The Spartans got off to a rough start as they beat Olive-Harvey College 14-4 in game 1 of the doubleheader at the Spartan Baseball Field on April 19.
The team got off to a rough start as they put out 0 runs in the 1st inning. Also, the defense committed two errors in that same inning.
In the bottom of the 2nd inning, the team starts to gain momentum as they put out 4 runs in that inning. In the same inning, infielder Andrew Flynn put out the first hit of the game.
In terms of pitching, pitcher Troy Petty got off to a good start as he shutout two batters in the first three innings. Unfortunately, he injured his right arm during the top of the 3rd inning so he had to leave the game.
For offense, the team put out three home runs in the game. First baseman/outfielder Patrick Nelson put out the first home run of the game in right center field in the bottom of the 2nd inning.
In the 3rd inning, outfielder Charlie Jury put out a grand slam which made it 8-3 Spartans. First baseman/catcher Jack Kerno put out the third home run of the game in the bottom of the 4th inning.
During postgame, coach Bill Angelo and first baseman/catcher Jack Kerno gave their thoughts on the game.
Coach Bill Angelo responded to a question regarding the team’s performance in that game. According to him, he said “We started off shaky in that 1st inning. We’re able to put some runs on the board and take control of the game”.
Also, he gave his thoughts on the possibility of the team finishing the season strong. He said “We definitely are going to. These guys are really playing good baseball. They’re playing together. Playing for each other”.
First baseman/catcher Jack Kerno gave his thoughts about the game. According to him, he said “We played well as a team. We struggled in the bottom of the 1st inning but then after that, we kinda started rolling as a team”.
He responded to a question regarding the windy conditions that the team played in this game. His response was “It plays to our advantage and disadvantage”.
Also, he explained the team’s strategy to put out 4 runs in the 2nd inning. According to him, he said “Actually, this is the inning where Pat hit a leadoff home run. That gained our momentum but after that, we started having long ABs, seeing pitches, trying to work counts up so the pitcher has to throw more pitches”.
Lastly, he gave an explanation on how the team stays focused after making errors. His response was “After making an error, just flush it. Don’t think about it and make the next play because the ball is gonna come back to you at some point”.
The team beats Olive-Harvey College 11-10 in game 2 of the doubleheader.
