Baseball: Varsity Chargers open with win

The Midland Dow varsity baseball team opened its 2007 campaign with a 14-5 victory over host Coleman Saturday.

Heading into the game, coach Kip Harris wanted to find work for most of his pitchers, all the while trying to save his staff for today’s league games against Bay City Central.

“I didn’t want to throw anybody too much,” he said, “so just getting them an inning of work was like getting them a bullpen session. Everybody was able to get their feet wet right away instead of waiting until today for a league game.”

Harris would end up using seven different arms against Coleman in the seven-inning game. Sean Hartman (1-0) was credited with the win, striking out one batter in his one inning of work. Sophomore Tori Nelson had a pair of strikeouts in one inning, and senior Tim McDonald recorded one strikeout, as well.

Offensively, the Chargers were led by junior Andrew Seer, who was 4-for-6 at the plate with a double and an RBI, while Junior Nate Richard was 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI, as well. Senior Brett Lechner recorded two doubles in four at-bats, scoring four runs and driving in two. McDonald was 2-for-2 with a double, an RBI, and three walks.

While Dow’s bats were booming throughout the game, Harris was perhaps most proud of his team’s defense.

“It was our first game and we hadn’t had a lot of on-field practice, and I think we did a nice job,” Harris said. “We didn’t make any errors and that was a good thing to see.”

Now, the 1-0 Chargers turn their attention to Saginaw Valley League play as they host the Wolves of Bay City Central this afternoon. The scheduled start time for game one is 3:30 p.m.

Stay tuned to MidlandOnline for results and photos from Monday’s games.