Liberty ends the Broncos chances for playoffs

Saturday, April 25, the Broncos hosted a doubleheader against Liberty, which ended with one loss and one win for the Broncos.

The loss of the first of the two games confirmed playoffs would be unobtainable for the Broncos after taking two losses earlier in the week to the Davenport Gorillas.

The Liberty Lancers humbled the Broncos in the first game winning 16-4 in the sixth inning.

The Lancers pitched hard enough for the young Broncos to struggle with bat speed, which made it hard to score against.

In the second game against Liberty, the Broncos bounced back and won 13-11.

With the pressure off for districts, the Broncos played very well and coaches were able to move players around.

Cort Ruzicka played shortstop for the first time in a game and did very well with a double play and numerous assists.

With an injury to the regular Broncos catcher, Damien Rouleau, Matt Leffel volunteered to catch for the game. With no prior practice in the position Leffel proved his athleticism and picked up the position quickly and did very well.

Easton Nelson started on the mound and pitched through the fifth inning. Throwing over 100 pitches in the game, Nelson has shown more endurance and strength as the season has progressed.

Camden Smith, a freshman, took the mound with soft but effective pitching.

Head coach Jason Aldrich was happy to get playing time for Smith on the mound as he shows great potential to be a strong pitcher. Aldrich is looking forward to strengthening the young player for future seasons.

Colin Sheffels nearly hit through the cycle during the second game with six RBI’s, a double, triple and homerun for the Broncos.

The Broncos honored the seniors after the doubleheader and played their final games of the season April 28 with results to be printed later.

Though the season will come to an end without advancing to districts, the coaches are proud of their young team and are looking forward to next season and more practice.