By Bruce Thein
The Clayton Ridge/Central baseball team improved to 3-5 in Upper Iowa Conference play last week, following up losses to Waukon and New Hampton with a doubleheader sweep of Postville.
The WarEagles managed just two hits on June 9, as Waukon rolled to a 10-0 victory in a baseball game shortened to five innings. The Indians struck early, scoring two runs in the first inning before adding two more in the third and breaking the game open with a four-run fourth inning. Waukon added two additional runs in the fifth to complete the win.
Waukon pitcher Colton O’Neill was dominant on the mound, allowing only two hits over five scoreless innings while striking out eight. The senior limited the WarEagles’ opportunities throughout the game and did not allow a runner to advance past second base.
The WarEagle offense was led by Carson Ruegnitz and Brody McGuine, who accounted for the only two hits. Ruegnitz and McGuine both doubled and each finished 1-for-2 at the plate. Owen Hammersland, Kasten Oberbreckling and Tate Hoeger each reached base after being hit by a pitch or drawing a walk.
Clayton Ridge/Central used three pitchers in the contest. Ruegnitz started and worked two and one-third innings, allowing four runs—three earned—on four hits while striking out one. Oberbreckling pitched one and one-third innings in relief, and Colton Hoeger recorded the final two outs.
The following night, Clayton Ridge/Central jumped out to an early lead but couldn’t hold off a late New Hampton rally, falling 6-4.
The WarEagles wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, plating three runs in the first inning and adding another in the second to build a 4-1 advantage. However, the Chickasaws chipped away with single runs in the third and fifth innings before breaking through with a three-run sixth inning.
Clayton Ridge/Central finished with nine hits, led by sophomore second baseman Mason Loan, who enjoyed a big day at the plate. Loan went 3-for-4, scored twice and finished with three singles. Senior center fielder Seth Kregel added two hits and drove in a pair of runs, while catcher Dominique Mast, first baseman Ruegnitz, third baseman Owen Hammersland and shortstop Griffen Hammersland each collected a hit.
The WarEagles showed patience at the plate, drawing three walks and being hit by two pitches, but stranded several runners after scoring all four of their runs in the opening two innings.
The WarEagles used three pitchers in the contest. McGuine was charged with the loss after allowing three runs in two innings of work. Tate Hoeger struck out three over three innings, while Brock Dudley tossed a scoreless inning in relief. Mast was solid behind the plate, handling nine stolen base attempts and recording a caught stealing.
Clayton Ridge/Central put together one of its strongest performances of the season June 12, sweeping a conference doubleheader from Postville by scores of 14-1 and 12-2. The WarEagles combined timely hitting with strong pitching throughout the day, scoring 26 runs while allowing just three runs.
In the opener, CRC broke a scoreless game open with a nine-run third inning and never looked back. They added three more runs in the fourth inning on their way to a 14-1 victory.
The WarEagles pounded out 14 hits, led by Ruegnitz with a home run, double and four RBIs. Colton Hoeger drove in three runs, while Tate Hoeger collected two hits, including a double.
Owen Hammersland was dominant on the mound. He worked four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out six. He also hit a solo home run. The WarEagles held Postville to only two hits in the game.
The nightcap was more competitive early. Postville tied the game at 1-1 in the second inning before CRC answered with three runs in the third. The WarEagles added a run in the fourth, two more in the fifth and then put the game away with a five-run sixth inning to secure the 12-2 victory.
Mason Loan paced the offense, going 3-for-3 with a double, triple and three RBIs. Owen Hammersland added two hits and drove in two runs, while Isaac Loan contributed a double and scored twice.
CRC again received a strong pitching effort in the nightcap. Kregel struck out six batters while allowing just two hits and one earned run over three and two-thirds innings. Ruegnitz pitched two and one-third innings, striking out five while allowing two hits and one run. Together, the duo limited Postville’s offense and secured the WarEagles’ second win of the day.
More conference games are on the schedule this week, starting with a twin bill at undefeated South Winneshiek on June 15. The WarEagles will host Crestwood on June 17, then head to Turkey Valley on June 18.
