Junior Wolves hold on to sweep Chargers

The Midland Dow junior varsity baseball team got a lot of runners on base Monday, but couldn’t bring them home. The Chargers were able to score, but not enough as Bay City Central was able to squeak by with a 6-5 win in the opener before sweeping the double header with a 4-3 win in the nightcap at Bay City Central.

“These were two tough losses to take,” said Dow coach Ben Cronkright. “In both games it seemed that anytime we had any sort of momentum Bay City Central had an answer. We would score runs in the top-half, but could not shut the door in the bottom half.”

The Chargers were able to get after the Wolves’ pitching. Jordan Herman led Dow going 2-for-2, while Alex Bank added a double. But it wasn’t enough.

“Overall, the biggest difference was the fact that we left too many guys on base,” Cronkright said. “We would get guys in scoring position with the heart of our order up, but could not get the big hit to bust a close game wide open.”

Eli Rytlewski started for the Chargers and went four innings allowing four earned runs, while record four strikeouts to take the loss.

Ryan Maddox took the mound for Dow in the nightcap. After struggling in the season opener against Freeland, Maddox recovered and pitched four strong innings allowing three earned runs while striking out six.

Cory Brzak led the Chargers offensively going 2-for-2 and driving in three runs. But again it was not enough as the Wolves held on for the win.

“We need to play a complete seven inning game if we are going to have any chance at beating a quality Valley League opponent,” Cronkright said.

Dow’s record drops to 2-2 overall and 0-2 in league play. They return to action Thursday when they host Saginaw High. Game time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.