By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

ROSEBURG, Ore.–  The last two days have been good for the Kennedy baseball team as they continue their hot start to the season this Spring.  And Tuesday was a continuation of their Monday’s success as they handed Umpqua Valley Christian their first loss of the season.

“It was good to get a few good baseball games in and see where we are and what we can do so going into league we are ready,” Ethan Kleinschmit said.

Kleinschmit came out firing on all cylinders Tuesday evening against the Monarchs, bridging the momentum from 4-0 win over Bandon the day before and carrying it over to Tuesday’s game as the Trojans built a quick 2-0 lead.

Over the five innings Kleischmit was on the bump and in 84 pitches, the junior struck out 11 in a no-hit effort to keep UVC off the board as Luke Beyer came in.

“It was good to have some confidence with two on top (of the first).  I felt like I ddin’t have much pressure out there, I had confidence in myself,” Kleinschmit said.  “When you throw strikes, good things will happen.  If you walk them, it’s a free 90 (feet).  You got to get them to hit to get on base.”

Beyer pitched another ‘zero’ on the board in the sixth.  Kennedy plated two in the top half of the seventh to give Beyer more of a cushion to complete the game.  The two runs coming off a Riley Cantu 2RBI double to lift the Trojans over the Monarchs 4-0 that matches their season record at 4-0 following the win.

“When our pitchers can pitch as well as they did, those hits will go a long way against good teams like (Umpqua Valley Christian).” Cantu said.  “They have good pitching throughout their whole team.  Mulitple pitchers, so it was good to see that today.”

It was good experience, the last two days points Cantu, as the Tigers, Monarchs and Trojans are eyeing deep runs at the 2A/1A postseason in a few weeks to see where they’re all at with the league slate coming up in the coming days.

“It’s good to see how really good we are and keep getting better throughout the season,” Cantu said.

Beyer led the offense in hits, going 3-for-4 while Cantu went 2-for-3 with 3RBI’s in the victory.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald