Friday, May 30
BULLDOGS FINISH 2008 SEASON IN REGIONAL FINALS
The Heath Bulldogs came within 2 outs of making their fourth trip to the final four with a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Hamilton Badin in the regional finals, at Wright State University in Dayton.
The Bulldogs finish the season with an overall record of 26-5, recording the second highest victory total in Heath High School baseball history. The Dogs also captured the Mid-State League Ohio Division championship with an 11-3 record, and they reached the third of their traditional season goals by winning their 5th Central District championship.
The great, competitive group of seniors, Nick Jones, Jordan Maier, Chuck LaRue, Kevin Sharrock and Cole Anders who led this team for the past two seasons will be sorely missed, but the Bulldogs return many talented players that promise to lead the Bulldogs back to where we always want to go...Columbus.
As is the tradition, the season goals for the 2009 Bulldogs will be:
1. 20 wins
2. MSL-Ohio Champions
3. Central District Champions
Tuesday, April 1
HEATH - 10; TRI-VALLEY - 8
The Bulldogs came out swinging the bats as they opened the 2008 season with an important victory over the always-tough Scotties from the Muskingum Valley League. Nick Jones, Jordan Maier, and Kevin Sharrock each collected 3 hits to pace the Dogs at the plate. Maier smashed a 3-run home run in the big 8-run 4th inning, and Jones drove in the winning run with a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the 6th inning. Maier and Sharrock also added doubles to the Heath offense. Alex VanDine pitched his way out of several tight situations to pick up the pitching win for the Dogs (1-0; 0-0)
Wednesday, April 2
HEATH - 9; LICKING HEIGHTS - 2
The Bulldogs topped the Hornets behind the hitting of Cole Anders who banged out 3 hits, and Jordan Maier, Steven Kidwell, and Chuck LaRue who added two hits apiece. Kevin Sharrock blasted a bases-loaded double to collect 3 RBI's, and Steven Kidwell also doubled and knocked in 2 runs, while LaRue tripled and drove in 2 more runs for the Dogs (2-0; 0-0). Steven Kidwell pitched 5 strong innings to pick up his first mound win of the season.
Thursday, April 3
HEATH - 10; LIBERTY UNION - 3
The Bulldogs battled both the elements and the Lions as they gained another important win to run their 2008 record to 3-0. Trey Matthews went the distance to pick up his first varsity mound victory, and Cole Anders drove in 2 big 3rd-inning runs to break the game open for the Dogs. Five Bulldog hitters had one hit apiece to lead the Bulldog offense. Nick Jones, Chuck LaRue, Steven Kidwell, Kevin Sharrock, Alex VanDine, and Matthews each added an RBI to the Dogs victory total.
Saturday, April 5
HEATH - 12; JOHNSTOWN - 2 (GAME 1)
Behind the strong pitching of Tim Patterson, and the timely hitting of Chuck LaRue, Steven Kidwell, Kevin Sharrock, Josh Sayre and Ethan Bode, the Bulldogs scored a 5-inning win over the visiting Johnnies. Patterson picked up his first varsity pitching victory, scattering 5 hits, walking only 1, and striking out 3 Johnnie hitters. LaRue, Kidwell, Sharrock each banged out 3 hits, and Kidwell, Sharrock and Sayre knocked in 3 runs apiece. LaRue and Sharrock each doubled twice, and Bode also added a double for the Dogs. Josh Sayre slugged a 3-run home run in the 3rd inning to put the game out of reach for the Bulldogs (4-0; 0-0).
Saturday, April 5
HEATH - 8; JOHNSTOWN - 2 (GAME 2)
Another stellar pitching performance, this time by Freshman Cole Benner sparked the Bulldogs to a sweep of the Johnnies in game 2. Benner scattered 8 hits and struck out 3 as he also gained the first varsity pitching victory of his career. Jordan Maier supported Benner's effort by slamming out 4 hits, half of the Bulldog team total, while batting in 3 runs. Benner also added a double for the only Heath extra-base hit of the game. Steven Kidwell (2), and Chuck LaRue (1) had RBI's for the Dogs (5-0; 0-0).
Monday, April 7
HEATH - 13; COLUMBUS ACADEMY - 2
The Bulldogs banged out 13 hits to back up an 11-strikeout pitching performance by Alex VanDine in downing the Vikings in the MSL-Ohio opener. Jordan Maier posted a 3 for 5 night at the plate, and Nick Jones, Chuck LaRue, Kevin Sharrock and Cole Anders collected 2 hits apiece to lead the Bulldog offense. Steven Kidwell doubled, and Sharrock doubled and hit a booming sixth-inning home run to account for Heath's extra-base hits. Kevin Sharrock's drove in 4 Bulldog runs. Alex VanDine won his second game of the season, scattering 6 hits, and not walking a batter. The Bulldogs' season record now stands at 6-0 overall, 1-0 in the MSL-Ohio.
Wednesday, April 9
HEATH - 11; GRANVILLE - 8
The Bulldogs erupted for 10 runs in the 5th inning for a big come-from-behind MSL-Ohio win over the visiting Blue Aces. Nick Jones' 3-run home run in the 5th provided what proved to be the winning margin. Jones had a huge night at the plate for the Dogs with 2 hits, 3 runs scored, and 3 RBI. Kevin Sharrock and Cole Benner also collected 2 hits apiece for the Bulldogs. Chuck LaRue drove in 2 Bulldog runs, and winning pitcher Steven Kidwell, Sharrock, Cole Anders, Alex VanDine, and Benner each contributed 1 RBI to the Heath offense. Kidwell pitched out of several tight situations to pick up his second mound win of the year, and Alex VanDine pitched a perfect 7th inning to collect his first save of the season for the Dogs (7-0; 2-0).
Friday, April 11
HEATH - 6; NEWARK CATHOLIC - 2
The Bulldogs jumped out to a quick 3-run lead in the 2nd inning, and gained a big MSL-Ohio win over the Green Wave on the road. Alex VanDine was masterful on the mound for the Dogs, scattering 8 hits, while striking out 6 NC hitters to gain his 3rd pitching victory of the season. Josh Sayre got the Bulldogs on the board in the 2nd inning with a huge 2-out, 3-run home run, and Chuck LaRue added a 2-run, 5th inning home run to pace the Heath offense. Jordan Maier doubled twice and drove in a run, and Alex VanDine help his cause by doubling in the 2nd, and scoring on Sayre's blast. Steven Kidwell also added a hit to the Heath total. The Bulldogs season record now stands at 8-0; 3-0 MSL-Ohio.
Saturday, April 12
HEATH - 6; GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS - 3 (GAME 1)
The Bulldogs traveled to Chillicothe's V.A. Stadium for a 3-way DH, and downed the Bobcats 6-3 in the opener. Trey Matthews ran his mound record to 2-0 by scattering 4 hits and walking only 2 Grandview hitters. Chuck LaRue, Josh Sayre and Nick Jones each doubled for the Dogs big hits of the game. LaRue and Kevin Sharrock had 2 hits each, and Jones collected 3 hits to lead the Heath offense. Jones, Jordan Maier, LaRue, Steven Kidwell, Sharrock and Cole Anders each contributed an RBI for the Dogs, who upped their season record to 9-0.
Saturday, April 12
ROSS SOUTHEASTERN - 7; HEATH - 3 (GAME 2)
The Bulldogs couldn't get it done on the mound or at the plate as they suffered their first setback of the 2008 season, falling to the Panthers in the nightcap of the V.A. Stadium DH. Nick Jones once again led the Dogs at the plate with 3 hits, including a double, the only Heath extra-base hit of the game. Cole Anders added 2 hits to the Bulldogs offense, and Kevin Sharrock collected the only other Bulldog safety. Chuck LaRue, Alex VanDine and Josh Sayre each drove in a run for the Dogs, 9-1; 3-0. Cole Benner took the mound loss for the Dogs.
Monday, April 14
HEATH - 7; LICKING VALLEY - 5
The Bulldogs downed the undefeated Panthers in a hard-fought MSL-Ohio contest. Nick Jones and Kevin Sharrock each doubled and drove in 2 runs, and Jordan Maier had 2 hits, including a double and drove in an important Bulldog run. Chuck LaRue added a hit and an RBI, and Josh Sayre chipped in with one hit for the Dogs. Steven Kidwell yielded only 3 hits and struck out 6 in a stellar performance on the mound, which saw him up his record to 2-0 on the season. Alex VanDine provided crucial relief help in the 7th inning to pick up his first save of the season for the Bulldogs (10-1; 4-0)
Wednesday, April 16
HEATH - 16; WHITEHALL - 2
Nick Jones slugged out 4 hits, including a triple, and Alex VanDine also smacked 4 hits, including 2 doubles as the Bulldogs scored in nearly every inning in picking up a MSL-Ohio victory over the Rams in Whitehall. Chuck LaRue collected 3 hits, including a pair of doubles, and knocked in 5 runs, and Jordan Maier, Kevin Sharrock and Cole Anders each added 2 hits to the Heath offense. One of Maier's hits was a double, which accounted for the Dogs other extra-base hit. Trey Matthews strong mound outing picked up win number 4 for him on the season, as he gave up only 3 hits and walked only one Ram hitter.
Thursday, April 17
HEATH - 7; NORTHRIDGE - 1
The Bulldogs topped the Vikings in a hard-fought non-league contest at Northridge. Freshman Cole Benner went the distance on the mound to gain his second pitching victory of the season, while scattering 5 hits, striking out 4 and walking only 2 Viking hitters. Leading the Bulldog hitters were Chuck LaRue and Cole Anders with 2 hits apiece, and Nick Jones, Steven Kidwell, Kevin Sharrock, Josh Sayre and Benner who each added one hit each. Kidwell's double was the only extra-base hit of the game for the Bulldogs (12-1; 5-0).
Friday, April 18
HEATH - 5; LAKEWOOD - 1
The Bulldogs slammed 3 home runs to back up a stellar pitching performance by Alex VanDine in picking up a big win over longtime rival Lakewood in an important MSL-Ohio contest. Solo homers by Cole Anders and Chuck LaRue, and a 2-run blast by Steven Kidwell accounted for most of the Bulldog offense. Kevin Sharrock added an RBI to the Dogs total. LaRue led the hitting totals with 3 hits in 3 times at bat, while Jordan Maier and Kidwell added 2 safeties apiece. Alex VanDine also added a hit to complete the hitting for the Dogs. VanDine struck out 5 and walked only 2 Lancer hitters to improve his pitching record to 4-0 for the Bulldogs (13-1; 6-0)
Monday, April 21
HEATH - 5; BEXLEY - 4
Freshman Cole Benner's dramatic game-winning hit with two out in the 8th inning lifted the Bulldogs to a 5-4 come-from-behind victory over the Bexley Lions, keeping the Dogs on top of the MSL-Ohio Division with a 7-0 record. Jordan Maier had a huge day at the plate, with 3 doubles in 3 at-bats, and tied the game in the bottom of the 7th inning, with his third double. Nick Jones had two hits, including a double, and relief pitcher Trey Matthews picked up a crucial hit to keep the Bulldog rally alive in the 8th inning. Matthews also picked up the pitching win, his fourth of the year for the Bulldogs, with one perfect inning of relief in the 8th. Steven Kidwell threw 7 strong innings for the Dogs before Matthews took over for the last inning. The Bulldogs now stand at 14-1 overall, to go with their 7-0 MSL-Ohio mark.
Wednesday, April 23
HEATH - 5; COLUMBUS ACADEMY - 0
Alex VanDine was masterful on the mound for the Bulldogs as they downed the Academy Vikings to go 8-0 in the MSL-Ohio. VanDine struck out 14, didn't walk a batter and scattered 3 Academy hits to extend his pitching mark to 5-0 on the season. The Dogs were able to manage only 3 hits off of Viking pitchers, an RBI double and a single by Nick Jones, and an RBI double by Jordan Maier. Jones scored 3 runs to spark the Bulldogs' offense, as they upped their season record to 15-1 overall.
Friday, April 25
HEATH - 10; GRANVILLE - 6
A 7-run 7th inning rally propelled the Bulldogs to a dramatic come-from-behind victory over the Blue Aces in a crucial MSL-Ohio contest at Granville. Leading the Bulldog offense were Nick Jones with 3 hits, with Chuck LaRue, Steven Kidwell, Kevin Sharrock and Josh Sayre adding 2 hits apiece. Steven Kidwell slugged 2 doubles, and LaRue, Jordan Maier, Cole Anders, and Cole Benner had one double each to accout for the Dogs' extra-base hits. Pitcher Steven Kidwell yielded only 5 hits, and struck out 3 Granville hitters to pick up his 4th mound win of the season, receiving strong relief help from Alex VanDine to close out the win. The win improves the Bulldogs MSL-Ohio record to a perfect 9-0, while upping their overall mark to 16-1.
Saturday, April 26
HEATH - 9; RIDGEWOOD - 6 (GAME 1)
The Dogs jumped out to a quick start with a pair of 2-run, 1st inning home runs by Chuck LaRue and Kevin Sharrock as they topped the visiting Generals in game one of the final doubleheader of the season. LaRue added a solo home run in the 3rd inning, as he paced the Heath offense with 3 hits and 4 RBI. Nick Jones, Steven Kidwell and Alex VanDine added 2 hits apiece for the Dogs. Cole Anders' double accounted for the Bulldogs' only other extra-base hit of the game. Cole Benner pitched 6 innings to win his 3rd game of the season, and Trey Matthews gained a save with a strong 7th inning of relief work for the Bulldogs (17-1; 9-0).
Saturday, April 26
HEATH - 12; RIDGEWOOD - 7 (GAME 2)
The Bulldogs completed the sweep of the Generals with a 12-7 victory in the nightcap, led by Nick Jones' 3 hits, and 3 runs scored. Jordan Maier, Kevin Sharrock and Cole Anders chipped in with 2 hits apiece, and Josh Sayre doubled and drove in 3 runs, while Jones and Maier also doubled for the Dogs. Cole Anders pitched 5 innings to collect his first mound win of the season, with help from a strong, 2-inning relief stint by Tim Patterson for the Bulldogs (18-1; 9-0).
Monday, April 28
NEWARK CATHOLIC - 4; HEATH - 1
Nine stranded runners and 4 big errors spelled trouble for the Bulldogs as they dropped their first MSL-Ohio game of the season. The Dogs collected 6 hits, including doubles by Jordan Maier and Chuck LaRue, and an RBI single by Josh Sayre, but were unable to put together many threats against a strong Green Wave pitching performance. Alex VanDine suffered his first mound loss of the season as the Bulldogs' season record slipped to 18-2 overall, and 9-1 in the MSL-0hio.
Tuesday, April 29
HEATH - 8; WHITEHALL - 2
The Bulldogs topped the Rams behind the steady pitching of Trey Matthews, who ran his season pitching mark to 5-0. Chuck LaRue and Cole Anders slammed out doubles, and Jordan Maier and LaRue each drove in 2 runs to lead the Heath offense. LaRue collected 2 hits, and Nick Jones, Maier, Steven Kidwell, Kevin Sharrock and Josh Sayre added one hit apiece for the Dogs, who upped their season record to 19-2, 10-1 in the MSL-Ohio.
Wednesday, April 30
LICKING VALLEY - 10; HEATH - 0
Seven walks, two hit batters and ten hits yielded by Heath pitchers dug the Bulldogs a hole they couldn't get out of, as the Panthers dominated this crucial MSL-Ohio contest to climb into a tie with the Dogs in the league race. The Bulldogs (19-3; 10-2) managed only 2 hits, singles by Jordan Maier and Josh Sayre.
Thursday, May 1
HEATH - 11; NEW LEXINGTON - 6
The Bulldogs reached the first of their traditional season team goals, picking up their 20th win of the 2008 season by topping the MVL league-leading Panthers in an 11-6 shootout. Freshman Cole Benner won his fourth game of the season on the mound for the Dogs, and Chuck LaRue and Benner paced the offense by slamming out 2 hits apiece. Nick Jones, Jordan Maier, Kevin Sharrock, Tim Patterson and Josh Sayre also added a hit to the Heath offensive totals. LaRue, Sharrock and Sayre took care of the clutch hitting for the Dogs (20-3; 10-2) by driving in two runs each.
Monday, May 5
HEATH - 8; LAKEWOOD - 4
The Bulldogs outlasted the Lancers in an MSL-Ohio slugfest to remain tied for the league lead. Josh Sayre paced the Dogs at the plate with 2 hits and an RBI, and Chuck LaRue supplied the power with a 2-run home run in the 3rd inning. Nick Jones, Jordan Maier, Kevin Sharrock, Steven Kidwell and Alex VanDine each added one hit to the Bulldog offensive totals. Jones, VanDine and Kidwell pounded out doubles for the Dogs' other extra-base hits. VanDine won his sixth game of the year on the mound for the Bulldogs, who now stand at 11-2 in the MSL-Ohio Division, and 21-3 overall.
Wednesday, May 7
BEXLEY - 11; HEATH - 5
A Nick Jones home run and a double by Jordan Maier were the only bright spots for the Bulldogs as they were dumped by the Lions in the 2008 MSL-Ohio finale. Jones collected 3 hits, and Maier and Cole Anders added 2 each for the Dogs, who captured the league crown, despite the loss, with an 11-3 MSL record. The Bulldogs now stand at 21-4 on the season.
Tuesday, May 13
HEATH - 10; FREDRICKTOWN - 8
The Bulldogs ended the regular season with a stunning come-from-behind victory over the tough Freddies. The Dogs scored 8 runs in the top of the 7th inning to gain their 22nd victory of the season against only 4 losses. Cole Anders' mammoth home run, and Jordan Maier's double were the only extra-base hits for the Dogs, who were also helped out offensively by Nick Jones' 3 hits, and by Steven Kidwell who added 2 hits to the Heath total. Trey Matthews scattered 4 hits to pick up his 6th mound victory of the season for the Bulldogs.
Thursday, May 15
HEATH - 9; NORTHRIDGE - 0 (SECTIONAL TOURNAMENT)
The top-seeded Bulldogs posted a solid victory over a dangerous Viking club behind the standout pitching of Alex VanDine, who posted his 7th win of the season. VanDine limited Northridge to only 5 hits, didn't walk a batter, and struck out 9 as he tossed his 2nd shutout and 8th complete game of the season. VanDine also had a big night at the plate for the Dogs with 3 hits, including a double. Jordan Maier clubbed out 2 doubles, and Cole Anders and Kevin Sharrock each added a double to pace the Bulldogs offense. Nick Jones, Maier and Anders each collected 2 hits for the Dogs, who move on to District tournament play with a 23-4 record.
Tuesday, May 20
HEATH - 12; FAIRBANKS - 9 (DISTRICT SEMI-FINALS)
The Bulldogs open Central District tournament play with a 12-9 win over a never-say-die Fairbanks club. The Dogs opened a 7-0 lead, but had a fight to hang on to advance to the District finals. Relief pitcher Trey Matthews' triple, and doubles by Josh Sayre, starting pitcher Steven Kidwell, and Jordan Maier were the extra-base hits that paced the Bulldog offense. Maier and Chuck LaRue each collected 3 hits, and Cole Anders, Kidwell and Sayre added 2 hits apiece to the Dogs' total. The Dogs (24-4) advance the finals to face old rival Bishop Hartley for the right to advance to regional play.
Thursday, May 22
HEATH - 5; BISHOP HARTLEY - 3 (DISTRICT FINALS)
The Bulldogs gained the third of their traditional season goals, and the Central District Div. III championship with a hard-fought win over a tough Hawks club. Jordan Maier's 2-run single in the bottom of the 6th inning provided the winning margin, and enabled the Bulldogs to win their 5th district title. Maier, Chuck LaRue, Cole Anders and Cole Benner, with 2 hits apiece, accounted for all 8 Bulldog hits. Anders' RBI double in the 5th was the only extra-base hit of the game for the Dogs. Alex VanDine went the distance to pick up his 8th pitching victory of the season for the Bulldogs (25-4), who advance to regional play at Wright State University.
Thursday, May 29
HEATH - 2; CINCINNATI HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (REGIONAL SEMI-FINALS)
The Bulldogs pull out a heart-stopping, 9-inning marathon when Ethan Bode scored on a wild pitch and error in the bottom of the 9th against the #2 state-ranked Eagles. Jordan Maier's double was the only Bulldog hit of the game. Another incredible pitching effort by Alex VanDine enabled the Dogs to advance to the finals, as he went the distance, giving up only 5 hits while striking out 8, picking up his 9th mound victory of the season for the Bulldogs (26-4).
Friday, May 30
HAMILTON BADIN - 4; HEATH - 3 (REGIONAL FINALS)
The Bulldogs come within 2 outs of making their fourth trip to the final four, but a tough Badin nine scored twice in the bottom of the 7th, and the winning run in the 8th to end the 2008 season for the Dogs. Chuck LaRue's 3 hits, and Cole Anders' 2 hits and 3 RBI were the offensive bright spots for the Bulldogs. Anders' first inning double was the only extra-base hit of the game for the Dogs, who finish the season at 26-5.
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