Centerfielder Bennett Bauerle eyes a throw to third base for the force-out after a blooper single by Cozad. Bauerle’s throw was on the money for a crucial out and kept Cozad from loading the bases in the top of the second. (Johnson Publications photo)
Imperial third baseman Jack Bauerle appears to have the tag down before the runner reaches base but the runner caught a break, being called safe. (Johnson Publications photo)
Junior Legion splits a pair while seniors go down twice
After dropping a two-run decision at Holdrege last Thursday, Imperial Junior Legion captured a 4-3 win over Cozad’s juniors here Sunday.
On Wednesday, June 21, the seniors led 4-2 after three innings here against Broken Bow before the dam broke in the top of the fourth.
Broken Bow scored 11 runs in the fourth to break the game wide open. Imperial was only able to add one more run in the 17-5 loss.
On Thursday, they traveled to Holdrege with the juniors and led 9-7 after three.
They could only add one more run, falling 19-10.
Juniors-Holdrege
Domonic Sis kicked off the scoring for Imperial after a lead-off single in the second.
Will Kuenne did the same after a lead-off single in the top of the third to tie the game, 2-2.
In the bottom half of the inning, Holdrege scored four runs on seven hits to regain a 6-2 lead over the juniors.
Imperial answered in the top of the fourth with three runs set up by a pair of walks and singles by Britt Gockley and Kuenne.
The juniors got out a of bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the fourth to come back and take the lead 7-6 in the top of the fifth.
Austin Laird singled to lead off the inning followed immediately by a single from Sis.
Laird got home on a passed ball and Sis scored off a double by Emmitt Zuege to give the juniors a 7-6 lead.
Unfortunately, that would be the final two runs the juniors would score. Holdrege scored three more in the bottom of the fifth to go up 9-7 and held on for the win.
At the plate, Sis went 3-4 while Kuenne was 3-5. Zuege’s double was the only extra bases hit.
Rector went the distance on the mound, giving up 18 hits, striking out two and walking no one.
Cozad
The juniors got back into the win column Sunday with a 4-3 win here over Cozad.
Cozad scored one in the top of the first while Imperial went down in order.
Cozad opened the second with a lead-off single but the runner never got any further than second with Laird collecting a pair of strikeouts.
Cozad looked like they were going to open it up in the third with five straight hits to open the inning.
It looked like Cozad would load the bases but a short fly ball to center dropped in and Bennett Bauerle got the force at third.
To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. https://etypeservices.com/Imperial%20RepublicanID359/