GTI takes two from Wayne by George Starks Darke County Ohio

GTI’s Ian Cook delivers a pitch Thursday night against the Wayne Acme team in the first game
of a double-header played at Sater Diamonds. Cook was untouchable through the first four innings
before surrendering a run in the fifth. The local GTI-1 team thumped Wayne 11-1 in five in the opener.
GTI also won 11-4 in the nightcap of the twin bill. CNO Photo by George Starks

GTI takes two from Wayne
By George Starks

GREENVILLE- Coming in with a solid 8-2 mark, the GTI1 team swept two from Wayne Thursday, 11-1 in five and 11-4 in seven.

In a route going five inning performance in the opener, pitcher Ian Cook was near perfect.

The GTI right-hander, allowed just one hit through the first four innings before allowing three hits in the fifth, and a run, to get the victory.

“My starter (Cook) was on top of his game tonight,” said coach Trey Wolter. “He was throwing the ball really well, keeping the hitters off balance and hitting his spots well. He had good command of his pitches. It was just a good performance. He is our number three pitcher and when he’s on, he’s on. It was the best game he’s pitched this season.”

On offense, GTI was as solid as a team could be.

The Greenville team knocked out 14 hits in the opener and collected 15 more in the 11-4 win in game two.

“This game was phenomenal,” said Wolter. “Everything was clicking and we came out hitting the ball hard right off the bat.”

GTI scored two in the first inning in game one and broke it open with five more in the second.

In the nightcap, GTI held a 6-4 advantage going into the sixth before blasting Wayne for seven runs in the frame to blow it open, 11-4.

On the night, GTI was led at the plate by Devon Wood and Nick Woodruff.

Wood had three hits in the opener with two runs batted in while Woodruff had three hits with three knocked in.

In game two, the GTI attack saw Quentin Wood, Ryan Eldridge and Stetson Zumbrum all with two rbi each. Wood and Eldridge had two hits in the game while Zumbrum picked up three, including a two run double in the seven run sixth for GTI.

On defense, GTI had one miscue in the 12 innings played, that coming in the opener.

“We played solid defense tonight,” Wolter admitted. “I’m very happy with the way we played in the field and the fact we were very aggressive at the plate. The mistakes we made didn’t hurt us and I know we’re going to make mistakes here and there. The great thing about this bunch is when they make a mistake, they forget about it. They move on to the next play and that’s what I love about them.”

In both games, GTI forced the action not only at the plate but on the base paths.

“We had them on their heels at times and that’s what a good team does,” Wolter said. “A good team forces the action, makes the other team make the plays and capitalize on their mistakes.”

GTI, 10-2 overall, will be at home Saturday for a double-header with Eaton starting at noon, and will travel to Wayne Sunday for two, starting at noon.