Springs Valley Community High School

The Springs Valley baseball team opened its season on Thursday evening, taking a trip south to battle with Evansville Christian. The Blackhawks scored early and often, but couldn’t keep up with the Eagles, losing 9-5. A first-inning surge kicked off by a Braylon Kovas double put the Blackhawks out front 2-0 early, but by the end of the second inning Evansville Christian led 5-3. The Eagles dealt a late blow to win the game, scoring three runs in the bottom of the fifth to extend their lead to four runs. Kovas finished the game with a double and two walks. Henry Cruz picked up a pair of hits in three at-bats including a double and drove in two runs. Noah Allstott and Jonas Hammond also recorded doubles in the game. Blake Buchanan joined freshmen classmates Kovas and Allstott in getting their first varsity hits. Mavrick Land also picked up a knock, reaching on an infield single. Land started on the mound for Springs Valley, pitching 1.1 innings and allowing four runs, just one of which was earned, on zero hits. He walked five and struck out one. Hunter Thomas relieved him, allowing two runs on two hits in 2.2 innings. Cole Kovas finished the game, allowing three runs on three hits and striking out one. Springs Valley (0-1) will play next on Saturday, hosting Vincennes Rivet for its home opener. EAGLES 9, BLACKHAWKS 5 Springs Valley (0-1);211;100;0—5;9;7 Evansville Christian (0-1);231;030;X—9;5;2 W: Irvin. L: Land. 2B: Allstott, Cruz, Hammond, Kovas.