Baseball Stars sweep pair from MAU

By Michael Leek
Sports Editor

The LCC baseball team pushed its win streak to seven after winning a pair of games at home against Marian University Ancilla on Friday, April 26. The Stars won the first game 12-2 in five innings and the second 10-2.

The wins moved the Stars’ conference record to 16-5 and the overall record to 33-13 on the season.

LCC Head Coach Steven Cutter said the team continues to show growth with every game as the post-season approaches.

“Our pitching staff and defense have shown remarkable improvements over the last two weeks, and our offense continues to be one of the best in the country,” Cutter said. “As a group, they are on pace to break many team records again this season.”

Freshman pitcher Sean Bartlett pitched all five innings of the first game, giving up eight hits and striking out seven batters.

Offensively, the Stars hit well, recording 12 hits and 10 RBIs. Sophomore outfielder Preston Leon and freshman infielder Jack Bakus led LCC with three hits each.

Bakus led LCC in RBIs with four. Sophomore infielder Vince Hardy followed with three.

In the second game, freshman Oliver Raczynski pitched the first two innings, giving up no hits before being substituted. Freshman Drew Nurenberg pitched three innings, allowing three hits and picked up the win for the Stars. Sophomore Joey Randazzo pitched the last inning for the Stars, giving up two hits and one run.

Offensively, the second game was similar to the first, with LCC recording 13 hits and 10 RBIs. Leon led the team in hits again with three. Freshman infielder Conner Prahl had two hits, including a home run.

Prahl said he is putting in extra time outside of practice in the batting cages and he can feel the results in his play.

“There’s always something to work towards to help the team succeed,” Prahl said.

The Stars next matchup will be at home against Kellogg Community College on Thursday, May 2. LCC recently beat Kellogg in late March, 7-5, and the Stars look forward to playing against Kellogg again.

Cutter said as the post-season approaches, the next few games will be crucial for LCC.

“We have four conference games left to determine conference champions and playoff positioning,” Cutter said. “So, the upcoming week ahead looks to be a very fun time of the year for our staff and players. This is what we term, ‘where preparation meets opportunity.’”