The PCM baseball and softball teams were back in action Wednesday evening, playing host to Greene County. Both teams got back in the win column with convincing victories.
After going scoreless in the first two innings, PCM was able to put together a steady stream of runs for an 8-1 win. The Mustangs scored two runs each in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings to secure the win. Greene County’s only run came in the top of the sixth. Derek Brown pitched the complete game and had a dominant performance on the mound, giving up only three hits and no walks while striking out 11 batters. It was a bounce back from a forgettable start in Brown’s first outing of the season, and he says it was a great team victory.
“I tried to put that first outing behind me, wasn’t my best, but I’ve got to grow up and move on. So I just came out, he was giving me the corners so I stayed on the outside most of the night. My catcher did a great job calling the game. I trust these guys behind me to make some plays so we can get the win.”
Brown, Caleb Duinink, Andrew Mitchell and Dane Owens all picked up two base hits to lead the way at the plate. Kolten Johnson had just one hit, but drove in four runs. Head Coach Jeff Lindsay echoed Brown’s sentiment of it being a quality team performance.
“I thought all three phases of the game we put together tonight. We pitched extremely well, Derek did an awesome job on the mound after coming back from somewhat a slight injury, last time he was out pitching. Defensively, I thought we did a really nice job of picking the ball up and throwing people out. And started to put together some good at-bats, whether it was hits or walks. We squared up some baseball tonight. I was really happy with everyone’s performance.”
PCM moves to 2-2 on the season, and is back at home this evening to take on Clarke. Senior Night festivities will also take place in Prairie City.
The Mustang softball team got off to a fast start in their contest, taking a 2-0 lead after two innings. PCM increased the lead to 7-0 after the fourth, courtesy of a five-run frame in that inning. Two more runs in the fifth closed out the 9-0 win.
Sidney Shaver, Hailey Schutte and Belle Hudnut each picked up two base hits. Paige Steenhoek was dominant in the circle, earning her first career shutout. She gave up only three hits and three walks while striking out three batters.
PCM moves to 2-4 on the season, and hosts West Marshall this evening in non-conference action. It will be the final non-conference game between the programs for the foreseeable future, as the Trojans are returning to the Heart of Iowa next school year after 12 seasons in the North Iowa Cedar League.