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BASEBALL: Trojans pound Perry for second time in three weeks
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Atlantic silences Perry 12-0 over five innings in non-conference action to win fifth straight
By Drew Herron
NT Sports Editor
ATLANTIC— In the midst of a telling stretch that bridges its way to the all-important and rapidly approaching district tournament, Wednesday night presented a near-perfect outing for Atlantic as the Trojans once again pounded the ball and closed things down early with another 10-run-rule victory.
The Trojans defeated Perry for the second time in two-and-a-half weeks, tagging the Blue Jays for 12 runs on 12 hits while pitchers Nick Hinzmann and John Cord kept their pitch counts low as Atlantic rolled to an easy 12-0 win.
As impressive as the offensive torrent proved, Atlantic coach Trace Petersen walked away with more satisfaction in his pitchers’ efforts as Hinzmann and Cord combined to throw less than 55 pitches in the shutout victory.
With July approaching, maintaining a fresh and capable pitching staff is what often separates those who will move on in the tournament and those who will shut down operations for the summer. Wednesday night’s victory provided a small glimpse of perfection, the balance of stingy pitching and an offense that can end the game early.
“There’s no doubt about it, it helps us,” coach Petersen said. “The innings can be saved and these guys can bounce back more quickly.”
Hinzmann worked through four innings where he threw just 36 pitches, a performance that coach Petersen described as “Pretty dang efficient.” The senior right-hander allowed just three hits and one walk. Cord threw the final inning for Atlantic, putting away Perry in order via a strikeout and two fly ball outs.
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The Trojans’ grabbed the lead in the bottom of the second when they got five runs across and never trailed. In the bottom of the fourth with a 6-0 lead, Atlantic made their push for an early end to the game when senior Cole Petersen belted his fourth homerun in a week over the left field fence, a two-run shot that pushed the team ahead 8-0. Petersen finished with four RBI on the night.
Four batters later, the Trojans had their 10-run lead when senior first baseman Jeff Gude knocked a two-RBI single up the middle with the bases loaded and Brandon Schuler added to the lead with an RBI single to left two batters later to grab the 12-run lead.
With 12 runs on 12 hits and just five runners left stranded, the Trojans have continued their tear with a well-organized approach at the plate.
“Right now it seems like everyone is pretty comfortable in the box,” coach Petersen said. “Our guys are getting good hacks even when they’re getting out…and that’s important.”
The victory pushes Atlantic’s overall record to 15-5 (9-3 Hawkeye 10 Conference) with the victory over Perry serving as the fifth in a row for the Trojans.
“It’s the same thing every night, play the game, don’t worry about the team you’re playing,” coach Petersen said. “That seems to be our focus right now.”
Creston comes to town Thursday night for more Hawkeye 10 play. The Trojans have already defeated Creston once this season, nearly blowing a 4-0 lead before rebounding to survive with an 8-4 victory in nine innings back on May 27.
With Glenwood losing to Clarinda earlier in the week, Denison is the lone Hawkeye 10 team remaining with just one loss. Harlan and Glenwood each have two, and the Trojans are a half a game back from them, with one more win to their credit. A shot still remains at a conference title, though Petersen says the Trojans will work to be in command of what they can control.
“We just need to take care of business,” coach Petersen said. “Creston is a much-improved team that always swings good sticks. Regardless of who we face, we need to keep this going.”
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| SOFTBALL: Trojanns build on Monday’s misfortune against Harlan with proficient 2-1 victory over CBAL |
