Union Grove blanks Grant Community 7-0 behind combined shutout
Union Grove used a three-run second inning to take control Wednesday and never let Grant Community back into the game, rolling to a 7-0 varsity baseball win at Union Grove High School behind a combined three-pitcher shutout.
The decisive stretch came early. The Broncos broke through in the bottom of the second when Drew Dinauer lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home the game’s first run. Dominic Pascucci followed with a single that drove in two more, giving Union Grove a 3-0 lead. The Broncos added four more runs in the third inning, extending the margin to 7-0 after Griffin Williams walked, Dylan Ashburn was hit by a pitch and Cooper Dye walked, each forcing in a run. Union Grove’s patient approach at the plate showed throughout the afternoon as the team drew eight walks.
Evan Northup set the tone on the mound and earned the win. The starter worked five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out eight and walking three. Grant Community could not generate sustained offense against him, and Union Grove’s defense backed him cleanly. The Broncos did not commit an error, turned one double play and got strong work behind the plate from Dinauer, who threw out two baserunners.
Jude Rogowski and Christian Kuiper handled the final two innings in relief, each delivering a scoreless frame to finish the shutout. Kuiper recorded the final out on a strikeout of Dollinger. Together, Northup, Rogowski and Kuiper combined to keep Grant Community off the scoreboard all day.
Pascucci led Union Grove offensively, going 2-for-4 and driving in two runs. Dye reached base repeatedly and drew a team-high three walks. The Broncos made the most of limited hit totals by staying disciplined, creating traffic and cashing in when chances appeared against Grant Community starter Hamm, who was charged with the loss after allowing six runs, three earned, on three hits over 2 2/3 innings.
The win gives Union Grove a crisp start to this stretch of the season, with the Broncos getting the kind of formula they will look to repeat: early production, sharp pitching and mistake-free defense.
