The Butler Grizzlies put themselves one step closer to Manhattan on Wednesday with a blowout 13-2 victory over the Coffeyville Red Ravens in the first round of the Region VI tournament at McDonald Stadium. The Grizzlies need just one more win in the best of three series to advance to Manhattan for the next round of the Region VI tournament next week.
The Grizzlies scored 11 unanswered runs after falling behind 2-1 in the third inning on a sunny day in El Dorado. Butler scored four runs in the fifth inning and eight runs in the sixth to turn the game into a comfortable blowout victory that finished in a 7-inning run-rule.
Cache Stone was the offensive star of the day as he hit two home runs and batted in five RBIs, including a three run home run in the sixth inning to break the game open. It was also a multi RBI day for Josh Holmes, as he put three runs across the board as the Grizzlies scored 13 runs on seven hits.
It was a dominating performance on the mound from starter Braxton Hyde, as he picked up the win, going six innings and allowing two runs on just three hits, stifling the Red Ravens to the tune of 12 strikeouts. Tanner Leslie came in on a relief outing and struck out two batters to put the final punchout tally at 14 batters.
The Grizzlies improve to 33-22 on the year and extend their winning streak to five games, they'll have the chance to close out the series on Thursday afternoon against the Ravens in game two of the series.
