0 LP-Emerick
Save-Snyder (1)
2B-Snyder (A)
The Bulldogs play at local foe Cory-Rawson Thursday. They then host rival USV in a doubleheader Saturday at noon.
Ada's scheduled home opener vs. local rival Hardin Northern Monday was postponed due to cold weather.
