G-A baseball team shows strong qualities in
4-1 win over C-S; claims rivalry trophy
By Bruce Rolfe
With the post season approaching when games can be close, playing in a tight game is something the Galesburg-Augusta varsity baseball team embraces.
Timely hitting, strong pitching and good defense are also three key elements of the game a coach likes to see this time of the year.
G-A coach Tim Prince received all four in a 4-1 win over Climax-Scotts in the annual Cross River Rivalry game in the first contest played on C-S’ renovated Robert L. Weessies, Jr. Field May 23.
The win sent G-A into a May 27 game against Hackett with a 16-8 record while C-S took a 14-3 record into a pre-district game May 27.
The Rams have played in their share of blow outs, including 14 games that were decided by eight runs or more. G-A has played in seven games that have been decided by three runs or less, so the tight game is something the coaching staff and players welcomed.
“They’re (close games) always fun. You don’t like blow outs because then it makes it really boring for both teams. It doesn’t make it any fun (for the team) and for the fans. It doesn’t make it fun for everybody,” said G-A senior Ashton Matrau, who earned the win on the mound.
Strong pitching is a key in the post season as well, and G-A coach Prince had to have been encouraged by what he saw against a C-S offense that averaged 11 runs a game entering the Cross River Rivalry game.
The one run scored was C-S’ lowest run total this season.
Matrau, who transferred to G-A from C-S following his junior year, battled some control issues but overall, he was spectacular.
The G-A senior allowed just a one out single in the fourth inning and struck out five Panthers. He did walk five batters and hit three batters.
Jaden Fawcett pitched the final one-third of an inning and did not give up a hit or a walk.
While G-A enjoyed some strong defense, two Ram errors ocurred in the first inning and led to C-S’ lone run.
C-S took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning without a hit on a walk, a Ram error, a stolen base and another G-A error.
Despite committing errors, there were segments in the game when G-A flourished defensively.
C-S attempted to stretch the lead to 2-0 in the first inning when Panther senior Gavin Eyre tagged up at third base on a fly ball to right field, but a nice throw by Jaden Fawcett to Wes Hoffman was ahead of Eyre’s slide for the out.
With the post season approaching when games can be close, playing in a tight game is something the Galesburg-Augusta varsity baseball team embraces.
Timely hitting, strong pitching and good defense are also three key elements of the game a coach likes to see this time of the year.
G-A coach Tim Prince received all four in a 4-1 win over Climax-Scotts in the annual Cross River Rivalry game in the first contest played on C-S’ renovated Robert L. Weessies, Jr. Field May 23.
The win sent G-A into a May 27 game against Hackett with a 16-8 record while C-S took a 14-3 record into a pre-district game May 27.
The Rams have played in their share of blow outs, including 14 games that were decided by eight runs or more. G-A has played in seven games that have been decided by three runs or less, so the tight game is something the coaching staff and players welcomed.
“They’re (close games) always fun. You don’t like blow outs because then it makes it really boring for both teams. It doesn’t make it any fun (for the team) and for the fans. It doesn’t make it fun for everybody,” said G-A senior Ashton Matrau, who earned the win on the mound.
Strong pitching is a key in the post season as well, and G-A coach Prince had to have been encouraged by what he saw against a C-S offense that averaged 11 runs a game entering the Cross River Rivalry game.
The one run scored was C-S’ lowest run total this season.
Matrau, who transferred to G-A from C-S following his junior year, battled some control issues but overall, he was spectacular.
The G-A senior allowed just a one out single in the fourth inning and struck out five Panthers. He did walk five batters and hit three batters.
Jaden Fawcett pitched the final one-third of an inning and did not give up a hit or a walk.
While G-A enjoyed some strong defense, two Ram errors ocurred in the first inning and led to C-S’ lone run.
C-S took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning without a hit on a walk, a Ram error, a stolen base and another G-A error.
Despite committing errors, there were segments in the game when G-A flourished defensively.
C-S attempted to stretch the lead to 2-0 in the first inning when Panther senior Gavin Eyre tagged up at third base on a fly ball to right field, but a nice throw by Jaden Fawcett to Wes Hoffman was ahead of Eyre’s slide for the out.
G-A rightfielder Jaden Fawcett makes a good catch in foul territory during the Cross River Rivalry game against C-S at C-S May 23.
(Photo by Bruce Rolfe)
Fawcett made two other nice catches in the game.
The Rams broke through for two runs in the top of the fourth inning.
Alex Krugh had a lead off single. One out later he advanced to third base on Nate Ewert’s single to right field.
Ewert stole stole second and Krugh scored stealing home on the play.
Fawcett then delivered a double on a line drive to left field, scoring Ewert.
G-A tacked on two insurance runs in the top of the fifth.
Matrau was a catalyst, starting the inning with a double to center field.
Krugh walked and Jonah Ranes was hit by a pitch, loading the bases.
Ewert, who had two hits, delivered a big single to left field, scoring two runs for a 4-1 lead.
Cross River Rivalry Game
Galesburg-Augusta 000 220 0 - 4-5-3
Climax-Scotts 100 000 0 - 1-1-4
C-S hit: Ben Nelson 1
G-A hits: Ashton Matrau 1 (double), Alex Krugh 1, Nate Ewert 2 (2 RBI), Jaden Fawcett 1 (double, 1 RBI)
C-S RBI: Carter Dzwik
G-A stolen bases: Nate Ewert 1, Ethan Gibson 1, Alex Krugh 1
C-S stolen bases: Gavin Eyre, Kasey Carman 1, Maxiumus Wurtzel 1, Logan Gilbert 1
Winning pitcher: Ashton Matrau - 6.2 IP, 1 hit, 1 run, 0 earned runs, 5 walks, 5 strikeouts
Jaden Fawcett - 0.1 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 0 strikeouts
C-S Starting pitcher: Carter Dzwik - 3 IP, 4 hits, 3 runs, 3 earned runs, 3 walks, 7 strikeouts
Losing pitcher: Kasey Carman - 1 IP, 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 earned runs, 1 walk, 1 strikeout
Lincoln Dzwik - 3 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts
The Rams broke through for two runs in the top of the fourth inning.
Alex Krugh had a lead off single. One out later he advanced to third base on Nate Ewert’s single to right field.
Ewert stole stole second and Krugh scored stealing home on the play.
Fawcett then delivered a double on a line drive to left field, scoring Ewert.
G-A tacked on two insurance runs in the top of the fifth.
Matrau was a catalyst, starting the inning with a double to center field.
Krugh walked and Jonah Ranes was hit by a pitch, loading the bases.
Ewert, who had two hits, delivered a big single to left field, scoring two runs for a 4-1 lead.
Cross River Rivalry Game
Galesburg-Augusta 000 220 0 - 4-5-3
Climax-Scotts 100 000 0 - 1-1-4
C-S hit: Ben Nelson 1
G-A hits: Ashton Matrau 1 (double), Alex Krugh 1, Nate Ewert 2 (2 RBI), Jaden Fawcett 1 (double, 1 RBI)
C-S RBI: Carter Dzwik
G-A stolen bases: Nate Ewert 1, Ethan Gibson 1, Alex Krugh 1
C-S stolen bases: Gavin Eyre, Kasey Carman 1, Maxiumus Wurtzel 1, Logan Gilbert 1
Winning pitcher: Ashton Matrau - 6.2 IP, 1 hit, 1 run, 0 earned runs, 5 walks, 5 strikeouts
Jaden Fawcett - 0.1 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 0 strikeouts
C-S Starting pitcher: Carter Dzwik - 3 IP, 4 hits, 3 runs, 3 earned runs, 3 walks, 7 strikeouts
Losing pitcher: Kasey Carman - 1 IP, 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 earned runs, 1 walk, 1 strikeout
Lincoln Dzwik - 3 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts
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District Tournament At Olivet
5/31 Comstock Vs. C-S-Olivet winner, 10 a.m.
5/31 Galesburg-Augusta Vs. Delton-Kellogg, 12:30 p.m.
5/31 District championship game, 3 p.m. Winner to Olivet Regional June 4 at 4 p.m. vs. Union City District Winner.
5/31 Comstock Vs. C-S-Olivet winner, 10 a.m.
5/31 Galesburg-Augusta Vs. Delton-Kellogg, 12:30 p.m.
5/31 District championship game, 3 p.m. Winner to Olivet Regional June 4 at 4 p.m. vs. Union City District Winner.
________________________
The G-A varsity baseball team is pictured with the Cross River Rivalry trophy after defeating Climax-Scotts 4-1 May 23.
(Photo by Bruce Rolfe)
Lady Rams look ahead
to district tournament
By Bruce Rolfe
After finishing the regular season with a 13-2 loss to Climax-Scotts in the annual Cross River Rivalry game May 23 at C-S, the Galesburg-Augusta varsity softball team shifts its focus to the district tournament.
G-A will take a 4-18 record into a noon clash against Kalamazoo Christian in the second game of the district tournament May 31 at Parchment.
Parchment and Comstock play at 10 a.m. in the first game and the district championship game is scheduled later in the day at 2 p.m.
G-A never recovered from a first inning 6-0 deficit in the 13-2 loss to Climax-Scotts.
C-S took a 9-8 record into the regular season finale May 27 against Martin.
Three G-A errors, four walks, a passed ball, and two C-S singles and a double contributed to the big six-run first inning for the Lady Panthers.
G-A responded quickly in the top of the second inning when Lili Thompson hit a lead off home run to left field. It was Thompson’s third home run of the year and 15th RBI, which is tied for the team lead.
The Rams scored their other run in the top of the fifth on a walk to Kaylee Bastian, a single by Lilli Jones and an RBI double by Emily Coleman, her 13th run batted in this season.
Bastian started and was pulled after one-third of an inning and suffered the loss. She allowed two hits, two earned runs, two walks and she struck out one batter.
Lilli Thompson pitched the final four innings, allowing eight hits, four earned runs and three walks with five strikeouts.
Kayla Etheridge had three hits and drove in three runs to lead C-S at the plate.
Addy Reeves earned the win, pitching five innings and giving up five hits, two earned runs and three walks. She struck out four Rams.
After finishing the regular season with a 13-2 loss to Climax-Scotts in the annual Cross River Rivalry game May 23 at C-S, the Galesburg-Augusta varsity softball team shifts its focus to the district tournament.
G-A will take a 4-18 record into a noon clash against Kalamazoo Christian in the second game of the district tournament May 31 at Parchment.
Parchment and Comstock play at 10 a.m. in the first game and the district championship game is scheduled later in the day at 2 p.m.
G-A never recovered from a first inning 6-0 deficit in the 13-2 loss to Climax-Scotts.
C-S took a 9-8 record into the regular season finale May 27 against Martin.
Three G-A errors, four walks, a passed ball, and two C-S singles and a double contributed to the big six-run first inning for the Lady Panthers.
G-A responded quickly in the top of the second inning when Lili Thompson hit a lead off home run to left field. It was Thompson’s third home run of the year and 15th RBI, which is tied for the team lead.
The Rams scored their other run in the top of the fifth on a walk to Kaylee Bastian, a single by Lilli Jones and an RBI double by Emily Coleman, her 13th run batted in this season.
Bastian started and was pulled after one-third of an inning and suffered the loss. She allowed two hits, two earned runs, two walks and she struck out one batter.
Lilli Thompson pitched the final four innings, allowing eight hits, four earned runs and three walks with five strikeouts.
Kayla Etheridge had three hits and drove in three runs to lead C-S at the plate.
Addy Reeves earned the win, pitching five innings and giving up five hits, two earned runs and three walks. She struck out four Rams.
G-A pitcher Lilli Thompson (left) and BreAnna Keene pursue a ball on a bunt attempt during action against Climax-Scotts May 23 at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.
(Photo by Bruce Rolfe)
Cross River Rivalry Game
Galesburg-Augusta 010 01 - 2 - 5-5
Climax-Scotts 610 33 - 13-14-0
G-A hits: Emily Coleman 1 (double, 1 RBI), Suzy Nichols 1 (double), Lili Thompson 1 (home run, 1 RBI), BreAnna Keene 1, Lilli Jones 1
G-A stolen base: BreAnna Keene 1
C-S hits: Kendal Reitz 1 (1 RBI), Ashlynn Gilbert 1 (1 RBI), Addi Dzwik 2 (1 RBI), Holly Tallbert 2 (double, 2 RBI), Kayla Etheridge 3 (3 RBI), Lylah Parrish 1 (double, 1 RBI)
C-S stolen bases: Addi Dzwik 2, Holly Talbert 2, Kendal Reitz 1
Winning pitcher: Addy Reeves - 5 IP, 5 hits, 2 runs, 2 earned runs, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts
Losing pitcher: Kaylee Bastian - 0.1 IP, 2 hits, 5 runs, 2 earned runs, 2 walks, 1 strikeout
Lili Thompson - 4 IP, 8 hits, 8 runs, 4 earned runs, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts
Galesburg-Augusta 010 01 - 2 - 5-5
Climax-Scotts 610 33 - 13-14-0
G-A hits: Emily Coleman 1 (double, 1 RBI), Suzy Nichols 1 (double), Lili Thompson 1 (home run, 1 RBI), BreAnna Keene 1, Lilli Jones 1
G-A stolen base: BreAnna Keene 1
C-S hits: Kendal Reitz 1 (1 RBI), Ashlynn Gilbert 1 (1 RBI), Addi Dzwik 2 (1 RBI), Holly Tallbert 2 (double, 2 RBI), Kayla Etheridge 3 (3 RBI), Lylah Parrish 1 (double, 1 RBI)
C-S stolen bases: Addi Dzwik 2, Holly Talbert 2, Kendal Reitz 1
Winning pitcher: Addy Reeves - 5 IP, 5 hits, 2 runs, 2 earned runs, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts
Losing pitcher: Kaylee Bastian - 0.1 IP, 2 hits, 5 runs, 2 earned runs, 2 walks, 1 strikeout
Lili Thompson - 4 IP, 8 hits, 8 runs, 4 earned runs, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts
________________________
G-A Varsity Softball
District Tournament
5/31 Parchment Vs. Comstock, 10 a.m.
5/31 G-A Vs. K-Christian Noon
5/31 District Championship 2 p.m. Winner advances to Schoolcraft regional June 7 against the Coloma district champion
District Tournament
5/31 Parchment Vs. Comstock, 10 a.m.
5/31 G-A Vs. K-Christian Noon
5/31 District Championship 2 p.m. Winner advances to Schoolcraft regional June 7 against the Coloma district champion
________________________
Two Lady Rams to compete in
state finals on May 31
By Bruce Rolfe
Two members of the Galesburg-Augusta girls track team will be aiming for an all-state medal May 31 at the Division 3 Track and Field State Finals at Kent City High School.
Galesburg-Augusta High School senior Jaidyn Klimp qualified for the state finals in three events and freshman Kayla Bortolussi qualified in one event.
G-A coach Paul Schab said Bortolussi is the first female freshman in school history to qualify for the State Finals in the long jump and Klimp is the first female in school history to qualify for the State Finals in three events.
The top eight placers earn all-state medals.
Girls high jump competition begins at 10 a.m. Girls long jump competition begins at 11:45 a.m. Running events begin at 1 p.m.
Klimp is ranked 11th in the long jump at 16’6”. The eighth ranked distance is 16’7.75”.
The Ram senior is ranked 13th in the high jump at 5’2”. The eighth ranked height is 5’3”.
Klimp’s time of 1:02.24 in the 400-meter run is ranked 29th. The eighth ranked time in the event is 59.84.
Bortolussi is ranked 30th in the long jump with a personal record distance of 15’9”
Two members of the Galesburg-Augusta girls track team will be aiming for an all-state medal May 31 at the Division 3 Track and Field State Finals at Kent City High School.
Galesburg-Augusta High School senior Jaidyn Klimp qualified for the state finals in three events and freshman Kayla Bortolussi qualified in one event.
G-A coach Paul Schab said Bortolussi is the first female freshman in school history to qualify for the State Finals in the long jump and Klimp is the first female in school history to qualify for the State Finals in three events.
The top eight placers earn all-state medals.
Girls high jump competition begins at 10 a.m. Girls long jump competition begins at 11:45 a.m. Running events begin at 1 p.m.
Klimp is ranked 11th in the long jump at 16’6”. The eighth ranked distance is 16’7.75”.
The Ram senior is ranked 13th in the high jump at 5’2”. The eighth ranked height is 5’3”.
Klimp’s time of 1:02.24 in the 400-meter run is ranked 29th. The eighth ranked time in the event is 59.84.
Bortolussi is ranked 30th in the long jump with a personal record distance of 15’9”
