Costigan’s three-hit night lifts Buckeye past Normandy, 4-2

Buckeye used an early response and a strong start from Jeff Costigan to beat Normandy 4-2 on Tuesday in a varsity baseball game at Buckeye High School. Costigan helped decide the game in multiple ways, collecting three hits at the plate and throwing a complete game on the mound as the Bucks turned a one-run deficit into a steady home win.

Normandy scored first in the top of the first inning when Peyton Wolf grounded out to bring home a run. Buckeye answered quickly in the bottom half. Costigan singled down the left-field line to drive in a run, then Tyler Heers added another on a fielder’s choice to put the Bucks in front 2-1.

The Invaders pulled even in the second inning at 2-2, with Colin Karlak’s sacrifice fly helping produce the tying run. Buckeye regained control in the bottom of the third, and Costigan was again in the middle of it. His RBI single brought home the go-ahead run and gave the Bucks a 3-2 lead.

Buckeye added an insurance run in the fifth. Costigan doubled as part of another productive inning, continuing a perfect day at the plate. He finished 3 for 3, with a single in the first, a single in the third and a double in the fifth, leading the offensive effort. Shane Metter and Zach Seeley also had multiple hits for the Bucks, who finished with seven hits.

Costigan’s work on the mound made the lead stand up. He allowed three hits and two runs, both unearned, over seven innings. He struck out four and walked two in a complete-game effort. Normandy starter Jensen Vargo went six innings, allowing seven hits and four runs, three earned, while striking out three and walking two.

Played at Buckeye High School on Tuesday, the win was built on timely hitting, clean answers after Normandy’s two scoring innings and a pitcher who controlled the game from start to finish. For Buckeye, the decisive stretch came with the first-inning answer and Costigan’s go-ahead RBI single in the third, enough support for a complete-game victory.