Sports Writer

GOSHEN – Josh McCartha went 3-for-4 scored and drove in two runs as the Luverne Tigers scored nine runs in the top of the fifth to break open a close game as they defeated the Goshen High School Eagles 12-4 to spoil the home opener at Eagle Field Friday afternoon.

With the game scoreless in the top of the third, the Tigers drew first blood scoring two runs on a two out two RBI double to left center field off losing pitcher Brandon Nickolson bringing in Jeffery Hillburn and Rusty Tomlin to give Luverne a 2-0 edge.

In the bottom of the third, the Eagles rallied scoring three runs to take a one-run lead. After Matt Johnson led off with a single, Nickolson walk and Wesley Wright singled to load the bases with nobody out. The Eagles took advantage as Michael Hatten earned an RBI walk and Averick hit a RBI single to short left center field to the game at 2-2. One batter later, Mylo Jones hit into a double play bringing in Wright to cap the inning giving GHS a 3-2 lead.

The top of the fifth, however, was a disaster for the Eagles (1-6) as the Tigers (2-1) took advantage of four Goshen errors in the inning to take a commanding 11-3 advantage. The key blow was a two RBI single by McCartha bringing in Chad Bowen and Houston Lester giving the Tigers the lead for good.

The Eagles tacked on a run in the bottom of the seventh as Wright scored when Hatten reached on an error to cap the scoring.

Junior Jeffery Hillburn went 2-for-5 and scored three runs, while Tomlin scored two runs in the winning effort.

Rogers was 2-for-3 with one RBI, while Wright scored two runs for the Eagles in a losing cause. Nickolson and Johnson each had one hit for the Eagles.

Straughn 6 Goshen 0

On Thursday afternoon in Andalusia, the Straughn Tigers broke a close game open scoring five runs in the final two innings to upend the Eagles in the area opener for both teams.

The Eagles, who were hampered by lack of practice time this week due to rainy weather and exit exams, were limited to just single hits by Nickolson and Brandon Walters as Goshen was plagued by 11 strikeouts on the afternoon.

Goshen only trailed 1-0 in the bottom of the fifth until the Tigers broke it open scoring one run in the fifth and four in the sixth to provide the final margin.

The Eagles return to action this Monday afternoon for another area road game when they face the Red Level Tigers. The first pitch is set for 3:30 p.m. in Red Level.