By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
After being held without a run against Smithville the day prior in a 2-0 loss, Benton (7-8) scored at least one run in the first six innings, notched 10 hits and drew seven walks in a 9-6 win over Lafayette at Phil Welch Stadium in Pony Express Tournament play Tuesday.
"We didn't execute with runners in scoring position Monday," Benton coach Johnny Coy said. "That's something we talked about today. When guys are on base, we have to really bear down and put the ball in play and make good solid contact and we were able to do that today."
The Cardinals led 5-4 after four innings, and hung three runs in the top of the fifth to go up 8-4. That inning was sparked by sophomore Carson Schmidt, who knocked a two-run RBI double to right.
It was one of four doubles Schmidt had Tuesday, as he finished 4-for-4 at the plate with three runs scored, three RBIs and four stolen bases.
"I think we did pretty good as a team as a whole," Schmidt said. "When we get two strikes at the plate, we just need to focus in and hit the outside pitch and just lock in."
In all, five different Cardinals scored a run. Chris Coy went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, an RBI and two swiped bags.
Lafayette (6-11) hung in early, scoring two runs in both the second and third innings to knot the game at 4-4. Trailing 9-5 entering the bottom of the seventh, the Irish got a run back, thanks to an RBI single from freshman Alex McKinnon, but came up short.
Lafayette, who lost to Benton 5-4 in eight innings in the season opening game for both teams, managed 10 hits, but stranded nine base runners.
Brendon Bushong led Lafayette with two runs scored. He also singled and walked. Xavion Page went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Alex McKinnon went 2-for-4 and drove in a run as well.
Jack Kanacsky was the winning pitcher for Benton, lasting 4.2 innings in making the start and striking out six batters. Zayne Ulmer allowed just one run in 2.1 innings of relief.
Benton will now face Maryville for third place in the Pony Express Tournament on Thursday at Phil Welch at 6:30.
"I just want to continue to improve," Coy said. "Win, lose, I want to our guys to make mistakes on the field, and when they do make mistakes, they learn from it. They're learning from those mistakes and ultimately, they're getting better. They're going to be a lot better team when it comes time for districts."
Lafayette will face Chillicothe for 5th on Thursday at 4:30 at Bartlett Park.
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