Jackson Mishler continues big week, helps Linn-Mar to baseball sweep of Iowa City West

IOWA CITY — Jackson Mishler met with Linn-Mar baseball coach Kyle Rodenkirk and his staff after the season’s first week.

Coaches challenged him to play loose, alleviate the pressure he applied to himself and enjoy his junior season on the diamond. Challenge accepted and met.

Mishler appeared comfortable at the plate and in the field. He collected four hits with six RBIs and made a few impressive plays at shortstop Wednesday, helping the Lions to a 7-1 and 10-4 Mississippi Valley Conference baseball doubleheader sweep over host Iowa City West.

Add in Monday’s win over Clinton, Mishler has six hits and 11 RBIs in his last three games.

“This week I’ve had so much fun,” Mishler said. “These guys are so fun to play with. I’m playing relaxed and loose. That is what all my youth coaches taught me and I think I really did that this week. It shows. I’ve played well.”

Mishler is leading Linn-Mar with a .391 batting average and has already doubled his production from last week. He was receptive to the coaches’ message and he has applied the advice.

“I had a tough week,” Mishler said. “I came back this week locked in, ready to go. I’ve worked so hard.”

Rodenkirk said Mishler has been a consistent fielder at shortstop, claiming his defense prevented about four runs in that 13-9 victory at Clinton. He flashed leather against the Trojans, making 14 of 15 total chances including a highlight-reel diving catch down the left-field line in the sixth inning of the nightcap.

Which is more exciting — offensive production or laying out on defense?

“Definitely, the catch,” Mishler said. “It’s so fun to make a play for the team. Everyone can hit (but) it’s so fun to make a play, especially when our pitchers are dealing.”

The biggest change has been at the plate. Mishler said he has dedicated time in practice hitting to the right side and working up the middle. The effort has paid dividends for one of the Lions’ captains.

“He’s a staple for us,” Rodenkirk said. “It’s good to see the hard work offensively paying off for him. He was pretty hard on himself the first week. Just happy to see kids produce with as hard as they work in the offseason.”

Mishler put Linn-Mar (5-3, 4-2 MVC) on the board in the opener with an RBI single in the two-run third. The Lions held a 3-1 run in the sixth when Mishler helped them pull away with a two-out, three-run double to score Matthew Buse, Jaxon Kramer and Dylan Muszynski.

In the nightcap, Mishler singled and scored in the two-run third. He added a two-run single in the sixth-run fourth, as Linn-Mar sent 10 batters to the plate.

“Great kid, great family and I’m happy to see him have some success,” Rodenkirk said. “It’s fun to get games like that.”

Not to be outdone offensively, Muszynski went 3-for-5 overall with two walks, an RBI, three runs and three stolen bases. His play is indicative of the aggressive brand of baseball Rodenkirk wants from the Lions.

“He’s really a sparkplug for our team,” said Rodenkirk, who compared his baserunning to former Lion and current University of Iowa player Coy Sarsfield. “When he gets going, a lot of good things can happen. He’s just a gamer. I’m happy he’s with us.”

Carter Bond and Buse provided consecutive complete games for Linn-Mar, saving the pitching staff’s arms for Friday’s home doubleheader against Waterloo West.

Bond and Buse were both efficient and only allowed one earned run apiece. Bond scattered seven hits, striking out four without a walk. Buse struck out three with just one walk.

“Our pitchers battled,” Mishler said. “They gave us a lot of life. It is fun playing behind them.

“I want to give all the credit to our pitchers. We had a great night on the bump.”

Ryne Vander Leest had four hits, going 3-for-3 in Game 1 for West (2-5, 1-3).