Third-ranked Kennedy performs well for future Cougars

CEDAR RAPIDS - Zach Daniels and Sammy Lizarraga remember when they were aspiring young baseball players, stepping on the field the Cedar Rapids Kennedy varsity competed.

They were well aware of the possible impact of playing well in front of about 100 members of the Junior Cougars youth baseball program recognized before Kennedy's varsity game Monday night.

'It got me excited,” Daniels said about what it meant when he watched the Cougars upperclassmen years ago. 'They were role models to us. We looked up to them, so that is what I think we were like tonight.”

Class 4A third-ranked Kennedy received a third straight shutout from Daniels and Lizarraga drove in an early run as the Cougars dropped Cedar Rapids Prairie, 6-0, in a Mississippi Valley Conference baseball game Herkelman Field.

The Cougars (7-1 overall, 4-1 MVC) understood the importance of making an impression on the kids in attendance. Just like when the current sophomores, juniors and seniors experienced as spectators.

'It was a big deal when we were younger, coming and seeing the varsity play,” Lizarraga said. 'It's like the pros when you're at that age. It's a big deal.”

Kennedy Coach Bret Hoyer said the Junior Cougar Night creates an atmosphere that motivates the players to perform at a high level.

'You want them to feel a part of the tradition,” said Hoyer, noting Kennedy has had only four losing seasons since 1967. 'I think our varsity players over the years have fed off the energy they bring to the park.”

Daniels provided another strong outing on the mound, improving to 3-0. He has not allowed a run in 21 innings pitched this season.

'I thought I threw pretty well,” Daniels said. 'I could have located some pitches better, but overall, I thought I had a good night.”

The Kennedy defense has complemented Daniels' ability to force batters to put the ball in play. It has been a strong team effort. The Cougars did not make an error against the Hawks (4-4, 3-1).

'It's not a one-man show,” Hoyer said. 'He's not striking everybody out. We're making some really nice plays behind him. We are making it hard for teams to score.”

Daniels allowed multiple base runners only twice in seven innings. The Hawks had one runner advance beyond second, which occurred with two outs in the final frame. Daniels isn't consumed with his scoreless streak.

'I don't care that much about it,” Daniels said. 'A win is a win. I know my team is always making plays for me and that's why I'm keeping my runs down.”

Hoyer said he was happy with the way his team swung the bat. The Cougars had quality plate appearances, even when they didn't result in hits.

'I was pleased with our approach,” Hoyer said. 'I was pleased with a lot of our at-bats and how consistently hard we hit up and down the lineup. Hopefully, we can do it again.”

Kennedy received all the offense it needed in the first, getting an RBI single from Lizarraga for a 1-0 lead. He helped ignite the Cougars in the three-run fifth.

Matt Stevens and Lizarraga opened the inning with back-to-back singles and both scored on Tyler Dralle's RBI single and a sacrifice fly from Kyle Brewer.

Lizarraga and Stevens led a balanced Kennedy offense with two hits and an RBI apiece. Six Cougars scored and five Cougars drove in a run.

'Hitting is really contagious,” Lizarraga said. 'Once you start at the top, it keeps going and going. We're hitting the ball really well as a team right now.”

Jared Cadena and Casey Hook had two hits apiece and Cal Clark added a double for Prairie, which fell to 4-4 overall and 3-1 in the MVC. Prairie hosts Kennedy Tuesday night at 7.

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