Springs Valley Community High School

The Springs Valley baseball team opened its season against Evansville Christian on Thursday, losing 9-3. The Blackhawks stuck with the visiting Eagles through most of the game, trailing just 4-1 after six innings, but in the seventh the defending sectional champions exploded for five runs. The 'Hawks answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning, but their deficit was too great to overcome. Kaden Dunn got the start on opening day for Springs Valley. The senior pitched two innings, allowing one earned run on three hits. He struck out three batters and walked just one. Tanner Phillips pitched next, going three innings and allowing three runs on two hits and three walks. He struck out four. Hunter Thomas appeared next on the mound, failing to record an out while allowing two runs on two walks. Landon Weeks got a pair of outs without allowing a run, walking a batter. Mavrick Land closed the game on the mound, getting four outs and allowing three runs on a hit and five walks. Springs Valley's production at the plate was spread out as five different Blackhawks had one hit each. Jonas Hammond drove in a run and had a double in his three plate appearances. Cole Kovas went 1-2 with an RBI and a sacrifice fly. Blake Buchanan doubled and drove in a run in his only at-bat. Konner Chase went 1-3 and scored a run. Colton Crist went 1-3 with a double. Springs Valley (0-1) will return to action on Thursday, April 4 when they travel to Eastern (Pekin).