6/9  Baseball Awards Banquet a Hit
At the Kalamazoo Country Club on Tuesday evening, a packed house of three Mustang baseball teams, coaches, families, supporters, and guests celebrated another hugely successful baseball season for the Blue and Gold.  Special Guest of Honor featured the legendary coach and mentor Mr. Scott "Scotty" Wilson.  Coach's Captains/Athletic Achievement awards went to co-captains Kyle Clark and Gerrit Rauch.  The team MVP was awarded to Brad Beauregard, and Most Improved was Ryan Shinevare.  A plaque was presented to South Portage Little League for hosting freshmen games.  Coach Fred "Doc" Oppel, Nate "Voice of the Mustangs" Frisbie, and webmaster/photographer Bill Rauch were presented with special appreciation awards.  Little Tyler May was awarded a special t-shirt from Coach Schneider for always helping out.  

All-SMAC Conference Awards were presented to Brad Beauregard, Connor Byrd, Kyle Clark, Tyler Jones, Ryan Krill, Monty Porter, Gerrit Rauch, Nathan Schutter, and Ryan Shinevare.  All-SMAC Honorable Mention was awarded to Nick McIntyre and Logan Templeton.

All-District player Awards were presented to Ryan Krill, Monty Porter, and Gerrit Rauch.

Special thanks to Scott Londry of Lightsource Media Solutions for authoring the video/photo highlight DVD shown at the banquet.  The DVD can be ordered directly through www.lightsourcemediasolutions.com for $10, half of which will be donated to the booster club.

6/6  Mustangs 30-Win Season Halted in Holt
In Regional Semi-Final action on Saturday, Saline pitcher Josh Burd shut down the Mustangs offense allowing just one hit, an infield single by senior centerfielder Connor Byrd.  The Mustang bats had no trouble putting the ball in-play, but Saline always seemed to get the out.  Saline posted a run in every inning but the third and two in the seventh, thanks to excellent base running, team speed, and a pair of suicide squeeze plays.

The Mustangs defense was led by junior starting pitcher Monty Porter, giving way to seniors Patrick Oppel, then Josh Folk.  Senior shortstop Gerrit Rauch turned a couple of one-out double plays to retire the side, one featuring a ballettic pirouette to avoid contact with the base runner.

 Cinderella Battle Creek Lakeview upset Brighton 3-2 in the other regional semi-final match. Saline then went on to defeat Battle Creek Lakeview in the regional final, 8-0.  Saline gave up only two hits in that game, advancing to the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

I want to thank everyone who helped with this website however small, by contributing ideas, content, and/or encouragement, and especially Dave Clark and Bill Templeton for the game summaries.  I also want to thank the baseball booster board members - past and present - for their untiring dedication and commitment to our young men.  The Portage Central baseball experience has been a gold mine for me and my family, providing countless hours of entertainment, laughter and sometimes tears.  Congratulations to all the Mustang baseball players at all levels and to their families, and to the coaches.  You are ALL super-stars.  -Bill Rauch

5/30 Portage Central Defends District Title with 2 Wins
Portage Central has a date with the Saline High School baseball team (regional semi-final game) next Saturday thanks to a 9-1 defeat of Kalamazoo Central and a 12-6 victory over the Huskies of Portage Northern in the district finals.

Senior Josh Folk got the Mustangs off to a good start in the opening game as he went all 7 innings allowing only 1 run on 7 hits, striking out 6, and walking 2. Central pounded out 14 hits in the opener thanks to Connor Byrd, Gerrit Rauch, and Ryan Krill each with 3 hits, Ryan Shinevare added 2 hits, and sophomore Jordan Tillman had a pinch hit home run over the left field fence. 

Game 2 saw the Mustangs score in every inning but one, jumping out to a 7-3 lead after 3 innings of play.  No happy with that, they piled on 5 more to make the score 12-2 going into the bottom of the 7th. Wanting to keep the fans interested, the Mustangs gave up 4 runs in the 7th before Patrick Oppel got the last hitter to ground out, ending the game with 2 Huskies on base.  Junior Monty Porter remains undefeated as he went 6 1/3 innings spreading out 13 hits,  striking out 5, and walking 4, before retiring in the 7th.  Patrick then recorded the 2 final outs to preserve the victory. Portage had another 14-hit game on the day with Ryan Krill leading the way with 4 hits and 4 RBI's, Ryan Shinevare had 3 including a homerun, Connor Byrd, Brad Beauregard, and Jeremy Renda each had 2 hits in the contest.

"It took me seventeen years to get three thousand hits in baseball. I did it in one afternoon on the golf course."  - Hank Aaron  

5/26  Portage Central Hangs On to Win in District Game vs. Mattawan 6-5
Portage Central defeated Mattawan at Kalamazoo Central in their quest to repeat last years district championship, but it took some 7th inning heroics by centerfielder Connor Byrd.  The senior made a game-saving catch (highlights on ESPN) with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th to preserve the victory for the Mustangs.

PC raced out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning on a bases-loaded, 2 RBI double off the bat of first baseman Nick Mycintyre. The Mustangs went scoreless until the fifth, when they scored 3 more runs highlighted by a 2 RBI hit by catcher Jeremy Renda.  PC took a 6-0 lead going into the bottom of the 6th when Mattawan stirred things up scoring 5 runs. In the bottom half of the seventh, with two runners on and 2 outs, Mattawan hit the ball deep into the gap when Byrd made a spectacular game-saving catch giving the Mustangs the victory - and the chance to move on when they take on Kalamazoo Central Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in a District semi-final match.

5/23  PN Hands PC Loss in the G-K Final, 12-6
Portage Northern jumped on Portage Central early in the game scoring 3 runs in the first inning and following up with an 8 run-3rd inning, proving to be too much to overcome. The Mustangs scored once in the first and again in the top of the 3rd, to make the game 3-2 before Northern scored 8 in the bottom half of the inning to make the score 11-2. Portage added 4 more runs but could never take advantage of 8 free passes by Northern's pitching staff, as they limited PC hitters to only 6 hits for the contest. Ryan Krill had 2 hits and Brad Beauregard reached bases all 4 times and scored 3 runs but it wasn't enough to overcome 13 hits including 2 homeruns by PN. 

Freshmen Derek Schnieder got the start going 2 innings, giving up 7 hits, 8 runs, with 1 strike out, and 1 walk.  Logan Templeton came in relief in the 3rd inning, giving up 3 runs and 3 hits, while striking out 1 in 2 innings of work.  Senior Patrick Oppel closed out the game giving up 3 hits, 1 run, and striking out 2.

Whether your name is (Lou) Gehrig or (Cal) Ripken, (Joe) DiMaggio or (Jackie) Robinson, or that of some youngster who picks up his bat or puts on his glove, you are challenged by the game of baseball to do your very best day in and day out. That's all I've ever tried to do." - Cal Ripken

5/21  JV Finishes on a High Note, Sweeps BC Lakeview　
The Portage Central JV baseball team finished its season in grand fashion Thursday afternoon in Battle Creek. Behind the solid pitching performances of freshmen Nate Stegman and Greyson Granger, the Mustangs swept both ends of the doubleheader against the Lakeview Spartans by scores of 4-1 and 15-1.  Stegman twirled a 3-hit gem in the opener. The right-hander walked three batters and struck out a baker's dozen in his 7-inning performance. Granger was equally as impressive in the nightcap. The southpaw yielded just one hit, did not walk a batter and fanned eight Spartans in the 5-inning affair.

Freshman Jake Austin collected three hits and scored twice in Game 1. Granger (double), freshman Dale Stoner and sophomore Cody Stace each chipped in with a pair of hits, and Stoner plated a pair of teammates.

In the second game, Stoner and freshman Logan Templeton (double) each collected three hits. Stoner scored three runs and drove in two more, while Templeton crossed the plate twice and had 2 RBIs. Stace (double) and Stegman (double) each added two more hits, and Stace had a season-high 4 RBIs. Sophomores Kevin Rhodes, Mike Smodic and Ryan May each scored two runs and Rhodes collected 2 RBIs.

5/20  JV Takes Two More from Kalamazoo Central
The Portage Central JV baseball team made it a clean sweep of Kalamazoo Central Wednesday afternoon, winning by scores of 6-1 and 9-3. The Mustangs won all four games this season against the Maroon Giants.  Sophomore Cody Stace had a monster day for Portage Central. The right-hander scattered three hits in his 7-inning stint on the mound to win the opener. Stace walked two batters and struck out six others. He then collected two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs in the nightcap. Sophomore Ryan May had two hits and an RBI for the Mustangs in Game 1. Freshman Greyson Granger smacked a double and scored twice, while sophomore Mike Smodic also added a two-base hit. Freshman Nate Stegman was the offensive standout for the Mustangs in the second game. Stegman collected three hits, including a double, to raise his team-high batting average to a robust .441. He drove in three runs and scored twice. Freshman Dale Stoner worked the full six innings to earn the mound victory. The right-handed Stoner pitched scoreless baseball over the final five innings, while scattering eight hits, walking two and fanning two.  

5/19  Mustangs Take Two From Wildcats
Portage Central took 2 games from Mattawan Tuesday, winning the first game 9-7 and taking the second game 12-3. Mattawan jumped off to an early lead in the first game, scoring 2 runs in the top of the first inning.  The Mustangs got 1 run back in the bottom half of the inning when leadoff hitter Brad Beauregard and Connor Byrd hit consecutive doubles. The Mustangs scored 4 in the 3rd when Ryan Krill hit a 2 run home run and Ryan Shinavare added a run-scoring triple for a 5-2 lead, followed by runs in the 4th, 5th, and 6th inning for the eventual 9-7 win.  Nick Mcintyre (dbl), Ryan Shinavare,(dbl, trpl) and Nathan Schutter (dbl) each had 2 hits in the game. Freshmen Derrick Schneider started the game on the mound and went 4 complete innings.  He gave up 4 runs on 5 hits, 1 BB, and struck out 6. Patrick Oppel pitched in the 5th going 2 1/3 innings, giving 3 runs on 4 hits, with 2 K's and 2 BB. Ryan Krill finished the game going 2/3 of an inning striking out one.

In the second game with Portage up 5-3 going into the bottom half of the fifth the Mustangs erupted for 7 runs to put the game away for good. Connor Byrd led with 3 hits and scoring 3 runs, Nick Mcintyre and catcher Jeremy (don't call me Brenda) Renda each added 2 hits to the 11 hit attack. Freshmen starter Logan Templeton went 4 2/3 innings (6 H, 2 BB, 4 K's, 3 runs) for the win before giving way to Ryan Krill who closed out the game going 1 1/3 with no hits and striking out 2.

"Swing hard, in case they throw the ball where you're swinging." - Duke Snider 

5/18 JV Bounces Back with Twinbill Sweep of Mattawan
The Portage Central JV baseball team scored 17 runs and banged out 22 hits Monday afternoon en route to a doubleheader sweep of Mattawan.  Freshman lefthander Ryan Pobuda (4-0) pitched a 3-hit gem in a 9-0 rout of the Wildcats in Game 1. Pobuda walked four batters and struck out six others. Sophomore Kevin Rhodes swatted a pair of doubles and scored three runs. Sophomore Mike Smodic and freshman Jake Austin each collected two hits, while freshman Dale Stoner smacked a double and drove in two teammates. Freshmen Logan Templeton and Derek Schneider each had 2 RBIs. Schneider also scored two runs.

5/16 Mustangs in GK Championship with 2 Mercy Wins
Portage Central used the big inning in each game of the opening round of the GK tournament to win 2 mercy-shortened games beating Gull Lake 17-2 in 3 innings and Kalamazoo Central 12-1 in 5 innings. In the second inning of the first round game, the Mustangs sent 16 hitters to the plate scoring 13 runs, highlighted by senior 3rd baseman Ryan Shinavare smashing a grand slam home run over the left field fence to make the score 17-2. Portage had 12 hits with every hitter in the lineup having at least 1 hit, Tyler Jones went 3 for 3 and Conner Byrd chipped in with 2 hits. Senior Josh Folk got the win going 3 innings giving up 2 runs on 2 hits and striking out 2.

5/14 Mustangs Split with Coldwater
Portage Central split a doubleheader at Coldwater Thursday losing the first game 7-6, and coming back in the 2nd game 10-0 to earn the split. The Mustangs had 8 hits in the first game with junior 1st baseman Nick McIntyre leading the way with 2 doubles. Patrick Oppel got the start on the hill and went 4 innings with John Westerhouse finishing out the game.

In the second game, freshmen pitcher Logan Templeton threw an outstanding game.  Logan limited Coldwater to 3 hits, striking out 9, and did not allow a walk. The Mustangs only managed 5 hits, but took advantage of 9 walks and 5 Coldwater errors to secure the 6-inning mercy win. Nathan Schutter had 2 hits, Brad Beauregard and Evan Meier each swatted doubles to lead PC.

5/13  JV Bats Silenced, Huskies Sweep Season Series
The Portage Central JV baseball team dropped both ends of a doubleheader Wednesday afternoon at the hands of cross-town rival Portage Northern. The Mustangs collected a total of just 10 hits in the two games and fell by scores of 6-1 and 5-2.

5/12  SMAC Central Conference Stat Leaders
Among the five conference teams, Portage Central stands tall in games played through May 9 according to the Kalamazoo Gazette.  PC pitchers Monty Porter and Kyle Clark rank #1 and #3 respectively (ERA).  The top ten batting averages are PC batters Ryan Krill (#2/.500), Gerrit Rauch (#3/.459), Clark (#5/.427), and Brad Beauregard (#6/.417), making 4 of the top 6 bats in the conference packed by Mustang hitters.  For doubles, PC grabs 2 of the 3 top spots with Krill (#1/10), and Rauch (#2/9).  PC sweeps all 3 in the RBI category, with Krill, Rauch, and Clark leading the way at 42, 33, and 22 respectively.

Sophomore Christian Johnson had four hits, including a double, and drove in three runs to lead the Mustangs in Game 1. Freshman Logan Templeton counted a pair of doubles among his three hits in the opener and scored twice. Sophomore Ryan May also had three hits. Freshmen Nate Stegman (double) and Greyson Granger, along with sophomore Kevin Rhodes (triple) each had a pair of hits. Stegman collected two RBIs and scored three runs, Granger plated three teammates and Rhodes crossed the plate twice. Freshman Jake Austin scored three runs, while freshman Dale Stoner had three RBIs and scored two runs. Sophomore Kyle Mulvany pitched a four-inning complete game, yielding one hit and no walks. Mulvany struck out seven Bearcats.

Templeton, freshman Ryan Pobuda and Austin were the hitting stars for the Mustangs in Game 2. Templeton collected three more hits to raise his team-high batting average to .477. He drove in a season-high five runs and scored twice. Pobuda also had three hits, including a triple, collected 2 RBIs and scored two runs. Austin smacked two doubles, plated four runs and scored three times. Stoner and Granger each cracked doubles and scored two runs. Granger also drove in two runs. Sophomore Cody Stace legged out a triple and collected 2 RBIs, Rhodes scored twice and sophomore Mike Smodic scored four times. Sophomore Jordan Butler pitched his second three-inning perfect game in as many weeks. Butler struck out six batters.
 

5/8  Battle of the Sexes
Friday, May 8th, come support your Varsity Baseball and Varsity Softball teams as they take part in a “ Battle of the Sexes” waffle ball game (no, that's not a typo). The first pitch will be thrown at 4:30 pm. Admission to this PCOC fundraiser is $3.00 at the gate. Be sure you don’t miss this opportunity to come watch (or just laugh at) the two varsity squads face off in a one time only event! We’ll see you Friday!

5/7  Mustangs Fall to, then Tie, #2-ranked Lakeshore
The Portage Central baseball team was unable to match the offensive firepower of Stevensville Lakeshore Thursday afternoon, falling to the state's second-ranked Division 2 team, 16-4, in the first of two games at Mustangs Field. Portage Central then tied the Lancers, 7-7 in the nightcap. The Mustangs collected eight hits and committed three errors in each game.

Lakeshore scored seven runs in the first inning of Game 1 and never looked back. Sophomore Ryan Krill slammed his team-high fourth home run of the season and collected 3 RBIs to highlight the Mustangs' attack in the first game. Senior shortstop Gerrit Rauch was the lone Portage Central player to have at least two hits. Senior Patrick Oppel was saddled with the mound loss for the Mustangs.

No Mustangs player had more than one hit in the second game. Junior John Westerhouse (double) was credited with 2 RBIs in the nightcap, as was junior Tyler Jones. Senior Josh Folk pitched the first six innings for the Mustangs, before being relieved by Rauch in the seventh. Darkness halted play after the Mustangs plated the tying run in the bottom of the seventh inning.

After taking the weekend off, the Mustangs will host conference foe Battle Creek Central Tuesday.　"Senior Day" festivities will be held between games. -Bill Templeton (for Dave Clark)

5/7  JV Splits with Lakeshore, Streak Ends at 15
　The Portage Central JV baseball team saw its 15-game winning streak come to an end in heart-breaking fashion Thursday afternoon in Stevensville. After thumping Lakeshore in the first game, 15-4, the Mustangs dropped an 8-7 decision on a walk-off hit by the Lancers in the fifth inning of the nightcap.

The Mustangs scored six runs in the first inning of the opener and never looked back. Freshmen Jake Austin (two doubles), Derek Schneider (double, triple), Logan Templeton and Dale Stoner, along with sophomore Ryan May, all collected a pair of hits for Portage Central in the first game. Austin scored twice and had 2 RBIs, and sophomore Christian Johnson was credited with 4 runs-batted-in. Templeton and Stoner each scored three times, while Schneider, freshman Nate Stegman and sophomore Kevin Rhodes (double) each crossed the plate twice. Freshman Greyson Granger went the distance on the mound for the Mustangs, scattering six hits. Granger walked three batters and struck out four. 　

5/6  Mustangs Down Gull Lake in Single Contest 12-1
Portage Central baseball team made good use of 7 hits 5 base on balls and 5 GL errors to score 12 runs (7 in the 2nd inning) in 5 innings for the mercy shortened victory. Nathan Scutter led the Mustangs offense with 2 hits including a double. Freshmen Logan Templeton got the win going five innings allowing only 1 hit, 1 run, and striking out 2 in his first varsity start of the year. On a personal note, because of the length of this game (aprox 1 hr. 15 min.), I failed to consume a hot dog for the first time in four years.

5/6  JV Starts Fast and Coasts to 14th Straight Victory
　The Portage Central JV baseball scored four runs in the first inning Wednesday afternoon and went on to defeat Gull Lake, 10-4. The Mustangs made effective use of eight hits and nine walks by Blue Devils pitchers en route to their 14th consecutive win.

Freshman Derek Schneider collected two hits (double), drove in two runs, and scored twice to lead the Mustangs. Freshmen Jake Austin and Nate Stegman (double) each had two hits, and Austin plated two teammates. Sophomore Mike Smodic (double) scored two runs, while sophomore Kevin Rhodes crossed the plate three times. Freshman left-hander Ryan Pobuda pitched the final 4 2/3 innings to notch his team-high third win. Pobuda did not surrender a run, or a walk. He yielded just one hit and struck out three Gull Lake hitters.

5/5  Team Sweeps Conference Rival Kalamazoo Central
PC baseball took 2 games Tuesday at Kalamazoo Central 12-5 and 13-3, running their current winning streak to 8 games. Leading 5-4 going into the top of the 7th inning, the Mustangs erupted for 7 runs to put the game out of reach. After fouling off several pitches on a 0-2 count, Junior Nick McIntyre hit a letter-high fastball out of the park to ignite the 7 run rally.  Gerrit Rauch added another HR to straight away centerfield to highlight the inning. The Mustangs totaled 14 hits for the game.  Kyle Clark and Tyler Jones had 3 hits, Ryan Krill, Rauch, and McIntyre each had 2 hits. Kyle Clark (3-1) got the win, going 7 innings while giving up 5 hits, 5 runs (2 earned), 4 walks, and striking out 5.

5/5  JV Makes it a Baker's Dozen in Sweep of K-Central
The Portage Central JV baseball team continued its winning ways Tuesday afternoon against conference rival Kalamazoo Central. The Mustangs banged out a total of 20 hits and got complete-game pitching performances from freshmen Derek Schneider and Dale Stoner en route to 13-3 and 11-1 victories over the Maroon Giants. Portage Central (15-4) has now won 13 straight games.

5/4  Mustangs Win Streak at 6 After Doubleheader Win at Benton Harbor
Portage Central baseball team pounded out 31 hits including 9 extra base hits and got 2 complete game pitching performances from juniors Tyler Jones and Kevin Irwin to sweep Benton Harbor 11-1 and 15-1 Monday at Benton Harbor. Ryan Krill continued his hot hitting going 5 for 5 (all extra base hits) and Gerrit Rauch added 3 hits (DBL,TPL).  Kyle Clark, Nick Mcintyre, and Jeremy Renda each chipped in with 2 hits apiece. Jones went 5 innings allowing 1 run 2 hits, 3 BB, and striking out 4 to record the victory in the first game.

In the second game, Tyler Jones went 4 for 4 including a double, senior shortstop Gerrit Rauch went 3 for 3, and　centerfielder Nathan Scutter added 2 hits as the Mustangs scored at least 1 run in every inning. Kevin Irwin pitched all 5 innings allowing 1 run on 2 hits, 6 K's, and no base on balls to record the 2nd game victory.

5/4  JV Sweeps Benton Harbor to Extend Win Streak to 11　
The Portage Central JV baseball team ran its streak of consecutive victories to 11 Monday afternoon with a pair of wins over Benton Harbor. Sophomore Jordan Butler swatted a pair of doubles and scored two runs for the Mustangs to spearhead a 5-1 victory in Game 1. The right-handed Butler then pitched a three-inning perfect game in a 15-0 win in the nightcap.

5/2  Mustangs Add Another Sweep Over Okemos
Portage Central baseball team raised their record to 13 and 5 with a 10-2 and 15-5 sweep of visiting Okemos High School. In game 1, the Mustangs took advantage of 5 errors and 7 walks by Okemos. Trailing 2-1 going into the bottom of the 6th, the Mustangs exploded for 9 runs, highlighted by a 2 RBI double compliments of Connor Byrd and a bases-loaded single by Brad Beauregard that also drove in 2 runs.  The Mustangs collected 7 hits in the opener with Ryan Krill being the only Mustang with more than one with a single and a double. Starting pitcher senior Patrick Oppel provided a strong performance going the distance, giving up single runs in the 4th and 6th inning.  Patrick limited Okemos to 4 hits, walked 5, and struck out 4.

In the second game, sophomore Ryan Krill did everything but serve hot dogs, going 4 for 4 with 2 home runs.  One was a monster shot to straight away 385 feet center field on a 1-1 curve ball.  Krill then pitched the final 2 1/3 innings in relief to pick up the win.  The Mustangs pounded out 13 hits, scoring in every inning to win a 5 inning mercy rule shortened game. John　Westerhouse, Gerrit Rauch (dbl), Kyle Clark (dbl), and Caleb Muelman each added 2 hits while Junior Nathan Schutter added some outstanding defensive plays in leftfield to secure the victory. Next Game Monday at Benton Harbor.　　

5/1  Mustangs Back in the Win Column with Sweep of Loy Norrix
PC's baseball team got back on the winning track Friday by　beating Loy Norrix in a doubleheader 11-1 and 10-6. The Mustangs were aided in the first game by 8 walks and 5 LN errors. Loy Norrix struck first by scoring 1 run in the top of the second, taking a short-lived 1-0 lead. The Mustangs then scored 2 runs in the bottom half of the 2nd and added 4 more in the 3rd to go up 6-1. The Mustangs closed out the game by　erupting for five runs in the 5th with a key pinch hit single by pinch hitter John Westerhouse to highlight the inning. Brad Beauregard and Tyler Jones each collected 2 hits in the game. Kyle Clark (2-1) pitched the 1st game allowing 1 run, 0 BB, and striking out 10 Knight hitters in 5 innings of work.

In the second game, the Mustangs showed the effects of a long layoff (5 and a half games rained out) as they committed an uncharacteristic 7 errors and gave up 6 unearned runs. PC scored 6 runs in the 4th inning highlighted by a Tyler Jones　solo home run.  Loy Norrix scored 4 runs in the 5th inning and added 2 more in the sixth to make things interesting and tie the game up. Connor Byrd led off in the bottom of the sixth with a single, followed by 2 walks and a bases-loaded double by Kyle Clark as the Mustangs went on to score 4 runs for the 10-6 victory.  Clark and Byrd each had 2 hits in the second contest, with starter Monty Porter (2-0) going 5 innings for the victory.  Monty gave up 4 unearned runs on 2 hits, 7 K's, and 2 BB. Senior Josh Folk came in to pitch in the top of the 6th, giving up 2 unearned runs on 1 hit, while striking out 2, to record the victory for the Mustangs.

4/28  SMAC Central Conference Stat Leaders
Among the five conference teams, Portage Central is the statistical leader in games played through April 25 according to the Kalamazoo Gazette.  PC pitchers Monty Porter and Kyle Clark rank #1 and #5 respectively (ERA).  Clark leads strikeouts, averaging 1.76 K's per inning.  The top ten batting averages are PC batters Brad Beauregard (#3/.476), Ryan Krill (#4/.475), Gerrit Rauch (#5/.440), Connor Byrd (#6/.422), and Clark (#10/.410).  For doubles, PC takes 3 of the 4 top spots, Rauch (#2/6), followed by Krill and Ryan Shinevare with 5.  PC takes 2 of 3 in the RBI category, with Krill and Rauch leading the way at 20 each.  Beauregard rounds out the Mustangs accolades with the #3 spot for stolen bases.

4/26  Video Clips Are Here
Special thanks to Scott Londry of Lightsource Media Solutions (www.lightsourcemediasolutions.com) for professional video editing of game video.  Scott is offering his editing services to the Mustangs website.  If anybody has raw game video or would like to shoot video a future game, please let us know and Scott will take care of the rest.  The JV game video can be viewed on our Schedule/Results webpage.

4/24  Mustangs Drop a Pair to St. Joe
 The team lost a pair of games Friday, losing the first contest after jumping out to a 10-2 lead going into top of the 5th.  St. Joe then rallied to score 10 runs over the next three innings to win the game 12-10.  PC scored 7 runs in the 1st inning, 1 run in the 3rd, and added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 4th, but were held scoreless over the next three innings. Patrick Oppel started the game and pitched well for the first 4 innings allowing only two runs before running into some trouble in the 5th.  Gerrit Rauch pitched relief in the fifth inning and took the loss. The Mustangs managed 13 hits in the first contest with 1st baseman Nick Mcintyre leading the way with 3 hits including a double and a home run while driving in 4 runners. Ryan Shinevare, Brad Beauregard, Connor Byrd, and Ryan Krill each added 2 hits a piece.

In the second game, St. Joe only managed 1 hit but took advantage of 9 walks, 1 hit batsman, and 3 errors to take the game by a score of 6-2. The Mustangs managed only 5 hits, with senior captain Gerrit Rauch having 3 of those hits.  Ryan Krill hit his first home run of the year in the first inning accounting for PC's only runs of the contest. Nevin Covey took the loss.

Cubs catcher Gene Green, to pitcher Jim Brosnan: "I don't mind catching your fastball at all. Naturally, I'd want to have a glove on in case you might be having an especially good day."

4/24  JV Sweeps Twinbill from St. Joseph
The Portage Central JV baseball team is officially on a roll! The Mustangs traveled Friday to St. Joseph and returned home with 24-9 and 10-1 victories over the Bears. Coach Travis Jones'  team has now won four straight games.

4/23  Mustangs Rout Marshall in Thursday Doubleheader
Portage Central made quick work of the Marshall baseball team winning a pair of 3-inning mercy rule games, the first 18-3 and taking the second game 20-4. The Mustangs scored big in the first inning of each game with 11 runs scored in the opener and 12 in the nightcap and never looked back in either contest. Junior Tyler Jones pitched the first game, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits to pick up the win. PC had 18 hits in the first contest with Ryan Shinevare, Nick Mcintyre, and Connor Bird all collecting 3 hits.

In the second game a combination of hits and walks led to to the lopsided victory. Junior Kevin Irwin got the win going 2.2 innings,  giving up 4 runs on 2 hits while junior John Westerhouse got his first action on the bump this spring getting the final out of the game on a groundout. PC had 12 hits in the 2nd game with Gerrit Rauch collecting 3 hits.

4/23  JV Posts Two Shutouts Victories over Marshall
The Portage Central JV baseball team snapped a four-game losing streak in convincing fashion Thursday afternoon against Marshall. The Mustangs scored runs in bunches, winning 13-0 and 12-0 in a pair of 5-inning games against the Red Hawks.

Freshman Logan Templeton and sophomore Evan Meier each collected 3 RBIs in the opener. Templeton's 2-run triple highlighted a productive first inning.  Meier had two hits, including a double. Freshman Derek Schneider had two hits and drove in a run. Sophomore Jordan Tillman scored three runs, while sophomore Cody Stace and freshman Greyson Granger each crossed the plate twice. Sophomore Jordan Butler went the distance on the mound for the Mustangs (4-4). The right-handed Butler scattered three hits and struck out four batters.

4/22  Varsity Splits with Portage Northern
　 The PC baseball team split a pair of games with cross-town rival PN, losing a hard fought pitching duel in the first game 2-1 then bounced back in the 2nd game with a 7-5 victory. The Mustangs bats went silent in game 1 as senior PN pitcher Eric Klepper struck out 8 gave up 3 hits and only allowed a single run in the 6th inning for the complete game win.　Starting pitcher Kyle Clark (1-1) took the loss, giving up a 1st inning homerun and an unearned run in the 3rd that proved to be the difference in the game. Kyle struck out 14 batters, allowed 4 hits, and zero walks in 6 innings of work. Tyler Jones, Connor Byrd, and catcher Jeremy Renda were the only Mustangs to record a hit in the first game.　

4/22  JV Swept by the Huskies
The Portage Central JV baseball team dropped both ends of a doubleheader Wednesday afternoon to cross-town rival Portage Northern. The Mustangs were unable to dig themselves out of the deep hole they created during a rocky first inning of Game 1, eventually dropping an 11-5 decision. After rallying to tie the score in the third inning of the nightcap, the Mustangs gave up two runs in the fourth inning and lost, 7-5.

4/21  Spicy Pickle Donation
For Wednesday's cross-town rivals varsity games at Portage Northern, our sponsor Spicy Pickle will donate sandwiches for both teams!  Thank you Spicy Pickle.  (Have you tried them?!)

4/18  Boys Take Two out of Three in Hudsonville
The Mustangs varsity won 2 games this weekend in the Hudsonville Tournament beating South Christian 6-3 and Unity Christian 21-11 before falling short in the championship game 13-6 to a very good Hudsonville team.

4/16  Bats Stay Hot in Sweep of Sturgis
  The PC baseball team continued to swing the bats well as they swatted 25 hits and scored 22 runs in Thurs. sweep of Sturgis 15-6 & 9-2.

In the first game, senior captain Gerrit Rauch led the way with 4 hits including a bases-loaded double in a 4 run third inning to give the Mustangs a 10-5 lead. PC added 5 runs in the 5th to put the game out of reach. Ryan Krill had 2 hits(1dbl), Conner Byrd 2 hits, and 2 hits by catcher Jeremy Renda all contributed for 14 Mustangs hits in the first game. Senior pitcher Kyle Clark was the starter in the first game struggling through a tough 5-run first inning. He pitched 3.2 innings allowing 4 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), and striking out 4 before giving way to winning pitcher Josh Folk.  Josh came in with 2 outs in the fourth to shut down the Trojans, pitching 3.1 innings of scoreless relief and giving up 2 hits, 0 runs, 1BB, and 1K in his first action of the year.

In the second game, senior Brad Beauregard and pitcher Monty Porter had outstanding games as Beauregard got on base all 4 at-bats including 2 hits and scoring three times. Porter, in his first start of the year, pounded the strike zone with his running fastball, pitching 5 innings giving up 7 hits, 2 runs (1 earned),  4Ks and 0 walks to earn his first win of the year.  Gerrit Rauch closed the game throwing 1 scoreless inning while striking out 2. The Mustangs scored in every inning and once again had several players that had multiple hits including Connor Byrd 2, Kyle Clark 2, John Westerhouse 2 and 2 runs scored, and catcher Nick Pressley 2 (1dbl). BASEBALL QUOTE OF THE DAY (sorry moms) "If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there is a man on base."

4/11  Mustangs Open with Sweep of Colts
Portage Central Baseball opened up the 2009 season pounding out 28 hits, 10 doubles, and scoring 31 runs while allowing only two runs and two hits in a doubleheader with Comstock High School.

In game one, the Mustangs scored eight runs in the 1st inning, five in the 2nd, and two in the third, coasting to a 14-0 victory in five innings. Conner Byrd led the way with three hits and Nick McIntyre stroked two doubles. Gerrit Rauch, Brad Beauregard, and Kyle Clark each had two hits. Jeremy Renda and Tyler Jones each hit run-scoring doubles. Several major league scouts looked on to watch senior Kyle Clark record the win, going four innings with no runs, no hits, and striking out six.  Freshmen lefthander Derek Schneider slammed the door working one inning, giving up no runs, one hit, and striking out two in his first varsity appearance.

 In game two, the Mustangs fell behind 2-0 in the top of the first inning.   But that didn't last long as Portage scored four runs in the bottom half of the inning to take a 4-2 lead and never looked back, scoring 11 runs in the 2nd inning and two runs in the 3rd to win the 2nd game 17-2 in three innings. The Mustangs had 14 hits with Gerrit Rauch, Ryan Shinavare, Brad Beauregard, Tyler Jones and Nick Pressley each contributing two hits, while Connor Byrd and Kyle Clark each hit doubles to help the cause. Senior Patrick Oppel got the win throwing three innings, giving up only two runs and allowing only 1 hit. Every hitter in each game had at least one hit. Go Mustangs, next game Tuesday @ Benton Harbor.

DINGER CLUB