Jesse Rood of Seward dives back into first against South Sioux City April 24.
Chance Stevenson of Seward attempts a bunt against South Sioux City April 24.
The Seward baseball team ended up on the short end of a 1-0 score at Blair April 27.
“It was a close, tight game,” Coach Brock Anderson said. “It was a good game – we were just on the wrong end.”
Reid Karel pitched all seven innings for the Jays, allowing just the one run. Anderson said defensively, the team played well behind Karel. Chance Stevenson made a good diving catch in left-center field at one point, robbing the Blair batter of extra bases.
Seth Majerus was the only Bluejay with multiple hits, going 2-3 in the game.
“We left a ton of guys on base,” Anderson said. “We just couldn’t get the hit to push them across.”
Seward snapped a two-game losing streak April 20 with a 12-4 victory over Crete. The team followed that up with a 5-0 win over South Sioux City April 24. A game scheduled at Wayne April 25 was postponed because of weather.
Anderson said the Jays hit the ball well against Crete, finishing with 11 hits, including two doubles and a triple. In addition, the Jays were able to capitalize on Crete errors, he said.
“It was nice to get back on winning ways,” he said.
Karel, Corbin Ruth and Majerus each had two hits, with Karel notching a double and Majerus recording a triple. Ruth also stole four bases in the game.
Brady Fitzke got the win, pitching three innings and striking out one.
The Jays got off to a quick start against South Sioux City, scoring three runs in the first inning.
“It was a solid all-around game,” Anderson said. “We got good pitching and played great defense. The pitcher threw strikes, and the defense made plays. That’s what we need to be successful.”
The Jays managed just five hits in the game, three off the bat of Jesse Rood.
“We had a lot of chances to put the game away,” Anderson said. “We left a ton of people on base.”
Ben Klenke pitched 6 1/3 innings, striking out 10. Adam Caler pitched the final 2/3 inning in relief.
The Jays (9-5) have four games left in the regular season. Seward is scheduled to travel to Mount Michael Thursday April 30, travel to Werner Park in Omaha to play Plattsmouth Friday, May 1, and host Bennington at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 2. On Monday, May 4, the Jays travel to Elkhorn South.
Districts begin Friday, May 8.
