Baseball: Kennedy shuts down Xavier in doubleheader

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids Kennedy baseball team was crowned king of 42nd Street last night, when it swept Cedar Rapids Xavier, 13-3 and 4-1.

In the first game, the Cougars trounced the hosts, winning on the mercy rule in five innings. Starting pitcher Nick Appleget improved to 6-0 on the season, with the assistance of an error-free night from his fielders.

“It wasn't my best night,” Appleget said. “But our team was hitting the ball, and making plays behind me. I give the game to my team.”

Offensively, it was a hit parade. Kennedy had 17 hits in the five innings, powered by Josh Jahlas who was a perfect 4-4, and Logan Ambrose was 3-4, including a 3-run bomb over the right-centerfield fence.

“I felt great,” Ambrose said. “I got all of it. He left the curveball hanging; I saw it out of his hand and went with it.”

Xavier struggled defensively. The team had miscommunications, dropped fly balls in foul territory, bobbled ground balls, and hit batters that came back to haunt it.

Offensively, the Saints were shutdown. But this was more of a testament to the quality of Kennedy's defense rather than any deficiency in Xavier's batting.

Game two was a much milder affair.

The Cougar offense was a shadow of what it was in game one. The Xavier pitching and defense was cleaner, eliminating the mistakes that extended innings in game one.

But they were still frustrated offensively. When Kennedy needed a stop, they made it happen, including an impressive play by third baseman Devon Jacobus who, falling away, hurled the ball to first for the out. After the play, the Kennedy student section chanted.

Number-four pitcher Cody Bell gave up only one run on two hits.

“I think he's steadily getting better and better as the year goes on,” Hoyer said. “He's had more opportunities this year to develop. I'm excited to see how he does down the stretch.”