The Woodward News

Sports

July 24, 2010

Travelers post solid win

Johnny McMahan Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — NORMAN - A slow start didn't bother the Travelers Friday morning.

Woodward gave up 3 runs to the D-Bat Mustangs in the top of the first inning, then roared back to record a 12-4 6-inning victory in the OU Showcase Festival at L. Dale Mitchell Park.

Johnathon Johnson went the distance for his 11th victory of the season and the Travelers improved to 48-20 overall. Later in the day on Friday, the Travelers dropped a 9-3 decision to the Oklahoma Baseball Academy and are now 48-21.

Preston Palmero's 2-run double helped the Mustangs to their early lead as they had 4 of their 7 hits in the opening inning.

From there, though, Johnson was in control, giving up just 1 more run, a RBI grounder by Palmero, and striking out 7.

The Travelers got even in the bottom of the first as Trevor Julian's ground ball scored Shawn Hunter, then Austin Beisel delivered a 2-run single.

In the second inning, Woodward took the lead for good with 3m ore runs.

Aaron McCandless and Hunter singled, McCandless scored on the back end of a double steal and Hunter on a throwing error. Braden Todd came in on a single by Ryan Ainsworth.

Beisel led off the third inning with a homer and Zach Warren then singled and scored on Todd's grounder.

In the fifth, McCandless singled, moved to third on a bunt by Hunter, then scored on Todd's single for a 9-4 lead.

The final three runs came in the sixth.

With one out, Julian reached on an error and Codey McElroy walked. a bloop single by Beisel and a Mustang throwing error allowed Julian to score. Warner then finished the game with a 2-run double to get the 12-4 run-rule.

On Thursday night, the Travelers opened the festival with an 8-7 win over the Oklahoma Baseball Academy, turning away a late OBA rally.

Emory Weatherton pitched 5 innings for the win with Chris Faulkner picking up a save.

Offensively, Julian and McElroy homered and Ryan Wilson had 2 hits. Julian, McElroy and Todd all scored twice. Faulkner added a double.

The Travelers close out festival play with one game Saturday, then go to Enid on Monday.

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