By Al Stover 

Broncos baseball sweeps doubleheader against NWC

 

Last updated 3/22/2018 at Noon

BRYCE KELLY slides into home during game one of the Broncos’ doubleheader against Northwest Christian on March 16. LRS swept the Crusaders, winning 9-0 and 11-1. -Journal photo by Al Stover

The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos baseball team captured the first two wins of the 2018 season after sweeping Northwest Christian in a nonleague doubleheader on March 16.

The Broncos defeated the Crusaders 9-0 in the first game and 11-1 in the second. The doubleheader was originally scheduled to take place in Colbert, but NWC’s field conditions resulted in the game being moved to Ritzville.

Prior to facing the Crusaders, the Broncos played in a jamboree in Connell on March 14. During the jamboree, the Broncos played three innings against Tri-Cities Prep and Connell.

Head Coach Jason Aldrich said the jamboree was an opportunity for the Broncos’ pitching staff to gain some time on the mound and keep them sharp.

For the doubleheader, Aldrich said NWC brought their entire JV lineup to Ritzville. He noted this was different than last year when the Crusaders had a split squad of varsity and JV players to play the Broncos.

Although LRS was facing a younger team with less baseball experience, Aldrich told the Broncos they needed to play their game, execute the offense and not underestimate their opponents.

In game one, the Broncos took the lead in the second inning after Garrett Frederick’s single brought Easton Nelson to home plate. LRS maintained the lead throughout the duration of the game, adding one run in the third inning and three runs in the fourth.

The Broncos secured the victory with one insurance run in the fifth inning and three more in the sixth.

Cole Cameron had three hits, including a double and two RBIs. Nelson was 2-for-3 at the plate with a double while Bryce Hansen was 2-for-4 with a double.

Frederick earned his first pitching win after throwing 62 pitches with six strikeouts, one walk and one hit. Aldrich said Frederick was starting to tire in the fourth inning and brought in Nelson, who stuck out four batters.

Aldrich was pleased with the Broncos’ infield during the first game, especially second baseman Bryce Kelly, who had five assists during the game.

The Broncos opened game two with a four-run lead in the first inning. LRS added three more runs in the second inning, followed by three runs in the fourth.

In the fifth inning, Carson Ayers hit an RBI single, boosting the Broncos to an 11-1 lead. LRS’ 10-run lead over the Crusaders forced the mercy rule to end the game after the fifth inning.

Hansen was 3-for-4 with a double while Kelly, Nelson and Eric Hayes also collected hits.

Hansen earned his first win on the mound after he pitched for three innings. Of his 54 pitches, Hansen had four strikeouts and no walks before Drew Kelly took over in the fourth inning.

Aldrich thought Drew Kelly, a freshman, performed well in his first game on the mound. After he walked the first batter, he secured the next three outs, then closed the game. He said it was good to see a freshman throw several strikes and have three assists.

He also thought the Broncos’ defense played well and batters were made good contact at the plate.

“The team still has some work to do in practice, but they are coming along,” Aldrich added.

LRS, who has a 2-1 overall record, hosted Connell’s JV squad in a league game on March 20. Aldrich said the game will be an opportunity to have the younger Broncos athletes earn some playing time on the field.

LRS will play Odessa in a league contest at home on March 22.

Aldrich said the Broncos will utilize a mix varsity and JV pitchers when they play Odessa.

 

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