Bulldogs Battle for Another Undefeated Conference Record
By: Connor Mills
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ATHENS, Ohio – Domination of the TVC-Ohio continues for Athens Bulldogs Baseball.
Bulldogs (10-2) bested the Alexander Spartans (4-7) 10-0 in six innings of play behind another stellar performance from Nate Trainer.
Not only was it another great performance, but it was also the 31st straight game Athens has won in conference play. This streak has lasted for nearly three years and there have been no signs of it stopping anytime soon.
“We just have to be mentally focused and ready to play each game,” said head coach Todd Nuzum. “We got to come out here and knowing you have a target on your back, there is no let up and we have been good at it so far this year.”
Three Years, Two Coaches
Since 2017, when former Athens head coach Chris Stewart led the team to an undefeated conference season, the Bulldogs have remained perfect in conference under Nuzum.
Here in 2019, a lot of the success from the Bulldogs has come from their pitching.
Reece Wallace and Trainer have been locked in on the mound, pitching a combined three no-hitters: Two from Wallace and one for Trainer, who came close to throwing his second no-hit game against the Spartans.
“I think the biggest thing is that we all have an ability to pound the strike zone,” said Trainer. “We all throw a lot of strikes.”
Tuesday’s Game
The lone hit off of Trainer came in the third with a single from the number three batter in the Spartans lineup, Luke Chapman.
Trainer allowed only four base-runners to reach during the six innings. One hit, one walk, one hit by pitch and another reached on a fielder’s choice. When called upon to pitch, Trainer rises up to the challenge.
“We love the challenge,” he said. “Everyone is going to give us their best shot, that’s how we stay up. We know we have to go out and take care of business.”
The Bulldogs will continue to place their unbeaten conference record on the line against Vinton County tonight at 5 p.m.