Shorthanded Juniors Take First Two

The Sullivan Post 18 juniors had only nine players Wednesday in their season opener against Rhineland Post 147, but rode their pitching to a 6-0 victory.

With most of the roster intact from last season’s freshmen district championship team, Sullivan continued their run of pummeling Ninth District competition.

They did it with three players — Braden Carey, Collin Immekus and Colton Ward — unavailable.

Josh Earney went five-plus innings, struck out seven and allowed one hit. He pitched around four walks.

Joshua Wiese took over the final two innings, striking out two and giving up a hit.

Sullivan was led at the plate by Earney, Garrett Juergens and Blayten Nolie. Earney singled and doubled, while Juergens and Nolie had a pair of singles. Wiese singled and was hit by a pitch. Andrew Branson and Andrew Bell each singled and walked. Ethan Kackley and Alec Bell drew walks.

Owensville

Sullivan hosted Owensville for their home opener Thursday and picked up a 6-5 win.

Post 18 tacked on an insurance run in the sixth inning that would prove to be the difference as Owensville closed the gap in the seventh.

Juergens started and pitched into the fifth inning. He struck out eight, walked one and gave up four runs. 

Wiese picked up the final six outs again, striking out two and giving up a run.

Sullivan scored twice in the first, three in the second and one in the sixth. 

Branson, Nolie and Andrew Bell each had two hits. Bell also walked twice. 

Juergens, Wiese, Earney and Cooper Beckett all had singles. Alec Bell walked.