By Andrew Donofrio

Allied News Sports Correspondent

SLIPPERY ROCK — For the Slippery Rock Rockets last Friday was just one of those days.

It was like that bad day we’ve all had at work, when it seemed nothing right.

Though the Rockets hit the ball well, nearly every ball they put in play was snared by one of the Hickory Hornet fielders in the 9-1 Region 4AAA loss Friday at Slippery Rock High School.

After hitting three scorching line drives that were snagged by Hickory outfielders, Rocket shortstop Jess Badgett remarked, “I guess the only way for me to get a hit today is to put the ball over the fence.”

Coach Paul Malley said he consoled his shortstop following the game.

“I told Jess, ‘don’t ever feel bad when you get a hit on a bloop single, just remember what happened today.’”

“It was an odd game,” said Malley after his team registered only one hit in a 9-1 loss to the undefeated Hornets.

“We only had one hit, but we also only had one batter strike out. I’m not totally disappointed with how we played,” Malley said. “Hickory is an aggressive team. You’ve got to bring you’re A-game when you play a team like that.”

The Hornets, now 12-0 in the District 10 Region 6 and 16-0 overall, brought their A-game. Hickory starting pitcher Jordan Wilds kept the Rocket batters off balance the entire game. Wilds turned in a complete game one-hit performance and allowed just one run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Hickory stand-out, Jaymee Shephard, was 3-for-4 with a triple and three RBIs. Taylor Englebaugh was 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Englebaugh also hit a seventh inning homerun that stamped the Hornet victory.

“I think Slippery Rock hit some balls hard, but they were right at our guys. Jordan threw strikes, and that’s all we can ask of him.” Hickory coach Gary Hinkson said. “Jaymee Shephard has hit the ball well for us all year. I think he’s one of the top players in the region.”

Slippery Rock starter Joey Hemphill went the distance, allowing 12 hits and struck out five.