After allowing New Franklin to stake a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, Russellville spent the whole game playing from behind in the first of its two games on Saturday. Despite two runs in both the sixth and seventh innings, the Indians fell 6-5.
Austin Roe led the charge for Russellville with two hits and three RBI. He reached safely in four of his five plate appearances. Roe pitched as well for the Indians, and though he was tagged with the loss, he only allowed one earned run and two hits in three innings while striking out four.
A gem of a performance from pitcher Seth Kuda allowed Russellville to make up Saturday’s earlier loss. Kuda struck out 10 and gave up just three hits and no earned runs in his complete game effort in the Indians’ 4-1 win over Crane.
As is so often the case, Kuda transferred his success on the mound to the plate as well, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored.
South Callaway 6, Russellville 0
Two-run innings in the second, fourth and sixth frames, combined with a shutout performance from Kayden Helsel allowed the Bulldogs to blank the Indians on Thursday night.
Cole Freeman was the one Russellville hitter to figure out Helsel, as he picked up a pair of hits on three at-bats. South Callaway leadoff hitter Peyton Lepper was a problem all day for the Indians. He had three hits — which included a home run and a double — and also drove in three runs in the game.
Russellville 3, Belle 0
Kuda’s complete game shutout was all the Indians needed to cruise past the Tigers on April 12. Kuda registered 10 strikeouts and allowed just four hits. He also drove in a run in the win.
Roe and Jordan Malzner accounted for the other two Russellville RBI, and Isaac Kirchner led the team with two hits in three at-bats.