Hoover stifles SMNW

Firebird pitcher dominant in 2-1 victory

Shawnee ? Jake Hoover fired a two-hitter and struck out 11, leading Free State High to a 2-1 baseball victory Thursday over Shawnee Mission Northwest.

Hoover worked out of a late jam to seal the victory. SM Northwest loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning, but Hoover struck out the next two batters to end the game.

“He was outstanding, particularly when the game was on the line,” FSHS coach Mike Hill said.

Lorenzo Ricketts was 3-for-3, Brett Lisher was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, and Anthony Dreiling was 1-for-4 with an RBI to lead the Firebirds’ offense.

Hill lauded the way his squad played in the close game.

“They got the one run in the first, and that was it,” he said. “I was pleased with all of our kids and our effort. We hadn’t been in a close game for a while, and that’s what we needed.”

Free State (13-2) will travel Tuesday to Olathe East.

Free State 002 000 0 — 2 7 2
SM Northwest 100 000 0 — 1 2 0

W–Jake Hoover, 4-0. L–Bates.2B–FSHS: Brett Lisher.FSHS highlights: Anthony Dreiling 1-for-4, RBI; Lisher 2-for-4, RBI; Lorenzo Ricketts 3-for-3; Hoover 2 hits allowed, 11 strikeouts, struck out last two with bases loaded in bottom of seventh.