By Cinthia Rico IDER – Last Thursday, Ider varsity baseball head coach Casey Gaddis reached a career milestone when he won his 100th career game, coaching his team in a 16-5 win over visiting Woodville.
“Today was special,” said Gaddis. “I’ve been here my whole life. I am 32, and I’ve always been an Ider Hornet.”
A 2010 Ider High School graduate, Gaddis has dedicated the last eight years to improving the Hornets program, and Thursday night it showed as his team battled and fought for the win against the Panthers.
“Says like today make the long days and the tough days a lot more special,” remarked Gaddis.
With a strong opening inning from both sides, the Woodville Panthers kicked off with three runs at the top of the first. Not to be outshined, the Ider Hornets got on board with three runs of their own thanks to a walk by Axl Williams and a groundout by Austin Cross.
Woodville took the lead in the second with a double by Ace Weaver.
In the bottom of the second, Ider’s Taylor Kidwell singled, and Brock Smith scored. On the following play, Cross and Williams scored on an error from right fielder Campbell. Landon Traylor followed up with a groundout, and Kidwell scored. Brian Bass then plated home on a Hayden Jackson single, making the score 9-5.
The Hornets added another run in the third when Cross scored on a steal of home, furthering Ider’s advantage to 10-5.
Ider’s offense raced out to an 11-run lead in the fourth inning while holding Woodville scoreless for the final two innings to seal coach Gaddis 100th career victory.
Reflecting on the last few years, Gaddis noted with enthusiasm and pride how far Ider has come. “I am excited for our guys,” he said. “Our field is in a lot better shape, and our resources are much better than when we started eight years ago, when we turned the program over.”
“We are hoping to continue this in the right way.”
Austin Cross started Ider off on the hill, surrendering two hits and three runs over two-thirds of an inning, striking out one and walking three.
Race McDowell earned the win for the Hornets on the mound, giving up one hit and no runs over two and two-thirds innings while striking out three and walking none.
Ider compiled a staggering 14 walks and accumulated 22 stolen bases, with Bass, Cross, Jackson, Smith, McDowell, and Williams each stealing multiple bases.
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