JH Baseball Currently Stands 7-0

By Wayne Haskovec
 Week two of the game schedule kicked in but unfortunately, we lost a few games due to the rain that soaked most of Iowa this past week. Even with the wet conditions, the Pirates were able to move to 7-0 overall. The Pirates swept Union LaPorte City early in the week. To finish the week, the Pirates would go on to defeat the Rebels in a game that was cut short due to lightning.  
As mentioned in last week’s article, the focus for this year is utilizing our pitchers in the best possible scenario. We have had 11 different pitchers throw from the mound in the first two weeks of games on our schedule. The busiest part of our schedule will be the last in two weeks where the Pirates play 9 games in 11 days. Our schedule had us playing just two games less than the varsity, with two weeks less time to get them in. Ironically, the rain, which has been persistent pain in getting games in, has helped us manage our pitchers' arms.  

After getting rained out at Oelwein, the Pirates battled the intense humidity in a sweep over Union, a familiar conference foe. The Pirates sealed the deal in 4 innings 13-2, following an outstanding performance from the mound by Myles Jensen and Beckett Hansen. Josh Culham led the Pirates with a solo moon shot over the left center field wall. The home run by Josh marked the 3rd Pirate home run of the season. Also getting hits on the day were Jace Rhoades, Davis Germaine, Brady Strouth, Isaac Peterson, Dylan Rhymer, and Knox Griffin. Lukah Bergmeier and Brock Gunnarson also helped from both sides of the plate with outstanding performances.  

In game two against Union, the Pirates rode the arms of Sebastian Perez and Cole Curley. The Pirates would go on to win 9-0 in a shortened three-inning game. Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of the host team. Sometimes we play 3-run rule, 4-run rule, or even 5-run rule per inning. Each team that hosts can sometimes have different rules. There are NICL rules, but we find that many teams follow their own rules. So, we adjust and play by ear when it comes to specifics in those types of situations. The shortened game did not stop the aggressive Pirate attack as Rocco Thompson, Reed Reams, Sebastian Perez, Edward Richard, and Liam Newkirk notched hits on the day. Cooper Warnell, Kevin Hayes, Liam Ball, Bryce King, and Kinnick Annis continued to help the Pirates defensively, locking up the 7th grade’s third win on the season. 

After a soggy mid-week storm, the Pirates were only able to get through a 3-inning game with Gladbrook-Reinbeck last Thursday. The Pirates would finish with an 11-1  win in just three innings of play. The Pirates were led by a fine pitching performance from Jace Rhoades. Dylan Rhymer, Brady Strouth, Davis Germaine, Jace Kuker, and Beckett Hansen led the offensive attack. Myles Jensen, who has played behind the plate as one of our catchers, continues to play outstanding defense in left field. Isaac Peterson has also been someone we have been able to lean on in center field, snatching every ball hit his way.  

The Pirates were unable to host Wapsie Valley last Friday due to soggy conditions. It was very unfortunate because it ended up being a beautiful day. Unfortunately, you can only do so much when the left side of the infield is covered in an inch of water (most of it in the form of mud). We had no quick dry at our disposal and with the weather cooling off, we could not play.

 
The Pirates kick off this week with two road trips to Columbus and Sumner-Fredericksburg. The Pirates follow up their road trips with two home games against Denver and Grundy Center.