GODFREY — A close Southwestern Conference battle at Alton High School turned not-so-close quickly Thursday, thanks to three Belleville East home runs.
With the game scoreless after four innings, East (24-10) erupted for three runs in the last two innings, thanks in part to homers from Izaiah Hitt, Drew Millas and Jordan Yates.
Hitt led the way for East (24-10). He clouted a solo homer in the fifth and drove in three runs on the day. Millas had a pair of RBIs, as did Yates.
Alton countered with solo runs in the sixth and seventh, but could get no closer.
Rob Taul and Jacob Kanallaan paced the Redbirds. Kanallakan was 2 for 3 with an RBI and Taul was 2 for 4. Steven Ngyyen had the other RBI for the Redbirds, who dropped to 21-12. Tyler Moxey and Taul scored the Redbirds’ runs.
Jacob St. Peters took the loss for the Redbirds. He worked the first 5-1/3 innings, struck out seven and walked one. He gave up nine hits and four earned runs. Max Hunter relieved in the sixth inning and Devin Colley pitched the seventh.
East’s Cody Freppon got the win on the mound. He worked 6-1.3 innings, struck out four, walked four and scattered six hits.
Earlier this season, the Redbirds won a 6-1 decision March 31 in Belleville.
Alton is scheduled to finish its regular season schedule at 4:30 p.m. Friday against Collinsville at Fletcher Field.
Report results to telegraphsports@hotmail.com
