Post Messenger Recorder -

The Belleville baseball team lost a nailbiter to Cambridge on Saturday, April 18, on the road. The final score of the first game of this doubleheader was 4-3, with the loss coming on a two out fly ball to right field that went off the glove of the right fielder.

Belleville had three runs, seven hits, and two errors while the Bluejays earned four runs, six hits, and zero errors.

Starting on the mound was Drew Shrader who went five innings, struck out one, and walked three. Scott Schwoegler then took over for the last two innings.

“Another terrific pitching performance was turned in by freshman starter Drew Shrader who went five complete innings giving up only two runs on four hits.  Scott Schwoegler pitched very well in relief of Shrader surrendering just two hits in two innings of work,” stated Head Coach Jon Benash. “Cambridge’s winning run crossed the plate on a two out error in the bottom of the seventh inning.  Both Wildcat errors came in the bottom of the seventh inning.  Prior to that, the defense was flawless making several big plays with their gloves whenever they had an opportunity.”

Leading the bats was Jesse McNamar who was two for four with two runs, Kevin Zimmerman who was one for two with an RBI, John Gorski who was one for three with two RBIs, and Shrader who was two for three.

“While we certainly played well enough to earn the win in the opener, we just had a couple of defensive lapses late when the game was on the line.  We have to make plays when we have opportunities.  Despite the tough loss, we took a GIANT leap forward as a team in the first game today.  We also learned that we can play with anyone in the conference if we are at the top of our game,” Benash explained.

In the second game of the doubleheader, the Wildcats avenged their earlier loss winning 7-5. Belleville had seven runs, eight hits, and two errors, and Cambridge had five runs, six hits, and zero errors.

Hurling the ball for the Wildcats the first six innings was Cody McMillan who had three strikeouts and two walks while Gorski pitched the last inning.

“After a rough first inning that saw the Bluejays score three times, freshman starter Cody McMillan settled in and threw five scoreless innings.  McMillan struck out three and walked just two enroute to his first varsity win.  John Gorski came in to throw shut the door on the Bluejays and record his first varsity save.  The Wildcat defense was near flawless in game two making play after play whenever they had an opportunity,” Benash stated.

The bats were on fire for the Wildcats as Nicholas Richter was three for three with a double, three runs, and a stolen base. McNamar then was two for three with one run; Zimmerman was one for three with a double, two RBIs, and two runs; Gorski was one for two with four RBIs and one run; and Schwoegler was one for three with a double and an RBI.

“To be able to come back like this after losing game one the way that we did shows just how much this group is growing with each game that we play.  The character and the perseverance that we showed was something special to witness.  Getting that first win of the year was huge for this team because they EARNED it,” Benash elaborated. “This team showed that they can play with anyone in our conference when we bring our A game.  Another very BIG step forward was taken on Saturday and we want to thank all of our Wildcat faithful for taking those steps together.  It was certainly a great day to be a Wildcat!”

Earlier last week on Thursday, April 16, the Wildcats faced off against Lakeside Lutheran, losing 12-7. Belleville had seven runs, eight hits, and four errors while Lakeside Lutheran had 12 runs, 13 hits, and no errors.

Starting on the mound was Gorski who threw for four innings and one out; he had one strikeout and three walks. Up next was Schwoegler who went one inning and two outs with no strikeouts and one walk while Cash Hoffman closed out the game with one strikeout and one walk.

Leading the offense was Richter going two for three with one run; Zimmerman going one for three with two runs and two stolen bases; and Hoffman going two for three with a double and three RBIs.

“The offense got off to a much needed hot start scoring five runs in the bottom half of the first inning, but after a Lakeside Lutheran pitching change were held to just two more the rest of the way…Jacob Bowers drove in the final Wildcat run with a single down the third baseline in the bottom of the seventh,” stated Benash.

On Monday, April 13, the Wildcats faced Lake Mills on the road where Belleville lost 6-1. Belleville had one run, four hits, and seven errors; Lake Mills had six runs, 11 hits, and one error.

Shrader was on the mound first, for five innings; he had no strikeouts or walks. Schwoegler was the reliever, pitching one inning where he had zero strikeouts, one walk, and two hit by pitches.

Leading hitters for the Wildcats were Richter going one for three with one run; Zimmerman going one for three with a double, an RBI, and a stolen base; and Gorski going two for two with a double and three stolen bases.

“To get another quality start out of a freshman pitcher making his first ever varsity appearance was very encouraging and bodes very well for the future.  It was not a clean game for us defensively (seven errors), but our pitching still kept us in the game for five innings.  The L-Cat pitching was definitely on top of their game tonight, but we still need to find a way to get more offense from the lower part of our order,” Benash said.