Cadott takes one of four before conference play begins
By Ginna Young
Cadott’s baseball program saw a four-game stretch, facing off with non-league opponents.
April 9 vs. Elmwood-Plum City non-conference (L 6-5)
The Hornets were on the road to Elmwood-Plum City, in a match-up to start the week. It was a close game, but when it came down to the end, Elmwood-Plum City claimed the win, 6-5.
April 11 vs. Whitehall non-conference (L 3-2)
Next up, was Whitehall, with Cadott hosting the Norse in what turned out to be a battle. Neither team scored until the fourth inning, when Whitehall put a run on the board.
The Hornets answered back with two runs the next inning, but Whitehall added another two runs in the sixth inning. That would be it for either team and again, a slim win went to Cadott’s opponents, 3-2.
“ We played a very good game defensively and pitched very well,” said coach Brandon Geist. “We didn’t come up with that timely hit to push us over the top.”
Junior Warren Bowe was on the mound for the Hornets, going all seven innings, and allowing 3 hits, 3 runs and a walk, while striking out 18.
Offensively, senior Connor Roth came up with 2 hits, with Bowe, and sophomores Aiden Rykal and Michael Wellner each contributing a hit.
“I am very happy with how we played,” said Geist. “We are very close to breaking out and start winning these close games.”
April 12 vs. Neillsville-Granton non-conference (L 5-1)
The next night, Cadott headed to Neillsville-Granton, where offense just wasn’t there for the Hornets. Cadott put one run on the board in the third inning and that would be all for the game, with the Warriors taking a 5-1 victory.
“I like where our pitchers’ and defense is to start the season,” said Geist. “We are getting guys on base, just need to get that timely hit to push across some more runs.”
Roth went five innings for the Hornets, giving up 4 hits, 5 runs and 5 walks, striking out 2. Senior Axel Tegels then took the mound, striking out 2.
Wellner notched 2 hits for Cadott, with Tegels adding a hit.
“We are right there, just need to keep working,” said Geist.
April 15 vs. Augusta non-conference (W 7-6)
After the weekend to regroup, Cadott hosted Augusta, in what was a close affair. The Beavers struck first, getting a run in the opening inning and two more in the second, while holding Cadott scoreless.
By the third inning, the Hornets put a run up and then knocked in five in the fourth. Augusta added another run in the fifth inning, as did Cadott in the sixth, but the Beavers wouldn’t go down and put two more runs on the board in the seventh inning.
“We fell behind early, and never gave up and got the bats going, and held on for a close win,” said Geist. “Aiden Rykal pitched a solid game for us to keep them at bay, for our bats to come alive, for the 7-6 win.”
Rykal went just over five innings, while freshman Isaac Wellner was on the mound for over an inning. Each allowed 3 hits and 3 runs, with Rykal striking out 7 and Wellner punching out 3.
Tegels came away with 3 hits on the night, and adding a hit each were Bowe, Rykal, M. Wellner, I. Wellner and sophomore Gabe Sikora.
