Balanced production powers Kennedy to sweep

CEDAR RAPIDS — Batting practice is important, but it doesn't replace game-time repetitions.

The more trips to the plate and pitches Cedar Rapids Kennedy sees the better for its offensive production.

The Class 4A eighth-ranked Cougars produced a balanced performance, claiming a doubleheader sweep over Ankeny Centennial last night at Herkelman Field. Kennedy won the opener, 10-0, in six innings, and closed with an 8-3 victory.

Weather has wiped some earlier games from the slate and the lack of competition slows development.

'Recently, we started to strike the ball a lot more consistently up and down our lineup,' Kennedy Coach Bret Hoyer said. 'I think that is more due to seeing live pitching on a more regular basis.'

Kennedy (17-5) ripped 12 hits in the first game with eight starters scoring at least once. The bottom of the batting order was effective. Bryce Church and Mitch Gaffey hit eighth and ninth, respectively, and had two hits apiece. Gaffey matched Zach Daniels with a team-high two runs in the opener.

Production is expected from the top of the order with all-staters Daniels and Sammy Lizarraga and Tyler Dralle, who drove in three runs in the nightcap including a two-run double that helped Kennedy pull away in a five-run sixth.

Despite being outhit in the second game by Centennial, the bottom helped the Cougars overcome a two-run deficit.

This time, Jackson Behn, batting seventh, led off the second and fourth with singles. The hits led two runs, including the go-ahead score when pinch-runner Chris Krystofiak crossed on an error. Austin Isaacs walked, which led to the tying run in the third.

'They have been doing their job, seeing pitches, getting on base and hitting fairly well,' Hoyer said. 'Now, they are starting to do it more.'

Church has burned opposing pitchers lately, hitting 7-for-9 the previous two days. He also has two walks, two RBIs and three runs.

'I can't think of how many hits Bryce had last night in Dubuque,' Hoyer said. 'He has had a bunch.'

Kennedy's Jacob Henry provided a strong start in the opener, helping himself with two hits and two RBIs. Anthony Alepra, Sawyer Neuhaus and Jake Grovert combined to hold off the Jaguars (13-13) in the nightcap.

The Cougars opened the season as the top-ranked team in 4A. To make another deep postseason run and be the top team at the end, Kennedy will need production from everybody.

'You can't keep the pressure on the opposing defense,' Hoyer said, 'then it makes it tough to get wins.'

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