Notre Dame baseball team routs Scott City 11-0

Notre Dame scored eight runs over the final two innings to break open a tight game as the Bulldogs defeated host Scott City 11-0 on Tuesday.

The Rams trailed 3-0 after five innings before the Bulldogs sealed their 15th victory with five runs in the sixth.

"You know, 3-0 going into the sixth and a good team finally broke out, capitalized on some errors, got a few good hits," Scott City coach Lance Amick said.

Notre Dame first baseman Matt Westrich started off the sixth inning with a double to left field off Rams starting pitcher Ryan Brock. Brock recorded an out before hitting Notre Dame pitcher Justin Landewee with a pitch and walking center fielder Chase Urhahn. Third baseman Luke Haines and catcher Chase Simmons followed with back-to-back singles.

"We played sound defense for some stretches, which has been our Achilles' heel all year," Amick said. "We had some decent plays there a few times and some balls that may not look like they're anything special, but we've had trouble fielding them so far.

Notre Dame starter Justin Landewee throws to a Scott City batter during the fifth inning Tuesday in Scott City. Landewee allowed three hits over six scoreless innings. (Fred Lynch)

"We still had our handful of errors, but Ryan threw the ball pretty well, located his fastball a little bit, curveball for a strike, but again, when you're facing some good hitters they're eventually going to get to you, and the sixth inning they got to him, so you move on and live to fight another day."

Brock, who recorded the loss, was relieved after 5 1/3 innings by Brett Dirnberger. Brock gave up seven hits, had four strikeouts and walked four batters.

Notre Dame (15-2) was able to add three more in the seventh inning. Dirnberger walked three batters in the inning and gave up one hit. Scott City (7-5) also committed an error.

"We did a good job in the last inning. The kid was out there struggling, and getting on base -- that's what we talk about," Notre Dame coach Jeff Graviett said. "It's more important to get baserunners because before they can drive them in you've got to have people on base, so [the players] did a good job of staying patient there towards the end."

Landewee earned the win for the Bulldogs. He pitched six innings, giving up no runs on three hits. He struck out six batters and walked one.

"He's been doing that all year for us," Graviett said about Landewee. "He's a battler. He goes out there and comes right at people, a good mixture of stuff, has a plan ---- just really turning into that bonafide ace for us."

Urhahn and Haines both had two hits and three RBIs. Urhahn had a triple in the third inning to drive in a run, and Haines followed with an RBI double. Right fielder Cody DeBrock and Simmons both added an RBI for Notre Dame.

"We struggled earlier with the bats and we're starting to come around now -- getting some big hits in key situations -- and it really helped me out today getting the victory," Landewee said.

Amick credited Landewee's breaking ball for keeping the Scott City batters off balance. Dirnberger, third baseman Levi Petitt and first baseman Jon McFall accounted for the Rams' hits.

"Against good pitching, you're not going to get a lot of hard hit balls -- home runs, doubles triples -- you've got to put the ball in play and make the defense make the plays," Amick said. "And like I said, you tip your hat, Notre Dame did that. That's why they're good.

"That's one positive that you can take away. We had some good approaches there at the plate, put the ball in play, and we did make a few more plays than we did all year long."

The Bulldogs return to action this weekend when they host the Notre Dame Showcase. Notre Dame will play Triad (Ill.) on Friday, then face Jefferson City Helias and MICDS on Saturday. Dexter and Oran also will participate in the event.

"We've got some really good competition coming up to Notre Dame so we'll be ready," Landewee said.

Scott City returns to action Monday against Woodland.

Notre Dame 102 005 3 -- 11 8 1

Scott City 000 000 0 -- 0 3 3

WP -- Justin Landewee. LP -- Ryan Brock. 3B -- Chase Urhahn (ND). 2B -- Luke Haines (ND), Matt Westrich (ND). Multiple hits: ND – Urhahn 2-3, Haines 2-3. Records: Notre Dame 15-2, Scott City 7-5.