Lions rack up four more wins
The number two ranked (3A) Clear Lake baseball team breezed through a busy week, adding four more wins to their record. Those wanting to see the talented Lions (10-1) can catch them at home Thursday and Friday nights against Forest City and Iowa Falls-Alden. The Lions are currently tied for the lead in the North Central Conference with Iowa Falls-Alden.
CL 10, GARRIGAN 4
Any conference win on the road is big, especially against the defending conference champions.
On Monday, June 3, the Lions picked up a big win over Algona Garrigan, 10-4.
“On this particular night the strike zone was extremely small and I thought Gavin (Sheakley) did a very nice job of battling through that to give us six strong innings,” said Coach Seth Thompson. “Luke (Schiller) and Jerry (Kockler) keyed our offense as well-- it is nice to see seniors step up in big games to help their team come out on top.”
After scoring three runs in the top of the third, the Lions saw Garrigan battle back with single runs in the fourth and fifth. The Lions pushed four runs across in the six and added three more in the seventh, giving themselves a cushion. Garrigan’s rally was stopped at two in their final at-bat, ending the game 10-4.
Schiller was the only Lion with multiple hits in the game. He also picked up a walk, stole a base and scored once in his three times on the basepaths. He was credited with one RBI.
Kockler had just one hit, but he provided three runs for the team. Matt Stephany also earned a pair of RBI’s with his hit. He also came in to pitch the final two outs in the game. He gave up one hit and struck out one. He walked three and was charged with allowing two earned runs.
Sheakley got the win on the mound, holding the Golden Bears to just four hits and two earned runs. He walked five and struck out four.
CL 11, ST. ED’S 0
Next up for the Lions was a road trip to the always-tough St. Ed’s Gaels on Wednesday.
“At St. Eds is always an extremely tough place to get a win, so to walk out of Fort Dodge with a five-inning 11-0 win is, I think, an incredible feat for these kids to accomplish,” said Coach Thompson. “To finish off a three-game stretch against currently ranked and perennially great teams like Newman, Bishop Garrigan, and St. Eds going 12-2, 10-4, and 11-0 is pretty awesome, especially considering all three games were on the road.”
Sophomore Rowdy Yates stepped up for the Lions, belting two doubles with two RBIs. Jerry Kockler continued to swing a hot bat, also getting a double good for an RBI.
Gavin Sheakley, Matt Stephany, Brock Adams, Mitch Keeran and Luke Schiller all had singles, with Stephany and Adams getting RBIs.
Kockler was the winning pitcher. He held the Gaels in check, allowing only two hits and walking one. He struck out four in his five-inning appearance.
CL 10, G-H/V 0
Coach Thompson said he was concerned his team might suffer a let-down after picking up key conference wins, but the Lions stayed strong and topped Garner-Hayfield/Ventura 10-0 in five innings played Thursday, June 6.
“It is easy to lose your focus in a non-conference game as a team after three big wins in the three games prior, so I was happy to see our team come out and keep their momentum going tonight,” said Thompson.
Luke Schiller was a big part of the success. The senior hurler did not walk any batters and battled through a line shot he took to his ankle to stay in the game and give his team the win. Schiller gave up five hits, and struck out three.
Logan Kracht and Mitch Keeran each picked up three hits, which helped fuel the Lion offense and put pressure on Cardinal pitcher Derek Lonneman. Matt Schroder came in to pitch the final out against the Lions.
Schiller was touched for five scattered hits in the game. Lonneman gave up eight hits and walked one. Schroder surrendered four hits and walked five. Four Lion runs came off of Schroder.
Gavin Sheakley also had multiple hits for the Lions. His two hits and two walks helped him score twice for the Lions. He had four stolen bases. Brock Adams, Pete Swenson and Keeran had two RBI apiece.
CL 9, WC 0
Gavin Sheakley struck out 16, helping the Lions to hold Webster City scoreless in a 9-0 game played Friday, June 7.
The Lions held a slim 2-0 lead through three innings but, playing with two out in the fourth they put six runs on the scoreboard.
“Our offense wasn’t great, but we put together a nice six-run fourth to give Gavin more than enough support to get the win for his team,” said Coach Thompson. “Our defense the last week has been outstanding, and combined with great pitching has allowed us to go 17 innings in a row without giving up a run and only give up six runs in the last five games while our offense has managed 52 runs.”
Against the Lynx Pete Swenson and Rowdy Yates had a pair of hits. Swenson’s hit scored a run and Yates finished with three RBI. Luke Schiller also had a hit and RBI.
Clear Lake Mirror Reporter
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Clear Lake, IA 50428
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