C.R. Kennedy, C.R. Xavier split baseball doubleheader

CEDAR RAPIDS — A freshman delivered on Senior Night.

Cairron Hendred provided a lasting memory for his Cedar Rapids Kennedy teammates, who were playing their last game at home.

Hendred hit a two-run double in the bottom of the seventh, giving the Cougars a 2-1 victory and a Mississippi Valley Conference doubleheader split with Cedar Rapids Xavier Monday night at Herkelman Field. Bryce Schulte pitched the first of two gems by Saints starters, earning a 4-2 victory in the opener.

The Cougars (14-18-1, 11-13) had lost seven of their last eight games and were down to their final strike when Hendred drove in the tying and winning runs in a game the Cougars finally played strong defense and received good pitching from starter Jake Olejniczak and reliever Trey Sheets.

'With how much we've been struggling lately, we're just happy to win a ballgame and enjoy what that feels like again,' Kennedy Coach Bret Hoyer said. 'More importantly, is to enjoy a performance where we played defense the way Kennedy usually plays defense.'

Kennedy rallied in its last at-bat. Gage Cadenhead and Lucky Wulfekuhle led off with well-placed singles. Xavier starter Ryan Hosch seemed poised to thwart the threat, getting a strikeout and an infield fly to bring Hendred to the plate.

After a passed ball allowed the runners to advance and Hosch working to a full count, Hendred notched his second straight extra-base hit just short of the left-field fence.

'It was basically my routine that I fell back on,' Hendred said. 'I had that shot to left field.'

He was unfazed with two strikes and the game hanging in the balance. Hendred showed poise

'Every single pitch I take one at a time,' Hendred said. 'That's about it.'

Hosch had stymied hitters all game, allowing just three hits through the first six innings. Hendred had one of those hits, belting an opposite-field triple, but was stranded in the fifth. He received a boost of confidence.

'The previous at-bat, because I wasn't doing well, I had a chip on my shoulder,' Hendred said. 'I just created momentum and it carried over into the next at-bat.'

The Cougars huddled around home plate and celebrated as Hendred rounded the bases. The seniors recognized between games left winners in their final home game as a Cougar.

'It's a special feeling,' Kennedy senior Matt Berst said. 'Our team stuck together and Cairron delivered for us big time.'

The Kennedy victory spoiled the outing by Hosch, who was an out from a shutout, and a good game by center fielder Nolan Butkowski, who had three put outs and an assist on defense. He also scored the Saints' only run.

Butkowski made a running over-the-shoulder grab before Hendred's fifth-inning triple, preventing a run. He also made a diving catch and threw a runner out at the plate in the first.

'I felt like I did both tonight,' Butkowski said about contributing offensively and defensively. 'I go out and try my hardest to be a positive influence for the team.'

Xavier used a three-run third and a strong performance from Schulte to take the first game.

The Saints (13-18, 10-12) took advantage of Kennedy miscues, scoring their first two runs thanks to errors. Nate Skala drove in a run with a fielder's choice and Gabe Lux had an RBI double in the decisive frame. Quinn Miller had one of four Xavier hits and a sacrifice fly to drive in Schulte in the fifth.

Schulte scattered five hits and struck out four. He faced four or less batters in six innings. The only one he saw more was the third highlighted by Anthony Alepra's two-run single.

'I just had a good feel,' Schulte said. 'I had a great defense behind me. I only had a few strikeouts so my defense did a great job working in the field. My catcher, Garrett Ries, did a great job calling pitches and keeping me calm.'

The Saints have defeated ranked Class 4A teams. They begin 3A district competition July 14, being paired with fifth-ranked Marion, Center Point-Urbana and Maquoketa. Butkowski said Xavier has potential to advance deep into the postseason.

'We're feeling good right now,' Butkowski said. 'Everybody keeps working hard. We're going to keep our nose to the grindstone and hopefully make a good run.'

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