A 10-run second-inning helped Independence erase an early deficit to beat visiting Harvey on Wednesday, 19-8.
The Blue Devils recorded a season-high 17 hits in the win.
“(That’s) the best offensive output we’ve had all year,” said Independence coach Mark Echstenkamper. “We had a lot of guys really square up the ball. We gave up more runs than I would like but I’m happy to see a number of guys who have struggled recently hit the ball hard.”
Harvey led 4-1 before the Blue Devils scored 10 runs on eight hits, two hit batsmen and a walk in the bottom of the second.
Owen Ramm finished 4-for-4 with four runs scored and two RBI.
“Before the game, I challenged myself to have a two-hit day,” Ramm said. “After I hit the home run my first at bat, I knew it was going to be a good day at the plate. Confidence was key for me today.”
Ramm’s solo shot in the first inning came on a 3-1 count and bounced off the scoreboard in right-center field.
“I knew the pitcher did not want to walk me, so I knew he had to throw a strike,” Ramm said. “The pitch was a fastball right down the middle. The ball came off the bat smooth and felt great; I could tell it was gone two steps out of the box.”
Kyle Stefanski finished 4-for-5 with four RBI while Jordan Mallernee, Andrew Teribery, and Kevin Mooney each finished with two hits for the Blue Devils.
Five Independence players doubled in the contest.
Zak Billings allowed three earned runs on four hits and struck out one in 2 2/3 innings of work to pick up his first pitching victory of the season.
