Ten-Run First Inning Lifts Warsaw Over Wawasee
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
Three three-run homers.
Eight hits.
Ten runs.
Two hit batters.
Two errors.
Not bad stats for a baseball game.
How 'bout for the bottom half of an inning?
That's exactly what happened in the bottom of the first inning in Warsaw when the Tigers hosted Northern Lakes Conference rival Wawasee Monday night.
Warsaw then held the Warriors scoreless for four more innings to finish the game in five innings on the 10-run rule.
Things started out well for the Warriors as Dan Milligan hit a single past Warsaw's short stop with one out to get the ball rolling.
Brent Doty followed with a single down the right-field line that sent Milligan to third, putting runners on the corners with just one out.
When Warsaw pitcher Ryan DeGeeter sent the next batter, Jake Zaijcek, to first on a walk, the bases were loaded with Wawasee runners
Things looked bleak for the Tigers; however, DeGeeter struck out Brian Pollock to get the second out of the game. Then Cris Smeltzer grounded out to DeGeeter to end the inning.
"Our defense was really important in the first inning," said Warsaw coach Will Shepherd. "It was very important to keep them off the board. The guys did a nice job battling early."
Once the Tiger defense got out of that tough situation in the top of the first, the Warsaw offense was on a mission.
With warm temperatures and the wind blowing out, the Tigers picked up their bats and stepped up to the plate.
Brandon LaFollette, a sophomore transfer student, nailed the first pitch for a single. Then Zach Smith popped up to the catcher for the first out of the inning.
An error by the leftfielder allowed Milton to reach first and moved LaFollette to second.
Enter DeGeeter. Not satisfied with pitching out of a difficult situation in the top of the first, DeGeeter helped his own cause by hitting a monster three-run homer over the fence in dead centerfield. His yard-ball went well over the 370-foot distance marked on the fence.
But the Tiger offense was not finished.
William "Hoss" Knepper reached first on a walk and Josh Stork was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second again.
Humberto Nunez pounded a line-drive single to left field, sending Knepper across the plate to put Warsaw up 4-0 with one out and two runners on base.
Not to be outdone by DeGeeter, Geoff Walmer stepped to the plate and hit a three-run homer over the 320 sign in left field to put Warsaw up 7-0 with only one out.
After a ground-out by Jacob Wilson, LaFollette was hit by a pitch to reach first base. A Smith single put runners on first and second as John Milton stepped into the batter's box.
Milton followed in DeGeeter and Walmer's footsteps by hitting yet another three-run homer. Milton's shot was nearly identical to Walmer's, going over the 320 sign in left field.
DeGeeter and Knepper both hit singles, but the inning ended when Knepper was thrown out trying to reach second after the right fielder bobbled the ball.
"In the first inning, we made one error and watched two cans of corn go over the fence," said Wawasee coach John Blunk.
"Ryan DeGeeter's home run was legit, so it should have been a 2-0 ball game. Warsaw was fired up, and they were swinging the bats."
After Warsaw's offensive explosion in the first, the bats stayed quiet for both teams.
Through the last 3-1/2 innings, Wawasee and Warsaw each had one hit, and no runs were scored.
In all, Warsaw pounded out nine hits and Wawasee had three.
DeGeeter led Warsaw, pitching the complete game with six strikeouts and two walks. He faced 18 batters in four innings and allowed just three hits.
DeGeeter also led the Tiger bats, going 3 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs.
"DeGeeter did a nice job tonight," said Shepherd. "We like to keep him below 22 pitches an inning, but he threw quite a few in that first inning. He needs to come out a bit sharper."
Wawasee pitcher Kyle Lantz lasted just 2/3 of an inning. He allowed 10 runs, only two of which were earned, and six hits. He walked one and hit two batters.
Smeltzer took the mound in the first inning with two outs and 10 runs on the board. He finished the last 3-1/3 innings, striking out three and allowing no runs or earned runs. He walked two batters.
Warrior designated hitter Dan Milligan led Wawasee with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate.
The win improves Warsaw's record to 5-1 (1-0 NLC) on the season, while Wawasee falls to 2-3 (0-1 NLC).
The Tigers take on South Bend St. Joseph in a make up game tonight, while Wawasee travels to Elkhart Memorial for another NLC matchup Wednesday.
WARSAW 10, WAWASEE 0
5 Innings
Wawasee 000 00 - 0 3 2
Warsaw (10)00 0X - 10 9 2
Wawasee AB R H RBI
Beasley cf 3 0 0 0
Milligan dh 3 0 2 0
Doty c 3 0 1 0
Zaijcek 1b 1 0 0 0
Pollock ss 1 0 0 0
Smeltzer rf 1 0 0 0
Lantz p 2 0 0 0
Dingeldein 3b 2 0 0 0
Siri 2b 2 0 0 0
Totals 18 0 3 0
Warsaw AB R H RBI
LaFollette cf 2 2 1 0
Smith lf 2 1 1 0
Milton ss 3 2 1 3
DeGeeter p 3 1 3 3
Knepper 1b 2 1 1 0
Stork c 2 1 0 0
Nunez 3b 1 1 1 1
Nycz 3b 1 0 0 0
Walmer 2b 2 1 1 3
Lursen ph 1 0 0 0
Wilson rf 2 0 0 0
Totals 21 10 9 10
Errors -ÊWawasee 2 (Stucky, Smeltzer), Warsaw 2 (DeGeeter, Nycz). HR - DeGeeter, Milton, Walmer. SB -ÊMilligan 1.
IP R ER H BB SO
Wawasee
Lantz (L) 2/3 10 2 6 1 0
Smeltzer 3 1/3 0 0 3 2 3
Warsaw
DeGeeter (W) 5 0 0 3 2 6
HBP -ÊWawasee 2 (Lantz 2), Warsaw 0. WP -ÊWawasee 2 (Smeltzer 2), Warsaw 0.
Tiger Softball Team Wins Conference Opener Over Rival Wawasee
By Dale Hubler, Times-Union Sports Writer
SYRACUSE - After what he called a rough week and a half, Warsaw varsity softball coach Kurt Burner had something to smile about Monday afternoon.
Indeed, the first-year skipper was smiling, as his Tigers opened up the Northern Lakes Conference schedule with a 3-1 win at rival Wawasee. Warsaw improved to 2-5 overall, while Wawasee fell to 4-2 and 0-1 in the NLC.
"It's been a rough week and a half," Burner said. "The kids have been struggling with confidence. We're trying to get our continuity back. We lost to state-ranked DeKalb, and also to Elkhart Central and Mishawaka who were getting votes. We've been in every game, we've just had a bad inning in every game. It was nice to come out, get some runs and take the pressure off."
While confidence and a bad inning may have hampered the Tigers thus far, it wasn't the case Monday afternoon.
Trailing 1-0, the Tigers led off the fourth inning with singles from Megan Trump, Holly McGriff and Amanda Polding. Warsaw tied the game when Polding's hit scored Trump, and then took a two-run lead after both Polding and McGriff stole home.
For Warsaw, Monday's win was about capitalizing on opportunities. Wawasee's story was just the opposite.
After Warrior sophomore hurler LeeAnna Sloan retired Warsaw 1-2-3 to start the game, Wawasee opened the home half of the first with singles from Haley Bird, Angie Weybright and Kathy Likens. That's right where it stopped, as Tiger pitcher Shelly Hunter struck out Stephanie Sorenson and Sloan, and then got Casey Rinker to fly out.
"That was big," Wawasee coach Cory Schutz said of what is called leaving ducks on the pond. "We should've got a run or two across. We got on, we just couldn't get them in."
Said Burner of Hunter retiring the side with the bases loaded: "She came through for us. She kept her composure, threw strikes and moved the ball around."
Hunter went the distance in picking up the win on the mound, striking out nine, walking none and giving up nine hits. Her counterpart, Sloan, also went the distance, striking out five and giving up five hits.
Wawasee tried to mount a comeback in the sixth when senior Kim Likens laced a double with one out. Likens stole third, but again Wawasee failed to capitalize as Weisser struck out and Bird grounded out.
With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Sorenson reached on a single, but Sloan struck out to end the game.
"You always put emphasis on the NLC," Burner said. "We're just gonna take them one game at a time. We're not looking ahead or looking past anybody, we just needed some confidence."
To go with Trump, Polding and McGriff, Leah Kiphart and Cassie Himes also hit singles.
Bird and Kim Likens led Wawasee with two hits each.
Warsaw hosts NLC foe Goshen Wednesday, while Wawasee will entertain conference opponent Elkhart Memorial.
WARSAW 3, WAWASEE 1
Warsaw 000 300 0 - 3 5 2
Wawasee 010 000 0 - 1 9 1
Warsaw AB R H RBI
Hepler 3 0 0 0
Trump 3 1 1 0
McGriff 3 1 1 0
Polding 3 1 1 1
Duff 3 0 0 0
Tosch 1 0 0 0
Warren 1 0 0 0
Kiphart 2 0 1 0
Himes 3 0 1 0
Michelini 2 0 0 0
Totals 24 3 5 1
Wawasee AB R H RBI
Bird 4 0 2 0
Weybright 4 0 1 1
Ka. Likens 4 0 1 0
Sorenson 4 0 2 0
Sloan 3 0 0 0
Rinker 3 0 0 0
Eierman 3 0 0 0
Ki. Likens 3 1 2 0
Weisser 3 0 1 0
Totals 20 0 3 0
2B - Ki. Likens.
IP H R BB SO
Warsaw
Hunter, W 7 9 1 0 9
Wawasee
Sloan, L 7 5 3 0 6
Barton Pitches Triton Baseball To Win
Times-Union Staff Report
LAKEVILLE - Led by the pitching arm and bat of Braxton Barton, Triton's varsity baseball team picked up a 14-6 win at Northern State Conference rival LaVille Monday.
Trailing the host Lancers 3-0, Triton scored six runs in the third and fourth innings. After giving up two runs in the fifth, the Trojans closed the game with three runs in the sixth and four in the seventh.
Barton pitched all seven innings to pick up the win on the mound, striking out eight and walking one. At the plate he was 4 for 4 and scored three runs. Adam Wanamacher, Matt Norman, Todd Blackford, Bryan Watkins and Jay Wagoner all hit doubles for the Trojans, who are now 2-2 on the season.
TRITON 14, LAVILLE 6
Triton 002 413 4 - 14
LaVille 211 020 0 - 6
WP - Barton (2-0) 7 IP, 6 R, 7 H, 8 K, 1 BB. LP - Skoviak.
Triton hit leaders - Barton 4 for 4, 3 runs; Bryan Watkins 3 for 4, 2B; Matt Norman 2 H, 2B, 2 RBIs; Todd Blackford 2 H, 2B, 2 RBIs; Kyle Bell 3 R; Adam Wanamacher 2B, 3 RBIs
Monday in Fort Wayne
With an 11-0 loss at Homestead Monday, Manchester's varsity baseball team fell to 1-2 on the season. The Squires failed to get a hit, while the host Spartans pounded out nine hits, including two home runs in the first inning. Manchester hosts Fort Wayne Elmhurst Wednesday.
HOMESTEAD 11, MANCHESTER 0
Manchester 000 00 - 0
Homestead 303 50 - 11
WP - McFarland.
Monday in Akron
The Tippecanoe Valley baseball team fell to South Bend St. Joseph's Monday night 7-1. David Beyers had Valley's lone run on a solo homer. The Vikings are 3-2 on the season.
SB ST. JOE 7, TIPPECANOE VALLEY 1
SB St. Joe 301 120 0 - 7 8 0
Valley 000 010 0 - 1 6 2
Pitchers
Valley - Kevin Day (L 1-1) 4 IN, 7 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K; David Beyers (5th) 3 IN, 1 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K to Mike Schwenk
St. Joe - Jeff Sinklewicz (W) 7 IN, 6 H, 1 R, 3BB, 3 K to Joe Foldenauer
Valley leaders - David Beyers solo HR, Kevin Paxton 1B, Lance Bailey 1B, Kevin Day 1B, Mike Schwenk 1B, Scott Kindig1B
Record 3-2
Monday in South Whitley
JV
Valley 010 112 4 - 9 6 3
Whitko 000 010 3 - 4 9 9
Pitching
Valley - Keith Kindig (W 1-1) 7 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 12 K
Whitko - Schlitch 4 1/3 IP, 7 K, 2 H, 1 BB; Rupley 1 2/3 IP, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 H; Elder 1 IP, 3 BB, 2 K
Valley leaders - Derek Adamson 2 for 5; Jayson McCalla 1-1; Keith Kindig 1-2; Brad Bauters 1-4
Whitko leaders - Caroll 2-2; Elder 3-4 with a 2B and 2 RBI; Simison 2-3
Tuesday in Columbia City
JV - Columbia City 15, Manchester 6
WP - Lazier. LP - Patrick.
Manchester hit leaders - Ryan Roth 2B
Tuesday In Warsaw
WARSAW 11, WAWASEE 0
Wawasee 000 00 - 0 1 0
Warsaw 240 04 - 11 12 1
WP -ÊJeremy Sharpe. LP -ÊJason McDowell.
Warsaw leaders -ÊSam Weaver HR, Travis O'Neill 2 2B, Sean Alderfer 2B,Jeremy Sharpe 2B
SOFTBALL
Monday in Bourbon
Triton's varsity softball team was knotted at five with conference rival Knox Monday, but the host Trojans gave up five runs in the fourth and two more in the sixth. Knox went on to win the game 12-7. Triton fell to 2-4 overall and 0-1 in the NSC with the loss. Melissa Gustafson and Alison McClarnon had two hits each for Triton, which will play at Glenn Wednesday.
KNOX 12, TRITON 7
Knox 050 502 0 - 12
Triton 050 020 0 - 7
WP - Binkley 7 IP, 5 H, 7 K, 8 BB. LP - Alison McClarnon 7 IP, 12 H, 2 K, 6 BB.
Triton hit leaders - McClarnon 2 for 5, 2B; Becky Miller 1 for 4, 2 RBIs; Stephanie Scott 1 for 3; Melissa Gustafson 2 for 4
Monday in Syracuse
JV - Wawasee 7, Warsaw 6
Warsaw 001 023 0 - 6 8 1
Wawasee 100 231 X - 7 4 3
WP - Beth Voirol. LP - Jen Kenny.
Wawasee hit leaders - Krista Ogburn 1 for 1, 2 runs, 1 RBI; Lindsay Wright 1 for 1, 1 RBI; Cheryl Thomas 2 runs, 1 RBI
Monday in Russiaville
Manchester's varsity softball team traveled to Western Monday and was defeated 6-1. The Squires are now 4-2 on the season. Brit Rager led the Manchester offense by going 2 for 2. She was also hit by a pitch. The Squires will be in action again today at home with Peru.
WESTERN 6, MANCHESTER 1
Manchester hit leaders - Brit Rager 2 for 2; Alicia Pattison 1 for 3, RBI
Monday in North Manchester
JV - Manchester 15, Tippecanoe Valley 14
Valley 322 061 0 - 14
Manchester 433 040 1 - 15
Valley hit leaders - Ford 3 for 4, 2 RBIs; Myers 2 hits; Ogle 2 hits
Manchester hit leaders - Barker 3 for 5; Hoch 3 for 5, 2B, 3 RBIs; Johnson 3 for 4, 4 runs; VanLandingham 3 for 4, 2B (2); McKenzie 3B, 3 RBIs
BOYS TRACK
Monday in Converse
Whitko's varsity boys track team traveled to Three Rivers Conference opponent Oak Hill Monday and defeated the Eagles 83-49. The Wildcats took first place in 12 of 16 events to get the 34-point win. Joel Schrader won three individual events for the Wildcats, while Brandon Waterson won two. Whitko will be in action again Saturday in the Goshen Relays.
WHITKO 83, OAK HILL 49
3200 relay - 1. Oak Hill 9:11.0
400 relay - 1. Whitko (Wilkinson, Waterson, Everest, Anderson) :46.9
1600 relay - 1. Whitko (Walker, Everest, Cloud, Rosales) 3:47.2
110 hurdles - 1. Schrader (W) :16.5, 2. Spangel (W), 3. Wilkinson (W)
100 - 1. Waterson (W) :11.8, 2. Winger (OH), 3. Dooley (OH)
1600 - 1. Shook (OH) 4:54.9, 2. Walter (W), 3. Rose (OH)
400 - 1. Walker (W) :54.9, 2. Penn (W), 3. Hunt (OH)
300 hurdles - 1. Wilkinson (W) :44.4, 2. Nolan (OH), 3. Spangle (W)
800 - 1. Rosales (W) 2:12.1, 2. Shook (OH), 3. Moorman (OH)
200 - 1. Waterson (W) :23.9, 2. Winger (OH), 3. Hunt (OH)
3200 - 1. Harstine (OH) 10:50.3, 2. Reiff (OH), 3. Byram (W)
Shot put - 1. Ringle (W) 37-7, 2. Wilson (OH), 3. Mullins (W)
Discus - 1. Pearson (OH) 114-8, 2. Kilbourne (W), 3. Ringle (W)
High jump - 1. Schrader (W) 6-2, 2. Spangle (W), 3. Michael (OH)
Long jump - 1. Wilkinson (W) 19-0, 2. Dooley (OH), 3. Thomason (OH)
Pole vault - 1. Schrader (W) 11-0, 2. Peters (W), 3. Wallace (OH)
Monday in North Manchester
Manchester's varsity boys track team picked up a 25-point win Monday, downing visiting Three Rivers Conference opponent North Miami 74-49. The Squires took the meet by getting first in 10 events and second in events. Manchester will be in action again Saturday in the Goshen Relays.
3200 relay - 1. North Miami 9:59.49
Long jump - 1. McFadden (M) 19-4 1/4, 2. Barrett, 3. Williams (M)
110 hurdles - 1. Smith (M) 16.59, 2. F. Gaerte (M), 3. Graham (NM)
100 - 1. Barrett (M) :12.0, 2. Mullins (NM), 3. Knecht (M)
Discus - 1. Sommer (M) 109-9, Glass (M), 3. Deeds (NM)
1600 - 1. Blackburn (M) 5:14.65, 2. Zimpleman (NM), 3. Ash (NM)
400 relay - 1. North Miami :48.56
400 - 1. J. Gaerte (M) :58.12, 2. McFadden (M)
300 hurdles - 1. F. Gaerte (M) :43.38, 2. Smith (M), 3. Graham (NM)
Shot put - 1. Glass (M) 41-2 1/2, 2. Sommer (M), 3. Hall (NM)
800 - 1. Deeds (NM) 2:14.12, 2. Mullins (NM), 3. Blackburn (M)
200 - 1. Friend (NM), 2. N. Miami, 3. Knecht (M)
3200 - 1. Blackburn (M) 12:14.15, 2. Deleny (NM), 3. Williams (NM)
1600 relay - 1. Manchester 3:47.50, 2. North Miami
High jump - 1. Williams (NM) 5-10, 2. Lengel (M), 3. Zimpleman (NM)
GIRLS TRACK
Monday in North Manchester
Manchester's varsity girls track hosted and defeated Three Rivers Conference opponent North Miami 84-39 Monday night. The host Squires took first place in 12 of the meet's 15 events. Manchester will be in action again Saturday in the Churubusco Relays.
3200 relay - 1. Manchester 11:25.19, 2. North Miami
Shot put - 1. Penrod (M) 30-0, 2. Gable (M), 3. Linn (NM)
100 hurdles - 1. Harms (M) :16.03, 2. Sunday (NM), 3. Lightle (M)
100 - 1. French (M) :13.91, 2. Brown (NM), 3. Lewis (M)
High jump - 1. Sunday (NM) 5-0, 2. Sheerer (M), 3. Huntington (M)
1600 - 1. Kambs (M) 6:29.65, 2. Carden (NM), 3. Purdy (M)
400 relay - 1. Manchester :55.27, 2. North Miami
400 - 1. Sunday (NM) 1:09.58, 2. Patrick (M), 3. Miller (NM)
Long jump - 1. Brown (NM) 14-7, 2. Withers (NM), 3. Bradford (M)
300 hurdles - 1. Harms (M) :52.56, 2. Lightle (M), 3. Lewis (M)
Discus - 1. Penrod (M) 79-7, 2. Gearhart (NM), 3. Gable (M)
800 - 1. Kambs (M) 2:44.34, 2. Linn (NM), 3. Purdy (M)
200 - 1. French (M) :29.41. 2. Bradford (M), 3. Wethers (NM)
3200 - 1. Flora (M) 13:19.63, 2. Burns (NM), 3. Shibata (M)
1600 relay - 1. Manchester 4:39.28, 2. North Miami
GIRLS TENNIS
Monday in Syracuse
Wawasee's varsity girls tennis team hosted and fell 4-1 to Fairfield Monday. The Warriors picked up their lone win of the match at No. 3 singles with freshman Kendra Ganz. The loss drops the Warriors to 0-2 on the season, while Fairfield improves to 3-0. Wawasee will be in action again today at conference opponent Concord.
FAIRFIELD 4, WAWASEE 1
Singles
No. 1 - Stephanie Strong (FF) def. Kate Murphy 7-5, 6-4
No. 2 - Elizabeth Weybright (FF) def. Carly Murphy 6-2, 6-0
No. 3 - Kendra Ganz (W) def. Stefanie Woodring 6-3, 6-0
Doubles
No. 1 - Kristi Troyer/Hanny Stutzman (FF) def. Ashley Ganz/Cara Windle 6-1, 6-1
No. 2 - Tori Linderman/Kristin Showalter (FF) def. Krista VanLue/Jessica Ploszek 6-4, 6-3
JV - Fairfield 4, Wawasee 1
Singles
No. 1 - Julia Hasse (W) def. Katie Neilson 8-2
No. 2 - Jessie Beard (FF) def. Allison Kropf 8-2
No. 3 - Tiffany Miller (FF) def. Lynn Hire 8-4
Doubles
No. 1 - Julia Yoder/Kara Yoder (FF) def. Janie Petro/Erin Windle 9-7
No. 2 - Kristi Bufton/Ashley Flora (FF) def. Katie Westover/Chelsea Menella 7-5
BOYS GOLF
Monday in Rochester
The Tippecanoe Valley golf team improved to 2-1 on the season with a 188-202 win over Bethany Christian Monday at Rozella Ford Golf Course. Aaron Zolman and Kyle Burner led the Valley varsity squad by shooting 45s.
Valley scores - Aaron Zolman 45, Kyle Bruner 45, Brad Roberts 48, Devin Reed 50, Ryan Dunbar 53
Valley JV scores - Josh Murphy 44, Josh Johnson 46, Matt Flenar 52, Andrew Kramer 52 [[In-content Ad]]
Three three-run homers.
Eight hits.
Ten runs.
Two hit batters.
Two errors.
Not bad stats for a baseball game.
How 'bout for the bottom half of an inning?
That's exactly what happened in the bottom of the first inning in Warsaw when the Tigers hosted Northern Lakes Conference rival Wawasee Monday night.
Warsaw then held the Warriors scoreless for four more innings to finish the game in five innings on the 10-run rule.
Things started out well for the Warriors as Dan Milligan hit a single past Warsaw's short stop with one out to get the ball rolling.
Brent Doty followed with a single down the right-field line that sent Milligan to third, putting runners on the corners with just one out.
When Warsaw pitcher Ryan DeGeeter sent the next batter, Jake Zaijcek, to first on a walk, the bases were loaded with Wawasee runners
Things looked bleak for the Tigers; however, DeGeeter struck out Brian Pollock to get the second out of the game. Then Cris Smeltzer grounded out to DeGeeter to end the inning.
"Our defense was really important in the first inning," said Warsaw coach Will Shepherd. "It was very important to keep them off the board. The guys did a nice job battling early."
Once the Tiger defense got out of that tough situation in the top of the first, the Warsaw offense was on a mission.
With warm temperatures and the wind blowing out, the Tigers picked up their bats and stepped up to the plate.
Brandon LaFollette, a sophomore transfer student, nailed the first pitch for a single. Then Zach Smith popped up to the catcher for the first out of the inning.
An error by the leftfielder allowed Milton to reach first and moved LaFollette to second.
Enter DeGeeter. Not satisfied with pitching out of a difficult situation in the top of the first, DeGeeter helped his own cause by hitting a monster three-run homer over the fence in dead centerfield. His yard-ball went well over the 370-foot distance marked on the fence.
But the Tiger offense was not finished.
William "Hoss" Knepper reached first on a walk and Josh Stork was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second again.
Humberto Nunez pounded a line-drive single to left field, sending Knepper across the plate to put Warsaw up 4-0 with one out and two runners on base.
Not to be outdone by DeGeeter, Geoff Walmer stepped to the plate and hit a three-run homer over the 320 sign in left field to put Warsaw up 7-0 with only one out.
After a ground-out by Jacob Wilson, LaFollette was hit by a pitch to reach first base. A Smith single put runners on first and second as John Milton stepped into the batter's box.
Milton followed in DeGeeter and Walmer's footsteps by hitting yet another three-run homer. Milton's shot was nearly identical to Walmer's, going over the 320 sign in left field.
DeGeeter and Knepper both hit singles, but the inning ended when Knepper was thrown out trying to reach second after the right fielder bobbled the ball.
"In the first inning, we made one error and watched two cans of corn go over the fence," said Wawasee coach John Blunk.
"Ryan DeGeeter's home run was legit, so it should have been a 2-0 ball game. Warsaw was fired up, and they were swinging the bats."
After Warsaw's offensive explosion in the first, the bats stayed quiet for both teams.
Through the last 3-1/2 innings, Wawasee and Warsaw each had one hit, and no runs were scored.
In all, Warsaw pounded out nine hits and Wawasee had three.
DeGeeter led Warsaw, pitching the complete game with six strikeouts and two walks. He faced 18 batters in four innings and allowed just three hits.
DeGeeter also led the Tiger bats, going 3 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs.
"DeGeeter did a nice job tonight," said Shepherd. "We like to keep him below 22 pitches an inning, but he threw quite a few in that first inning. He needs to come out a bit sharper."
Wawasee pitcher Kyle Lantz lasted just 2/3 of an inning. He allowed 10 runs, only two of which were earned, and six hits. He walked one and hit two batters.
Smeltzer took the mound in the first inning with two outs and 10 runs on the board. He finished the last 3-1/3 innings, striking out three and allowing no runs or earned runs. He walked two batters.
Warrior designated hitter Dan Milligan led Wawasee with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate.
The win improves Warsaw's record to 5-1 (1-0 NLC) on the season, while Wawasee falls to 2-3 (0-1 NLC).
The Tigers take on South Bend St. Joseph in a make up game tonight, while Wawasee travels to Elkhart Memorial for another NLC matchup Wednesday.
WARSAW 10, WAWASEE 0
5 Innings
Wawasee 000 00 - 0 3 2
Warsaw (10)00 0X - 10 9 2
Wawasee AB R H RBI
Beasley cf 3 0 0 0
Milligan dh 3 0 2 0
Doty c 3 0 1 0
Zaijcek 1b 1 0 0 0
Pollock ss 1 0 0 0
Smeltzer rf 1 0 0 0
Lantz p 2 0 0 0
Dingeldein 3b 2 0 0 0
Siri 2b 2 0 0 0
Totals 18 0 3 0
Warsaw AB R H RBI
LaFollette cf 2 2 1 0
Smith lf 2 1 1 0
Milton ss 3 2 1 3
DeGeeter p 3 1 3 3
Knepper 1b 2 1 1 0
Stork c 2 1 0 0
Nunez 3b 1 1 1 1
Nycz 3b 1 0 0 0
Walmer 2b 2 1 1 3
Lursen ph 1 0 0 0
Wilson rf 2 0 0 0
Totals 21 10 9 10
Errors -ÊWawasee 2 (Stucky, Smeltzer), Warsaw 2 (DeGeeter, Nycz). HR - DeGeeter, Milton, Walmer. SB -ÊMilligan 1.
IP R ER H BB SO
Wawasee
Lantz (L) 2/3 10 2 6 1 0
Smeltzer 3 1/3 0 0 3 2 3
Warsaw
DeGeeter (W) 5 0 0 3 2 6
HBP -ÊWawasee 2 (Lantz 2), Warsaw 0. WP -ÊWawasee 2 (Smeltzer 2), Warsaw 0.
Tiger Softball Team Wins Conference Opener Over Rival Wawasee
By Dale Hubler, Times-Union Sports Writer
SYRACUSE - After what he called a rough week and a half, Warsaw varsity softball coach Kurt Burner had something to smile about Monday afternoon.
Indeed, the first-year skipper was smiling, as his Tigers opened up the Northern Lakes Conference schedule with a 3-1 win at rival Wawasee. Warsaw improved to 2-5 overall, while Wawasee fell to 4-2 and 0-1 in the NLC.
"It's been a rough week and a half," Burner said. "The kids have been struggling with confidence. We're trying to get our continuity back. We lost to state-ranked DeKalb, and also to Elkhart Central and Mishawaka who were getting votes. We've been in every game, we've just had a bad inning in every game. It was nice to come out, get some runs and take the pressure off."
While confidence and a bad inning may have hampered the Tigers thus far, it wasn't the case Monday afternoon.
Trailing 1-0, the Tigers led off the fourth inning with singles from Megan Trump, Holly McGriff and Amanda Polding. Warsaw tied the game when Polding's hit scored Trump, and then took a two-run lead after both Polding and McGriff stole home.
For Warsaw, Monday's win was about capitalizing on opportunities. Wawasee's story was just the opposite.
After Warrior sophomore hurler LeeAnna Sloan retired Warsaw 1-2-3 to start the game, Wawasee opened the home half of the first with singles from Haley Bird, Angie Weybright and Kathy Likens. That's right where it stopped, as Tiger pitcher Shelly Hunter struck out Stephanie Sorenson and Sloan, and then got Casey Rinker to fly out.
"That was big," Wawasee coach Cory Schutz said of what is called leaving ducks on the pond. "We should've got a run or two across. We got on, we just couldn't get them in."
Said Burner of Hunter retiring the side with the bases loaded: "She came through for us. She kept her composure, threw strikes and moved the ball around."
Hunter went the distance in picking up the win on the mound, striking out nine, walking none and giving up nine hits. Her counterpart, Sloan, also went the distance, striking out five and giving up five hits.
Wawasee tried to mount a comeback in the sixth when senior Kim Likens laced a double with one out. Likens stole third, but again Wawasee failed to capitalize as Weisser struck out and Bird grounded out.
With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Sorenson reached on a single, but Sloan struck out to end the game.
"You always put emphasis on the NLC," Burner said. "We're just gonna take them one game at a time. We're not looking ahead or looking past anybody, we just needed some confidence."
To go with Trump, Polding and McGriff, Leah Kiphart and Cassie Himes also hit singles.
Bird and Kim Likens led Wawasee with two hits each.
Warsaw hosts NLC foe Goshen Wednesday, while Wawasee will entertain conference opponent Elkhart Memorial.
WARSAW 3, WAWASEE 1
Warsaw 000 300 0 - 3 5 2
Wawasee 010 000 0 - 1 9 1
Warsaw AB R H RBI
Hepler 3 0 0 0
Trump 3 1 1 0
McGriff 3 1 1 0
Polding 3 1 1 1
Duff 3 0 0 0
Tosch 1 0 0 0
Warren 1 0 0 0
Kiphart 2 0 1 0
Himes 3 0 1 0
Michelini 2 0 0 0
Totals 24 3 5 1
Wawasee AB R H RBI
Bird 4 0 2 0
Weybright 4 0 1 1
Ka. Likens 4 0 1 0
Sorenson 4 0 2 0
Sloan 3 0 0 0
Rinker 3 0 0 0
Eierman 3 0 0 0
Ki. Likens 3 1 2 0
Weisser 3 0 1 0
Totals 20 0 3 0
2B - Ki. Likens.
IP H R BB SO
Warsaw
Hunter, W 7 9 1 0 9
Wawasee
Sloan, L 7 5 3 0 6
Barton Pitches Triton Baseball To Win
Times-Union Staff Report
LAKEVILLE - Led by the pitching arm and bat of Braxton Barton, Triton's varsity baseball team picked up a 14-6 win at Northern State Conference rival LaVille Monday.
Trailing the host Lancers 3-0, Triton scored six runs in the third and fourth innings. After giving up two runs in the fifth, the Trojans closed the game with three runs in the sixth and four in the seventh.
Barton pitched all seven innings to pick up the win on the mound, striking out eight and walking one. At the plate he was 4 for 4 and scored three runs. Adam Wanamacher, Matt Norman, Todd Blackford, Bryan Watkins and Jay Wagoner all hit doubles for the Trojans, who are now 2-2 on the season.
TRITON 14, LAVILLE 6
Triton 002 413 4 - 14
LaVille 211 020 0 - 6
WP - Barton (2-0) 7 IP, 6 R, 7 H, 8 K, 1 BB. LP - Skoviak.
Triton hit leaders - Barton 4 for 4, 3 runs; Bryan Watkins 3 for 4, 2B; Matt Norman 2 H, 2B, 2 RBIs; Todd Blackford 2 H, 2B, 2 RBIs; Kyle Bell 3 R; Adam Wanamacher 2B, 3 RBIs
Monday in Fort Wayne
With an 11-0 loss at Homestead Monday, Manchester's varsity baseball team fell to 1-2 on the season. The Squires failed to get a hit, while the host Spartans pounded out nine hits, including two home runs in the first inning. Manchester hosts Fort Wayne Elmhurst Wednesday.
HOMESTEAD 11, MANCHESTER 0
Manchester 000 00 - 0
Homestead 303 50 - 11
WP - McFarland.
Monday in Akron
The Tippecanoe Valley baseball team fell to South Bend St. Joseph's Monday night 7-1. David Beyers had Valley's lone run on a solo homer. The Vikings are 3-2 on the season.
SB ST. JOE 7, TIPPECANOE VALLEY 1
SB St. Joe 301 120 0 - 7 8 0
Valley 000 010 0 - 1 6 2
Pitchers
Valley - Kevin Day (L 1-1) 4 IN, 7 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K; David Beyers (5th) 3 IN, 1 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K to Mike Schwenk
St. Joe - Jeff Sinklewicz (W) 7 IN, 6 H, 1 R, 3BB, 3 K to Joe Foldenauer
Valley leaders - David Beyers solo HR, Kevin Paxton 1B, Lance Bailey 1B, Kevin Day 1B, Mike Schwenk 1B, Scott Kindig1B
Record 3-2
Monday in South Whitley
JV
Valley 010 112 4 - 9 6 3
Whitko 000 010 3 - 4 9 9
Pitching
Valley - Keith Kindig (W 1-1) 7 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 12 K
Whitko - Schlitch 4 1/3 IP, 7 K, 2 H, 1 BB; Rupley 1 2/3 IP, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 H; Elder 1 IP, 3 BB, 2 K
Valley leaders - Derek Adamson 2 for 5; Jayson McCalla 1-1; Keith Kindig 1-2; Brad Bauters 1-4
Whitko leaders - Caroll 2-2; Elder 3-4 with a 2B and 2 RBI; Simison 2-3
Tuesday in Columbia City
JV - Columbia City 15, Manchester 6
WP - Lazier. LP - Patrick.
Manchester hit leaders - Ryan Roth 2B
Tuesday In Warsaw
WARSAW 11, WAWASEE 0
Wawasee 000 00 - 0 1 0
Warsaw 240 04 - 11 12 1
WP -ÊJeremy Sharpe. LP -ÊJason McDowell.
Warsaw leaders -ÊSam Weaver HR, Travis O'Neill 2 2B, Sean Alderfer 2B,Jeremy Sharpe 2B
SOFTBALL
Monday in Bourbon
Triton's varsity softball team was knotted at five with conference rival Knox Monday, but the host Trojans gave up five runs in the fourth and two more in the sixth. Knox went on to win the game 12-7. Triton fell to 2-4 overall and 0-1 in the NSC with the loss. Melissa Gustafson and Alison McClarnon had two hits each for Triton, which will play at Glenn Wednesday.
KNOX 12, TRITON 7
Knox 050 502 0 - 12
Triton 050 020 0 - 7
WP - Binkley 7 IP, 5 H, 7 K, 8 BB. LP - Alison McClarnon 7 IP, 12 H, 2 K, 6 BB.
Triton hit leaders - McClarnon 2 for 5, 2B; Becky Miller 1 for 4, 2 RBIs; Stephanie Scott 1 for 3; Melissa Gustafson 2 for 4
Monday in Syracuse
JV - Wawasee 7, Warsaw 6
Warsaw 001 023 0 - 6 8 1
Wawasee 100 231 X - 7 4 3
WP - Beth Voirol. LP - Jen Kenny.
Wawasee hit leaders - Krista Ogburn 1 for 1, 2 runs, 1 RBI; Lindsay Wright 1 for 1, 1 RBI; Cheryl Thomas 2 runs, 1 RBI
Monday in Russiaville
Manchester's varsity softball team traveled to Western Monday and was defeated 6-1. The Squires are now 4-2 on the season. Brit Rager led the Manchester offense by going 2 for 2. She was also hit by a pitch. The Squires will be in action again today at home with Peru.
WESTERN 6, MANCHESTER 1
Manchester hit leaders - Brit Rager 2 for 2; Alicia Pattison 1 for 3, RBI
Monday in North Manchester
JV - Manchester 15, Tippecanoe Valley 14
Valley 322 061 0 - 14
Manchester 433 040 1 - 15
Valley hit leaders - Ford 3 for 4, 2 RBIs; Myers 2 hits; Ogle 2 hits
Manchester hit leaders - Barker 3 for 5; Hoch 3 for 5, 2B, 3 RBIs; Johnson 3 for 4, 4 runs; VanLandingham 3 for 4, 2B (2); McKenzie 3B, 3 RBIs
BOYS TRACK
Monday in Converse
Whitko's varsity boys track team traveled to Three Rivers Conference opponent Oak Hill Monday and defeated the Eagles 83-49. The Wildcats took first place in 12 of 16 events to get the 34-point win. Joel Schrader won three individual events for the Wildcats, while Brandon Waterson won two. Whitko will be in action again Saturday in the Goshen Relays.
WHITKO 83, OAK HILL 49
3200 relay - 1. Oak Hill 9:11.0
400 relay - 1. Whitko (Wilkinson, Waterson, Everest, Anderson) :46.9
1600 relay - 1. Whitko (Walker, Everest, Cloud, Rosales) 3:47.2
110 hurdles - 1. Schrader (W) :16.5, 2. Spangel (W), 3. Wilkinson (W)
100 - 1. Waterson (W) :11.8, 2. Winger (OH), 3. Dooley (OH)
1600 - 1. Shook (OH) 4:54.9, 2. Walter (W), 3. Rose (OH)
400 - 1. Walker (W) :54.9, 2. Penn (W), 3. Hunt (OH)
300 hurdles - 1. Wilkinson (W) :44.4, 2. Nolan (OH), 3. Spangle (W)
800 - 1. Rosales (W) 2:12.1, 2. Shook (OH), 3. Moorman (OH)
200 - 1. Waterson (W) :23.9, 2. Winger (OH), 3. Hunt (OH)
3200 - 1. Harstine (OH) 10:50.3, 2. Reiff (OH), 3. Byram (W)
Shot put - 1. Ringle (W) 37-7, 2. Wilson (OH), 3. Mullins (W)
Discus - 1. Pearson (OH) 114-8, 2. Kilbourne (W), 3. Ringle (W)
High jump - 1. Schrader (W) 6-2, 2. Spangle (W), 3. Michael (OH)
Long jump - 1. Wilkinson (W) 19-0, 2. Dooley (OH), 3. Thomason (OH)
Pole vault - 1. Schrader (W) 11-0, 2. Peters (W), 3. Wallace (OH)
Monday in North Manchester
Manchester's varsity boys track team picked up a 25-point win Monday, downing visiting Three Rivers Conference opponent North Miami 74-49. The Squires took the meet by getting first in 10 events and second in events. Manchester will be in action again Saturday in the Goshen Relays.
3200 relay - 1. North Miami 9:59.49
Long jump - 1. McFadden (M) 19-4 1/4, 2. Barrett, 3. Williams (M)
110 hurdles - 1. Smith (M) 16.59, 2. F. Gaerte (M), 3. Graham (NM)
100 - 1. Barrett (M) :12.0, 2. Mullins (NM), 3. Knecht (M)
Discus - 1. Sommer (M) 109-9, Glass (M), 3. Deeds (NM)
1600 - 1. Blackburn (M) 5:14.65, 2. Zimpleman (NM), 3. Ash (NM)
400 relay - 1. North Miami :48.56
400 - 1. J. Gaerte (M) :58.12, 2. McFadden (M)
300 hurdles - 1. F. Gaerte (M) :43.38, 2. Smith (M), 3. Graham (NM)
Shot put - 1. Glass (M) 41-2 1/2, 2. Sommer (M), 3. Hall (NM)
800 - 1. Deeds (NM) 2:14.12, 2. Mullins (NM), 3. Blackburn (M)
200 - 1. Friend (NM), 2. N. Miami, 3. Knecht (M)
3200 - 1. Blackburn (M) 12:14.15, 2. Deleny (NM), 3. Williams (NM)
1600 relay - 1. Manchester 3:47.50, 2. North Miami
High jump - 1. Williams (NM) 5-10, 2. Lengel (M), 3. Zimpleman (NM)
GIRLS TRACK
Monday in North Manchester
Manchester's varsity girls track hosted and defeated Three Rivers Conference opponent North Miami 84-39 Monday night. The host Squires took first place in 12 of the meet's 15 events. Manchester will be in action again Saturday in the Churubusco Relays.
3200 relay - 1. Manchester 11:25.19, 2. North Miami
Shot put - 1. Penrod (M) 30-0, 2. Gable (M), 3. Linn (NM)
100 hurdles - 1. Harms (M) :16.03, 2. Sunday (NM), 3. Lightle (M)
100 - 1. French (M) :13.91, 2. Brown (NM), 3. Lewis (M)
High jump - 1. Sunday (NM) 5-0, 2. Sheerer (M), 3. Huntington (M)
1600 - 1. Kambs (M) 6:29.65, 2. Carden (NM), 3. Purdy (M)
400 relay - 1. Manchester :55.27, 2. North Miami
400 - 1. Sunday (NM) 1:09.58, 2. Patrick (M), 3. Miller (NM)
Long jump - 1. Brown (NM) 14-7, 2. Withers (NM), 3. Bradford (M)
300 hurdles - 1. Harms (M) :52.56, 2. Lightle (M), 3. Lewis (M)
Discus - 1. Penrod (M) 79-7, 2. Gearhart (NM), 3. Gable (M)
800 - 1. Kambs (M) 2:44.34, 2. Linn (NM), 3. Purdy (M)
200 - 1. French (M) :29.41. 2. Bradford (M), 3. Wethers (NM)
3200 - 1. Flora (M) 13:19.63, 2. Burns (NM), 3. Shibata (M)
1600 relay - 1. Manchester 4:39.28, 2. North Miami
GIRLS TENNIS
Monday in Syracuse
Wawasee's varsity girls tennis team hosted and fell 4-1 to Fairfield Monday. The Warriors picked up their lone win of the match at No. 3 singles with freshman Kendra Ganz. The loss drops the Warriors to 0-2 on the season, while Fairfield improves to 3-0. Wawasee will be in action again today at conference opponent Concord.
FAIRFIELD 4, WAWASEE 1
Singles
No. 1 - Stephanie Strong (FF) def. Kate Murphy 7-5, 6-4
No. 2 - Elizabeth Weybright (FF) def. Carly Murphy 6-2, 6-0
No. 3 - Kendra Ganz (W) def. Stefanie Woodring 6-3, 6-0
Doubles
No. 1 - Kristi Troyer/Hanny Stutzman (FF) def. Ashley Ganz/Cara Windle 6-1, 6-1
No. 2 - Tori Linderman/Kristin Showalter (FF) def. Krista VanLue/Jessica Ploszek 6-4, 6-3
JV - Fairfield 4, Wawasee 1
Singles
No. 1 - Julia Hasse (W) def. Katie Neilson 8-2
No. 2 - Jessie Beard (FF) def. Allison Kropf 8-2
No. 3 - Tiffany Miller (FF) def. Lynn Hire 8-4
Doubles
No. 1 - Julia Yoder/Kara Yoder (FF) def. Janie Petro/Erin Windle 9-7
No. 2 - Kristi Bufton/Ashley Flora (FF) def. Katie Westover/Chelsea Menella 7-5
BOYS GOLF
Monday in Rochester
The Tippecanoe Valley golf team improved to 2-1 on the season with a 188-202 win over Bethany Christian Monday at Rozella Ford Golf Course. Aaron Zolman and Kyle Burner led the Valley varsity squad by shooting 45s.
Valley scores - Aaron Zolman 45, Kyle Bruner 45, Brad Roberts 48, Devin Reed 50, Ryan Dunbar 53
Valley JV scores - Josh Murphy 44, Josh Johnson 46, Matt Flenar 52, Andrew Kramer 52 [[In-content Ad]]