The Le Mars Community baseball team split their MRAC doubleheader with Sergeant Bluff-Luton on Thursday night. The Bulldogs won the first game 4-2 and dropped the second game 5-4.
Carter Baumgartner was the star of the show in game one of the matchup working through the first four-and-one-third innings without allowing a hit and only walking two batters. Outside of the fifth inning, which he allowed two runs and three hits in, Baumgartner allowed a total of two baserunners to pick up the complete game win. Head coach Trent Eckstaine says it was nice to see Baumgartner pitch like he knows he can.
The Bulldogs split their four runs evenly in the second and seventh innings. The seventh inning was crucial due to the Warriors tying up the game in the bottom of the fifth inning. Keegan Gengler got a squeeze bunt down that scored one run and a throwing error brought in another. Coach Eckstaine says his guys are always capable of having a big at-bat as long as they are in the right headspace.
Game two saw Le Mars go up 3-0 right away in the top of the first inning and Sergeant Bluff-Luton chip away and take the lead by the end of the third inning. The Bulldogs would not lead again in the game despite many chances to take the lead. Coach Eckstaine says defensive mishaps plus missed opportunities at the plate added up in the end.
Teagen Kasel was the main bright spot for the Bulldogs in game two going 2-4 with a double, a triple, and a run batted in. Kasel came into the matchup second in Class 3A in total hits, and Coach Eckstaine says he was extra motivated following a bit of a rough day in the games prior against Sioux City East.
Le Mars is now 6-5 overall and 6-4 in the Missouri River Activities Conference. The Bulldogs turn right around and take on Storm Lake on the road.
