'Hounds continue division struggles

Fort Scott pitcher Josh Griffith pitches to an Independence batter during Saturday's second game at Lions Field. Griffith left the game with a 4-3 lead after allowing only one earned run in 6 1/3 innings. The bullpen was unable to hold the lead as the Greyhounds eventually fell 9-4. (Joe Kuns/Special to the Tribune)

Fort Scott Community College's baseball team was swept by Independence Saturday at Lions Field in a Jayhawk Conference-Eastern Division doubleheader. The Pirates won the opener 8-0 and the second game 9-4.

The Greyhounds, who were 8-2 prior to the start of conference play, are now 4-16 in the East, just one game ahead of last-place Allen, and 14-20 overall. The top eight teams from the East qualify for the Region VI Tournament and right now, Fort Scott is one game behind Labette (5-15, 9-17) for eighth place and two behind Highland (6-14, 13-20) for seventh.

Independence (12-8, 17-13) began conference play by losing five of its first six games. By virtue of winning three of four games in the season series versus Fort Scott, the Pirates are winners of 11 of their last 16 (11 of 14 in division play).

Fort Scott mustered just 4 hits in game one, one each by Austin Oakes, Alex Copeland, Josh Griffith and Kolby Greenslade.

Indy pitcher Tyler Hulse (5-1) allowed 4 hits and 4 walks while striking out 4 in six innings of work.

Fort Scott led 2-0 after two innings of the second game. Jake Harvey led off with a single and moved to second on a passed ball. Kaden Shaffer singled and Parker O'Dell's sacrifice bunt pushed Harvey over home plate. Zach Taylor singled, then Oakes' single to left scored Shaffer.

Indy tied the score in the top of the third but Fort Scott reclaimed the lead in the bottom half. Copeland led off with a single and advanced to second on an error and later to third on a passed ball. Griffith drew a walk. Then a wild pitch allowed Copeland to come home while Griffith advanced to second. Harvey singled, then Griffith came in from third on a passed ball.

The Pirates scored once in the top of the fifth to get within 4-3, then took the lead with 2 runs in the eighth and added 4 in the ninth.

Oakes and Harvey each had 2 of Fort Scott's 8 hits. Jarrett Heck (1-1) allowed 7 hits in 5 inning as the starter for Indy. He allowed 2 hits and struck out 3.

Griffith went the first 6 1/3 innings on the mound, allowing 3 runs, 1 earned, on 7 hits and 3 walks while striking out 2. Landon Holifield (1-2) took the loss in 2 innings of relief.

Fort Scott plays a single nine-inning game against NJCAA Division I No. 14-ranked Crowder today at Lions Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. The 'Hounds will have a key series with Labette over the weekend. The Cardinals visit Fort Scott Thursday and the 'Hounds go to Parsons Saturday for doubleheaders each day. First pitch of game one both days will be at 1 p.m.

Game One

Fort Scott........................... 000 000 0 -- 0 4 5

Two out when winning run scored.

WP -- Hulse (5-1). LP -- Tolbert (0-2).

HR -- None.

Game Two

Fort Scott..................... 022 000 000 -- 4 8 2

WP -- Hack (1-1). LP -- Holifield (2-1).

HR -- None.