Vandals win season-opener against Ramsey

VANDALIA – The Vandals made an offensive statement in a season-opening win against Ramsey.

The inexperienced pitching staff and defense may need a little time to catch up.

Vandalia scored consistently throughout the win against the Rams on Friday, but too many walks and errors allowed Ramsey to keep within striking distance in the 16-11 victory.

Coach Luke Hohlt said after the game that there were lessons to be learned, and that he believes the players who made mistakes today will grow from them as the season moves along.

Junior Carson Smith had the best day offensively for the Vandals (1-0), going 2-for-4, with five RBI. Included was a big two-run double in the fourth inning that put Vandalia ahead, 10-4.

Colin Ledbetter, a junior, had a double and scored three runs, and senior Leyton Godoyo earned the win from the mound and scored three times.

For Ramsey (0-2), junior Tristan Wesselman reached base in all five of his plate appearances, driving in three runs and scoring once.

Senior Tyler Pryor had three hits, and junior Tylor Knisley scored three times.

Vandalia returns to action on Saturday at a round-robin at St. Anthony. Cumberland will also play at the event.