The Charleston High School baseball team snapped its four-game losing streak with a 2-1 win against Robinson on Monday at Baker Field. 

The Trojans (6-11, 0-4) opened the scoring in the first inning.  

Sophomore Russ Applegate led off with a walk and stole second and third base and came home on a sacrifice fly by senior Luke Bonnstetter.  

The Maroons (9-7, 2-1) remained scoreless until the fourth inning when they loaded the bases, and a sacrifice fly hit by junior catcher Brody Baker tied the game.  

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Charleston loaded the bases, and Applegate hit a sacrifice fly to take the lead. 

The Trojans would hold on to the lead for the rest of the game. 

Junior starting pitcher Quinn Taylor pitched six innings allowing four hits and recording four strikeouts.  

“We needed a good quality start from one of our pitchers, we got that today,” Charleston head coach Daniel Bennett.  

Bonnstetter came in to close in the seventh without allowing a hit and recording a strikeout. 

“We needed some momentum going into this hard week,” Applegate said. 

Robinson sophomore starting pitcher Issac Hardiman pitched a complete game allowing two runs and recording two strikeouts.  
“I was really proud of our pitcher,” Robinson head coach Reggie Truitt said. “Pretty competitive in the zone and put it in play and we made plays and hung around.” 

Charleston only recorded three hits in the game with Robinson getting four. 

“I could have asked a little bit more from the sticks, but you know that’s baseball,” Bennett said. “Sometimes you don’t hit it.”  

The game was plagued by heavy winds throughout the game. Bennett said practice on the field helps the team in worse than normal scenarios. 

“The benefit of this field right here is we get wind almost every day,” Bennett said. “We’re used to outfielders take a lot of fly balls because we know it can do crazy things out here.” 

Apple said that knowing what to do before the game starts is key. 

“You got to try to put the ball low to the ground, and in the outfield, you just got to test it, and pregame warmups help with that,” Applegate said. 

Charleston’s next five games are on the road. 

“It’s going to be a test for us,” Bennett said. “We want to start getting things on the right track in order to be the best you got to beat those good teams. So, we’re up for the challenge.” 

The Trojans are set to face Altamont on Wednesday. First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m. 

 Jason Coulombe can be reached at 581-2812 or at jmcoulombe@eiu.edu.