VanScoyoc powers Jefferson in MVC doubleheader

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids Jefferson Coach Kyle Rodenkirk keeps pushing junior Spencer VanScoyoc.

The J-Hawk pitcher responded with another stellar performance last night, propelling Jefferson to a 2-1 victory over Iowa City West in the first game of a Mississippi Valley Conference doubleheader at Jefferson.

VanScoyoc keeps working to become better despite all the success he has had. He allowed six hits and struck out 11 last night while walking just two batters.

'He lives and breathes baseball,” Rodenkirk said. 'He's very baseball smart, but that's also tough to coach. He tries to better himself and better the team.”

Van Scoyoc appreciates how his coach never lets his players think they are better than they are, always pushing them to get better.

There always is something for them to work on.

'Hitting is tough. VanScoyoc has to have the mind-set to not give up on a hit,” Rodenkirk said. 'With pitching, he got behind in the first game. He has to try getting ahead and staying ahead.”

Besides a dedicated coach who admires his hard work, VanScoyoc also has an important team member in junior Caleb Stekl. This is Stekl's first year with the J-Hawks.

'I make sure he doesn't slack off,” Stekl said. 'I know how good he can be. When he's not, I get to be on his case.”

Brayden Frazier and Colton Knox both drove in runs for the J-Hawks in the opener. West's Tanner Lohaus allowed just five hits for West, giving up just one earned run.

The Trojans pulled ahead with an early lead in the second game and went on to win, 5-4. West had five hits, two from Mason Carter. Connor McCaffery and Nate Disterhoft both drove in runs for the Trojans and Austin Miller got the win, allowing eight hits over six innings. McCaffery got the save.