Tigers break out in 12-2 victory over St. Pius

The Nevada bats came alive Monday evening at Lyons Stadium, as the Tigers flattened visiting St. Pius X (KC) 12-2.

Nevada (4-2 overall, 2-1 West Central Conference) received a monster day at the dish from Tyler Ketterman, as the senior clubbed two home runs, en route to a 3-for-3, five RBI performance.

Nevada totaled 16 hits, with Logan Armstrong also notching a three-hit performance. A grand total of seven Tigers tallied multi-hit performances.

Nevada head coach Danny Penn said he was most impressed with his squad’s patience at the plate.

“Today was the offensive performance we’ve been looking for,” Penn said. “I thought our guys were relaxed at the plate, looking for pitches to drive –– but at the same time, willing to be patient and take walks if that’s what they were given. I was proud of our guys taking six walks tonight.”

Penn continued: “Getting 16 hits was huge for our confidence at the plate. Some of our guys who have been pressing a little bit had some success, and we hope that means they’re able to relax a little bit moving forward.

“Logan went 3-for-5 out of the leadoff spot, which was nice to see. Myles (McNeley), Braeden (Hinton), and Branden (Harder) each had doubles that helped get us moving around the bases.”

For Nevada, Hinton recorded the victory, allowing five hits and two earned runs, while striking out seven and walking three over five innings of work. Jarrett Owen came on in relief of Hinton, striking out a batter while working a clean inning.

“Defensively, we played a better game (than the past few)” Penn concluded. “Braeden attacked the zone, especially in the (middle innings).”

Penn said Hinton had an elevated pitch count of 44 pitches through the first two frames.

“After that he settled in nicely, trusting his defense,” Penn said. Penn added that Hinton needed only 31 pitches to get through the next three innings.

“He faced the minimum of nine hitters over his final three innings,” Penn noted, “getting numerous ground ball outs –– including a beautiful 6-4-3 double play (Shortstop to second base to first base).

“It was great seeing a pitcher pitch to contact with his defense making plays behind him.”

In addition to Ketterman and Armstrong’s three-hit performances, Harder finished 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI; Hinton 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs; McNeley 2-for-4 with two runs; Owen 2-for-3 with a run and RBI; and Peyton Denney 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.

Meanwhile, the Nevada junior varsity team fell to St. Pius 11-3, followed by a 13-0 loss on Tuesday to Joplin.