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Manistee News Advocate
Onekama rang up a 16-0 five-inning victory over Crossroads Charter
Academy Monday, with the second game of the scheduled doubleheader being
rained out.
The Portagers rode a strong performance from starting pitcher Curtis
McKenney to their first victory of the season in the West Michigan D
League season opener. McKenney allowed only one hit in his five innings
of work, losing his bid for a no-hitter on a single by CCA’s Dylan
Balsitis in the bottom of the fourth.
“Really happy to be able to get that first win of the
year,” Onekama coach John Neph said. “Happy to get some things going
offensively and glad to get McKenney his first victory to start the
season.”
One of the offensive highlights for the Portagers was a three-run home
run by Joe Eno in the third inning that blew the game open. Bryce Reckow
connected on a triple and finished the game on the mound after relieving
McKenney.
Despite the final outcome, CCA head coach Ed
Milam said he was happy with the effort his young squad put forward in
their first game action of the season.
“It’s nice to get that first game under our belts,” Milam said. “We’ve
been locked inside like everyone else, so it was a good first game for
the guys.”
Milam said while the players made some mistakes in the game, he was
pleased that the Cougars worked hard all game long.
“We made a few mistakes that younger teams make, but the
guys hustled out there and played with effort,” Milam said. “We’ll keep
learning every
game, and we’ll take what we learn from every game and practice to keep
getting better as the season goes on.” |
Onekama’s Jon Eno slides safely into home during
Monday’s win against Crossroads Charter Academy. (Greg
Buckner/Pioneer News
Network)
Milam said he was pleased with the performance of starting pitcher Ryan
Smithey, who recorded five strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings of work.
Offensively for CAA, Balsitis added a stolen base to go with his
fourth-inning single and Brooks Angell recorded a stolen base.
“I’m pretty happy with the way we played (Monday),” Milam said. “The
guys battled through the conditions and played hard. We’ll get back in
action later this week, and we’ll try to get that first win.”
The canceled second game of the doubleheader has not yet been
rescheduled, Milam said.
Onekama is scheduled to host McBain on Thursday.
Posted by Manistee News Advocate Staff
April 15, 2013
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