Ben Murphy

Superior Central baseball was able to enjoy its first win of the season on Friday. The Cougars were hosting Powers North Central, and picked up a 13-4 win in game one of the Central Skyline Conference doubleheader, before falling 5-2 in the nightcap.

Trent Rutter was the winning pitcher, as he threw a complete game and gave up four runs on four hits while striking out nine. “Trent had a terrific day on the mound, he only walked one batter, and the defense picked up behind him,” head coach Greg Mannisto said. “It was a much needed first win.”

Getting two hits apiece on offense were Andrew Cain, Jason Kanerva and Logan Frusti.

In game two, Blake Walther suffered the loss on the mound, though he did throw well, striking out seven batters. North Central ace and last year’s player of the year Adrian Mercier proved too tough to handle though, as he only allowed five base runners all game. Walther had a solid game on offense as well, getting two doubles and one triple.

“With each game we are seeing our players getting back into the flow of things, timing is getting better and bats are making some noise, defense is taking shape and making plays,” Mannisto said. “Pitching only had three walks in both games today which kept a lot of pressure off the defense, complete games are not too common nowadays, limiting walks is a must.”

On Thursday, S-C lost two games at Bark River-Harris, 11-1 and 16-5. “We gave up too many extra outs on defense and Bark River is always a quality hitting team, they destroy your pitch count in a hurry and pressure you on the bases,” Mannisto said. “We didn’t handle it well but this team has seen it before. We haven’t been able to get outside to practice much to shake off the rust and it showed.”

In game one, Bradley VanDamme led the team with two hits, while game two saw Kanerva and Frusti get two hits apiece. S-C was scheduled to play at North Central on Tuesday, hosts Manistique today (Thursday) and will play at North Dickinson on Tuesday.