After more than three years as the most dominant team in Class C baseball, top-ranked Malcolm got a humbling start to the 2026 season. The three-time defending state champions — who lost just twice all of last spring — matched that total on opening weekend, falling to Platte Valley and No. 7 Lincoln Lutheran in a March 21 triangular in Ashland.
Not only did Malcolm lose four starters to graduation last year, at least that many from this year’s starting lineup were unavailable for opening weekend due to a school trip to Washington DC.
“Coming into the season, our expectation is to lead Class C again,” Malcolm skipper Zach Wehner said. “Losing that senior class, we have some big holes to fill. The next guy needs to step up.”
With several regulars unavailable, Malcolm leaned on players with little to no varsity experience. Even so, the Clippers had opportunities in both games.
In the opener against Platte Valley — a co-op of Ashland-Greenwood, Yutan and Mead — 10 Patriot hits and four Malcolm errors proved costly in a 6-2 loss.
“They hit the ball well, especially for this early in the season,” Wehner said. “When we threw strikes, they were barreling the ball.”
Malcolm had its chances offensively but failed to capitalize.
“We had some guys barrel balls, too,” Wehner said. “But they were right at them.”
In game two, Malcolm ace Chase Smith allowed just four hits and two unearned runs over five-and-two-thirds innings. Malcolm carried a 4-2 lead into the seventh before surrendering five runs in the final frame to fall 7-4.
“Chase did what we expected,” Wehner said. “Our other pitchers had trouble finding the strike zone. Those less experienced arms just need more innings to develop.”
Malcolm (0-2) will have plenty of opportunities to gain experience as they play five games in six days this week. They welcome Crete (1-3) on Monday and Platteview (1-0) Tuesday. The Clippers travel north Friday, March 27, for a triangular at No. 5 Wayne (0-2) where they will also face Fairbury (2-1). Malcolm returns home Saturday, March 28, to face Fort Calhoun (2-1) at 1 p.m.
“We need to get back on track,” Wehner said. “We have to find guys who can put the ball in play, pitchers who can throw strikes, and defenders who can make plays.
“This week will show what we’re made of.”
