WHARTON — The Van Bulldogs have played 17 games this season. Unfortunately, due to weather, 13 games have been cancelled. Even more unfortunate for the Bulldogs, eight of the 13 games that have been cancelled were home games, leaving them having played only two games at the Van High School baseball complex in the 2009 season. “It’s sad that the boys only got to play a couple games on their home field,” Van coach Steve Price said. “It’s been such a wet season that we’re lucky to even get games in, no matter where they’re played.”

MAN 12, Van 5

The Bulldogs only trailed 7-5 entering the sixth inning, but the proverbial wheels fell off as the Hillbillies scored five runs in the inning to take a 12-5 lead and eventually win the game. “We had the same problems we have been having all season,” Price said. “We made too many errors and walked 11 batters. You can’t win with stats like that.” Junior Casey Harris led the Bulldogs in hitting with two hits and one RBI. Senior Victor Niemec added a hit and two RBI. Senior Derek Jones also added a hit and two RBI. Junior Loren Harshbarger added a double. Freshman Matt Doss added a hit. Doss went five innings for the Bulldogs, giving up three earned runs and striking out two. Harshbarger pitched the final inning, giving up four earned runs while striking out three and walking six.

Valley-Fayette 15, Van 5 (5 innings)

Defensive woes once again got the best of the Bulldogs. The pitching staff gave up seven runs in the first inning with the help of six Van errors. “We didn’t come to play ball Saturday,” Price said. “We came out, went three up three down, and then gave them seven runs in the bottom of the inning.” Freshman Tyler Gunnoe led the Bulldogs in hitting with a pair of base hits, also adding two RBI. Victor Niemec added a hit and two runs scored. Junior Colton Legg added a hit and one RBI. Derek Jones recorded a hit. The Bulldogs opened up the sectional tournament on Tuesday against Charleston Catholic. Results for the complete sectional tournament will be published in next week’s edition. The two teams are scheduled to play on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday if needed. “They have a good squad,” Price said of the Irish. “They return eight starters from a state tournament team, so we are going to have to be on top of our game to pull off a win.”