Fifth inning problems put the Braves in a bind and visiting Keota went on to score a 15-9 varsity baseball victory over Montezuma on Monday evening, July 6.
The Braves led this game 6-4 through four innings. But Keota plated 11 runs in the fifth to go up 15-6. Montezuma didn’t give up, but was able to post just single runs in the final three frames.
It was a good offensive game for the Braves – 12 hits – but an even better one for the Eagles, who rapped out 16.
Cole Watts was the hard-luck fifth inning pitcher for Montezuma, when three Braves errors and a hit batter helped the visitors post five unearned runs.
Brayden Arendt had a big offensive game in his return to catcher. He went three-for-five with a run batted in and two stolen bases.
Eddie Burgess went two-for-three, with a home run, a double and an RBI.
Watts was two-for-five, with a double, two RBIs and three stolen bases.
Getting one hit each for Montezuma were Owen Cook, Joey Kercheval, Colton Benson, Kodie Strong and Connor Van Zee. All except Strong drove in runs.
Burgess pitched the first three innings for the Braves. His yield was seven hits and three runs, all earned. He didn’t walk a batter, hit two, and struck out six.
Watts threw an inning and two-thrds. He gave up four hits and nine runs, four of them earned. He walked three, hit one, and struck out three.
Arendt pitched one-third of an inning, giving up three hits and three runs, all earned.
Preston Hirsch threw two scoreless innings for Montezuma, allowing two hits.
The defeat dropped the Braves to 4-6 on the season.
Keota left Montezuma with a 6-5 record.
JV’s win – Montezuma’s junior varsity team scored a 10-2 victory over Keota.
UP NEXT – The Braves are at English Valleys on Tuesday, July 5, with first pitch at 5 p.m. Get there early enough, and you’ll find a shade tree!