Hornets open season with close one against Beavers

By Ginna Young

The weather finally cooperated enough that Cadott’s baseball program could host the first game of the season April 11, going up against non-conference opponent Augusta.

“We started out strong on offense, we had some timely hits in the early innings, to jump out to a lead,” said coach Spencer Kempf.

At the end of the first inning, the game was tied at 1-1, but Cadott quickly pulled ahead in the second inning, adding four runs, with another in the third. That would be it for the Hornets, as Augusta came to life, putting up a run in each of the fourth and fifth innings, before knocking in four runs in the sixth, and three in the seventh and final inning.

The Beavers walked away the victors, 10-6. “I thought Ethan West pitched a great game,” said Kempf. “He kept the ball down and didn’t allow great contact. Having him throwing like that this year, will really help us moving forward.”

The senior West went four innings, only giving up 4 hits, 2 runs and 3 walks, while striking out 1. Sophomore Axel Tegels went just over an inning, giving up a hit and 5 runs, while sophomores Connor Roth and Ashton Bremness each went .2 innings. During his time on the mound, Roth allowed 2 hits and 3 runs.

Offensively, the Hornets saw good action from junior Tristan Drier and freshman Warren Bowe, who ended with multiple runs batted in. Bowe came away with 2 hits, while Drier had 1, as did Tegels and senior Ryan Sonnentag. West walked twice, with Bremness, Roth and freshman Jackson Barone each walking.

“We need to continue to put pressure on defenses and not let up as the game progresses,” said Kempf.