www.newbuffalotimes.com
10 THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022
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Steady improvement for young Bison in baseball
young crop of high school baseball players in New Buffalo has six wins this year after going winless last year. The improvement on the field has been increasingly noticeable. The Bison were 6-5 with two ties until a recent four game losing streak in doubleheaders at home. Head coach Wayne Butler said the hitters are making harder contact with the ball more often and gaining in other ways physically as their bodies grow toward maturity. He said the players like last year are working hard and having fun because they love playing baseball. “They keep battling. They’re eager,” he said. The Bison showed their fighting spirit in the final inning of the first game with Berrien Springs Friday, May 20. Braden Huffer hit a lead-off single over the head of the second baseman and two more batters reached base before a hustling Axel Rodriguez beat out an infield ground ball to the shortstop. The Bison pulled to within three runs of the Shamrocks before the final hitter struck out. The never give up attitude was also on display in the first game
BY STAN MADDUX
of a doubleheader Tuesday, May 24, at home against Michigan Lutheran. The Bison trailing 8-1 started the sixth inning with a walk from Nick Messenger and an infield single by Jayden Burger. Sam Wendel then hit a run scoring line drive single to
left field. A runner was later picked off third base, but the momentum continued when Ethan Lijewski reached base on a fielding error and Andrew Flick then Vaugh Nikkel drew walks. The next hitter popped up to the second base to end the game.
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endel also turned in a solid performance after taking the mound in the fourth inning and pitching the rest of the game. It took him only five pitches to retire the side in the final inning on fly balls to Huffer in left field and a strikeout. “The team has progressed,” Butler said. Butler said the players are also getting better at decision making to avoid costly errors on the base paths and on defense. Butler said it’s been a tough season because of a wet, cold spring forcing games to be rescheduled and some practices to be held inside the gymnasium. He said there’s been no let up, though, in commitment to the game shown by his players “They get the most out of every situation,” Butler said.
