It was probably good enough just to be on the field. To go out and get a shut out in a season opener that was two years in the making, that was a bonus.
After COVID-19 took the 2020 season away from the Branched Oak Bucks, the players from Malcolm and Raymond Central High Schools had a dominating 7-0 win on March 18 at Douglas County West.
Maclain Beach held the Falcons at bay in his four innings on the mound. The senior southpaw allowed just one hit and five baserunners as he struck out seven.
“It took Maclain an inning to really get going,” Bucks’ head coach Andrew Edwards said. “Once he found the zone, he took control of the game.”
Beach retired nine of the last 10 batters he faced before turning things over to Maddox Meyer. The freshman made the most of his first appearance on the high school mound as he also struck out seven while allowing just one hit. Meyer struck out the side in both the fifth and seventh innings.
“Maclain set Maddox up perfectly,” Edwards said. “Their hitters were lost and it allowed Maddox to pitch in a much lower pressure situation and he thrived. We knew he was going to help us on the mound and he exceeded our expectations.”
Meyer helped out his own cause at the plate as he drove in runs in each of the final two innings.
Travis Nelson had a good opening day from the lead off spot. The junior left fielder went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Colby Denhartog added some punch by going 2-for-4 with an RBI from the clean up spot.
The Bucks came home to Valparaiso the next day and had their home opener ruined by an impressive Central City/Fullerton team.
Tres Gonsior toss a no-hitter in a 10-0 shut out. The senior hurler used a good mix of speeds to keep the Bucks off balance all day. Gonsior struck out eight Branched Oak batters.
“He had great control of both his fastball and curve,” Edwards said. “We have work to do in terms of our plan at the plate. We were in the box guessing and hoping for contact.”
The Kernels’ hitters had little trouble making contact and they pounded eight hits, including four doubles and a Gonsior home run.The Central City batters also drew eight walks.
“Their hitters came out and swung with confidence,” Edwards said. “I think it shocked the boys and set them back on their heels.”
The Bucks (1-1) were to head to Springfield Tuesday to play Platteview (1-1) before returning home Thursday to host Crete (1-1) in Valparaiso. Branched Oak will travel to Fairbury (0-1) Friday.
“We need to stay in and keep competing even if the other team jumps on us early,” Edwards said. “Central City gave us opportunities to steal the momentum and we didn’t take advantage.”
