Ian Ross, Moniteau baseball hoping lessons learned against Clarion pay off in hopes of District 9 run

April 13, 2026 Last Updated: April 13, 2026 10:49 PM Sports

Moniteau senior Ian Ross (1) fires a pitch against Clarion in a baseball game Monday, April 13, 2026, at Slippery Rock University's Critchfield Park. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy

SLIPPERY ROCK — Ian Ross could’ve walked out of Slippery Rock University’s Critchfield Park hanging his head Monday night.

As could his Moniteau baseball teammates, after the remainder of their matchup with Clarion was postponed due to lightning in the top of the sixth inning.

The Warriors trailed 6-0, but Ross believes there are lessons to be applied.

“I take a lot more out of the games like this than the games that we win by a lot,” said Ross, a senior second baseman. “The games we win by a lot, it’s just kind of having fun. … But the games like this, it shows a baseball team (its identity).”

Moniteau (3-3) fell behind early, as the visitors tagged them for four runs in the top of the first inning.

Warriors pitcher Kayne Scott issued two one-out walks in a row before hitting Wyatt Watterson in the head with a pitch. Billy Kahle grounded into a fielder’s choice that pushed across Hayden Weber.

A pair of errors permitted the Bobcats to add three more onto the scoreboard before Scott induced a fly out.

“That happens, but we’ve just gotta push it behind us,” Ross said. “We’ve gotta make sure it’s behind us and make sure we don’t get bothered by it … and worry about it the whole time.”

Clarion (2-2) tacked two more on in the top of the third, using Carter Hindman’s RBI single and Evan Kriebel’s sacrifice bunt.

Moniteau's Carson Minnear (12) tags a Clarion runner out in a baseball game Monday, April 13, 2026, at Slippery Rock University's Critchfield Park. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy

Scott wound up going four innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs. Moniteau managed just three hits by Carson Minnear, Dawson Cook and Brennan Kelly.

“I think we did keep our energy throughout the whole game,” Ross said. “Everybody was fighting the whole time. Yeah, it’s baseball. The game doesn’t go our way every game, so you can’t complain about umpiring or bad hits.

“You can’t complain about any of that. You’ve gotta keep battling.”

Ross admitted he got ahead of himself at the plate against the Bobcats. Even after such a team performance, he believes the Warriors are destined for big things.

“Obviously, it’s still early, and this doesn’t show well, but I think we are very capable of winning the whole (District 9) this year,” Ross said. “If we put our heads down, I know we can do it.”

Clarion 402 00 — 6 6 0

Moniteau 000 00 — 0 3 3

Clarion: Dylan Smail 5IP (2K, 3BB); Moniteau: Kayne Thompson 4IP (1K, 2BB)

Clarion: Dylan Smail 1B, Hayden Weber 1B R, Wyatt Watterson R, Billy Kahle RBI R, Parker Miller 3B 1B 2R, Carter Hindman 1B RBI R

Moniteau: Carson Minnear 1B, Dawson Cook 1B, Brennan Kelly 1B

Tuesday: Moniteau at Brookville

Moniteau senior Ian Ross (1) fires a pitch against Clarion in a baseball game Monday, April 13, 2026, at Slippery Rock University's Critchfield Park. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy

Moniteau's Carson Minnear (12) throws the ball to first base in a baseball game against Clarion on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Slippery Rock University's Critchfield Park. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy

Moniteau's Dawson Cook (4) turns a double play against Clarion in a baseball game Monday, April 13, 2026, at Slippery Rock University's Critchfield Park. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy

Moniteau's Carson Minnear (12) tags a Clarion runner out in a baseball game Monday, April 13, 2026, at Slippery Rock University's Critchfield Park. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy

Moniteau pitcher Ian Ross (1) celebrates with first baseman Kameron Hershey (21) in a baseball game against Clarion on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Slippery Rock University's Critchfield Park. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy

Moniteau first baseman Kameron Hershey (21) catches a throw from pitcher Kayne Scott (6) for an out in a baseball game against Clarion on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Slippery Rock University's Critchfield Park. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy