Tigers outdueled by Center Grove

By RICHARD TORRES

For The Reporter

The Fishers Tigers found themselves in a pitcher’s duel at Class 4A Center Grove on Monday, April 20.

Facing Tennessee commit Gannon Grant, a right-handed senior, the 4A Tigers could only muster four hits, falling 2-0 despite a quality start from sophomore lefty Luke Benefiel.

Benefiel pitched 5.0 innings with seven hits allowed, one walk, five strikeouts and two earned runs charged.

Top-ranked Center Grove plated one run in the bottom of the second and another in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by senior Tristan Yeman and a one-out single by junior Liam Delp (Michigan commit).

Benefiel escaped a bases-loaded jam in the fifth with a swinging strikeout. He struck out three batters in the frame, including Grant.

Grant, however, won the pitching battle by tossing a complete-game shutout with nine strikeouts.

Fishers’ seniors David Pina (1-for-3) and Evansville commit Owen Lukac (1-for-2) each recorded doubles against Grant. Seniors Justin Brown (1-for-3) and Andrew Baldini (1-for-2) reached base on singles.

Fishers dropped to 5-7 overall with the non-conference loss. The Tigers (2-2 HCC) resume action at home on Thursday against conference foe Westfield to open their two-game series.