Scott inspires Hornets to victory

Jason Scott probably awoke Thursday morning feeling a little beaten up but another Belfast Hornets victory was undoubtedly a suitable balm.

The rookie right fielder was hit by pitches three times on Wednesday evening as the Northstars (4-8) were taken down 8-3 at Hydebank Park.

Advertised as a pitcher’s duel between Mark Smith and Melvin Woods, the game wouldn’t disappoint with Smith ( 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 10K) taking the win and improving his team to a 9-1 record. Before leaving with tightness in his arm, Woods (6 H, 6R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 8 K) was himself on his way to a solid outing before the ball was handed to Will Mitchell in the last inning.

Unfortunately for Woods’ Northstars, the Hornets provided a more balanced attack, led from the leadoff spot By Sean Gottschalk (3 H, 2 RBI, 2 SB). Northstars coach Darwin Sanchez would attempt to motivate his team with an inside-the-park home run in the third inning but unfortunately for the maroon and gold, four errors and seven men left on base gave them little chance to catch the expansion Hornets.

In a game that included spotty defence on both sides, both coaches will be looking for tighter fielding as the season moves into its second half.