BOYS GET FIRST LOSS, THEN WIN LAST REGULAR SEASON GAME

May 14 MCC at Adrian/Ellsworth

The MCC Rebel Baseball team was on the road on Thursday to take on the Adrian Area Dragons. The Rebels entered the game 10-0 in the Red Rock Conference. Adrian Area came into the game with a record of 8-3. The Rebels were looking to continue their undefeated season with the end of the year coming in just two games. In what would be the Rebels second tough game of the week, MCC would pick up a big win in the Red Rock Conference and Section 3A.

The one thing that has stuck out during the Rebels season to this point is how they have been able to get the early lead in almost every game. In most games this season by the third inning the Rebels have had a lead by more than a single run. That would hold true on Thursday. The Rebels scored two runs in the second inning to take the lead. Krew Schneider led the second off with a single and the Rebels would bunt him over to second base. Cayden Veldhuisen struck out, but the third strike was not caught and Veldhuisen reached first base, leaving runners at first and third. Unfortunately the Rebels base runner at third got picked off, but Danny Larson doubled in Veldhuisen from first base. Gabe Tentinger reached base on an error that would score the second run of the inning and the Rebels were ahead. The Rebels kept the pressure on in the third inning when Teague Meyer singled and stole second. After a pop out the Rebels loaded the bases with another Dragon error and an intentional walk to Schneider. Carson Lewis stepped to the plate and hit a line drive double to center field, scoring all three runs. The hit scored the Rebels’ 5th run of the game which would be their last, but it was all they needed.

Krew Schneider got the start for the Rebels on the mound. Schneider threw all seven innings and allowed just one run in the second inning. Schneider walked 3 hitters and allowed 5 hits while striking out 5. Schneider was able to get in and out of trouble on the windy afternoon as the Rebels defense played well, not committing an error in the game. The Rebels would get the win 5-1, remaining undefeated on the season.

The Rebels did not have a hitter with more than one hit. Lewis drove in 3 runs on his double. Danny Larson and Gabe Tentinger also had RBI’s in the Rebels win. MCC will play Monday and Tuesday to wrap up the regular season. Monday the Rebels will play RTR in their final Red Rock Conference game of the season and Tuesday they will play at home against the JCC Huskies. Section 3A seeding will take place on Wednesday with the playoffs beginning on Saturday.

May 18 MCC at RTR

The MCC Rebel baseball team played their final Red Rock Conference game of the season on Monday in a cold, wet game between two of the top teams in the conference. The RTR Knights have had a solid season and they were looking to hand the Rebels their first loss of the year. In what would turn into a tough weather game, the Rebels would take their first loss of the season.

The Rebels managed just three hits on the day. They turned the three hits into five runs with the help of 8 walks and 2 RTR errors. The Rebels scored a single run in the top of the second inning to take the lead. RTR scored three straight runs to reclaim the lead. MCC answered back in the seventh inning, scoring two runs on a Dugan Kluis base hit to take a 5-3 lead.

Teague Meyer started for the Rebels and the senior pitched a solid game. He threw the first six innings of the game, scattering eight hits with one walk while striking out eight. Meyer allowed three runs in his six innings and left the game entering the bottom of the seventh with the lead. The Rebels brought in Dugan Kluis for the final inning of work. The Rebel junior walked a pair of runners before getting a pop out for the first out of the inning. The Rebels commited a wild pitch that would allow one run to score. An error by the Rebels would tie the game at 5-5. Jackson Kerkaert hit a double to left field scoring the game winning run. The Knights would get the win 6-5.

Dugan Kluis had the big hit for the Rebels scoring 2 runs to give the Rebels the lead. He would also get the loss on the mound allowing three runs in the bottom of the 7th inning. The Rebels are now 16-1 on the season and will complete their regular season on Tuesday against Jackson County Central. The Section 3A baseball seeding will be on Wednesday.

May 19 JC at MCC

The MCC Rebels Baseball team played their final regular season game on Tuesday one day after picking up their first loss of the season. The Rebels played host to Big South member Jackson County Central. The Huskies have had an amazing year with terrific season in football, wrestling, and basketball. Baseball though has had its struggles and the Rebels would add to them.

Dugan Kluis took to the mound on Tuesday and the Rebels junior was locked in leading the pitching staff. Kluis went all seven innings, throwing a no hitter. The only two baserunners for the Huskies came on hit by pitches. The Rebels defense was solid and Kluis struckout eight hitters.

At the plate, the Rebels would get the bats going, collecting 12 hits. Danny Larson had a big day for the Rebels collecting 3 hits and 3 RBI’s in the game. Tristan Behrends had 3 hits in the game while also drawing a walk. Carson Lewis and Cayden Veldhuisen had two hits each and both had doubles. The Rebels took a 2-0 lead in the second inning and then added single runs in the fourth and fifth before opening up the lead with 5 runs in the bottom of the 6th.

The Rebels finished the season 17-1. Seeding for the upcoming playoffs will take place on Wednesday with the opening round of the playoffs coming up on Saturday. The Rebel pitching staff threw ten shutouts of their 18 games this season, including the no hitter on Tuesday. The Rebels will be a favorite headed into the Section 3A playoffs, but it is never an easy road.