Baseball: Junior Chargers gain control to sweep Falcons

The Midland Dow junior varsity baseball team overcame control problems on the pitcher’s mound Tuesday and registered a 10-7 win in game one before settling down in game two and pummeling the visiting Freeland Falcons 17-2 at Dow High School.

“I think that our team did a nice job overall,” said Dow coach Ben Cronkright. “We demonstrated great poise in game one after getting down in the first inning we bounced right back offensively to score a bunch in the early innings.”

The Chargers fell in a hole early, as the Falcons were able to put four runs across in the top of the first.

Dow responded immediately pushing nine runs across in the first to take a lead they would not relinquish.

“I thought that offensively we did a nice job considering it was one of our first times outside against live pitching,” Cronkright said. “However, over time the strikeouts need to diminish, especially with runners on base.”

Despite battling control problems Ryan Maddox came away with the win going three innings allowing six earned runs. Ryan Stone was credited with the save.

Jordan Herman led the Chargers with two doubles, while finishing 3-for-3. Cory Brzak went 2-for-3.

In game two, Eli Rytlewski dominated Freeland’s hitters going three innings, allowing one run while striking out four to get the win.

Offensively, Dow couldn’t be stopped. Rytlewski helped his own cause by going 2-for-2 with a double and triple. Both Herman and Alex Bank went 3-for-4.

Next up for the Chargers (2-0) is a road trip Monday to Bay City Central to take on the Wolves. Game time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Photos by Cory Butzin