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Linn-Mar gets offensive in baseball doubleheader sweep over Iowa City West
Lions score 25 runs on 24 hits in 12-7 and 13-3 victories
May. 23, 2024 5:57 am, Updated: May. 23, 2024 9:54 am
MARION – Linn-Mar Coach Kyle Rodenkirk witnessed the work in the offseason.
Now, he gets to view the Lions reap the in-game rewards from his third-base coaching box.
Linn-Mar’s improved offense was on display Wednesday, tallying a whopping 25 runs on 24 hits in a Mississippi Valley Conference Valley Division high school baseball doubleheader sweep over Iowa City West at Oak Ridge Middle School. The Lions won the opener, 12-7, and closed with a 13-3 victory in five innings.
“The bottom line is these guys are veteran led,” Rodenkirk said. “A lot of returners, so they knew in the offseason we had to make a big push to work on the offense.
“We got in the weight room and we really worked on some swings. Good to see it paying off.”
Ten seniors grace Linn-Mar’s roster. Rodenkirk said some are three-year starters. Experienced players have provided good examples to follow.
“Our seniors have been great,” Lions senior Jackson Mishler said. “Since January, we’ve been up and at it. We all want to win. I think that’s the common goal, doing whatever we can for each other.”
The Trojans (2-4, 1-3 MVC Valley) took an early 5-1 lead thanks to two-run home runs from Davis Nepple in the second and Jacob Koch in the third. Linn-Mar responded with the next 11 runs to take control.
The Lions scored five in the third, including a two-run home run to right field by Charlie Sarsfield, who finished with four hits and four RBIs, including two hits and three RBIs in the opener. Kaleb Martin and Kaden Harris added bases-loaded walks in the three-run fifth. Martin smacked a three-run double in the sixth and four RBIs for the Lions (5-2, 4-2).
Ryker Remington had three hits in Game 1 and Jaxon Kramer added three hits for Linn-Mar.
“We battled,” Mishler said. “We’re seeing the ball real well right now. It’s fun. Everybody’s locked in at the plate. Just getting the barrel around.”
Mishler played a big part in the dominant win in Game 2. Mishler pitched four innings, allowing three runs on three hits. He struck out seven of the 16 batters he faced. Mishler fanned five in a six-batter stretch that bridged the first and second innings.
Mishler went 3-for-4 with three RBIs at the plate. He belted a double to left in the fifth, scoring Toby Cruz to enact the mercy rule and end the game. Mishler had RBI singles in the four-run second and three-run third.
“Honestly, I’m just doing whatever it takes for my team,” Mishler said. “I’m just trying to be the best for my teammates. I’ve been on time at the plate. It’s a credit to (Linn-Mar assistant) Coach (Justin) Wagner.
“I have confidence to go out and play. Just do my best.”
Mishler is tied for second on the team with nine hits and tied with a team-best nine RBIs.
“He’s made some adjustments at the plate,” Rodenkirk said. “Batting him at No. 3 is a tough spot because you’re going to see everything they have to offer. He handles it with confidence and enthusiasm. Happy to have him there.”
Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com
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