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VARSITY PHOTOS
JV PHOTOS
FRESHMAN PHOTOS
PC Moved up to #3 in State Rankings
click here to see rankings
Districts June 1st at Portage Northern
The Mustangs will play Kalamazoo Central at 12:30 Saturday June 1st. The
winner will advance to the District 9 final at 3 pm. The winner of
District 9 will move on to the Regional at Grand Ledge the following
Saturday, June 8th.
Varsity Clinches Sole Possession of
SMAC West Conference Championship
5/21/2013
Portage Central jumped all over the Portage Northern
pitchers at the Huskies diamond to sweep the Huskies and earn sole
possession of the SMAC West Conference Championship. In the first game
of the twin-bill PC jumped out to an early lead when lead off hitter
Ryan Mergener singled followed by a Nick Corbit single and then Jordyn
Muffley hit a double to drive in both runs. Meanwhile Cole Schaefer
pitched a gem and kept the Huskies off the scoreboard until the 6th
inning. In the 5th inning Nate Schneider hit a 3-run homer, his second
of the season. In the 7th Kevin Phelps drove in the Mustangs final run.
In total the Mustangs amassed 11 hits from Mergener (1b, 2b), Corbit
(2), Muffley (2-1b, 2b), Schneider (HR), Alex McCoy (2b), Mickey Losey,
and Gavin Porter (2b). Cole Schaefer went 5 2/3 giving up 2 runs
and striking out 8 while only allowing 1 walk. Mergener pitched the last
4 outs allowing 1 run on a hit and walk and striking out 2.
In the nightcap the Mustangs started out with a bang as Nick Corbit hit
a 2 run home run followed by hits from Schneider, Losey and Porter to
take a quick 4-0 lead. Another big inning in the 4th added 4 more runs
to a 5-0 lead after 4 hits and a Husky error. Jared VanderBor toed the
rubber for PC and kept the Huskies at bay until 2 errors in the 4th
combined with 3 hits and a walk to let the Huskies on the score-board
with three runs. VanderBor ended up striking out the side. But the score
tightened to 9-3. Kevin Phelps pitched the 5th for the Mustangs yielding
1 run on a hit and walk. Ryan Mergener pitched the 6th where the Huskies
picked up another 3 runs on 2 hits, a walk and an error. Then in the 7th
things went bad for PN allowing PC to score 5 tims without recording a
hit. With a 15-7 lead Luke Schaefer came in to close the game and did a
fine job getting the outs while allowing only 1 more Husky run. PC
recorded 13 hits during the game. Mergener (2-1b, 2b), Corbit(HR),
Schneider, Losey (2-1b, 2b), Porter (1b, 2b), Muffley (2).
Freshman Split Doubleheader
with Gull Lake to End Season
5/20/2013 Mike West
On a warm and windy Monday afternoon, PC Freshman split their season
ending doubleheader with Gull Lake. In the first game, PC could only
muster two singles (Daniel Kuchenbuch and Ethan Dunlop) on their way to
a 7-2 loss. Collin Callaway pitched two innings and Ethan Dunlop pitched
three innings. The Mustangs rebounded in the second game with nine hits
on their way to an 8-7 win. William Gentner pitched four innings and
Ethan Dunlop pitched one inning and PC hits were recorded by Ethan
Dunlop (2B, 1B), Daniel Kuchenbuch (1B, 1B), Justin Gatz (2B), Jason
West (1B), Kyle Kesler (1B), Jake Porter (1B) and Joseph Witt (1B). The
exciting 5th inning was highlighted by an incredible catch in
rightcenter field by Kyle Kesler after colliding heavily with Daniel
Kuchenbuch. The catch prevented Gull Lake from scoring the game tying
run that ended up being stranded at 3rd base.
Saturday May 18th Senior Day
and MLB Raffle Day
5/17/2013
Between games Saturday, Portage Central Baseball Seniors were honored.
MLB Ticket Raffle Drawing Winners.
Tina Ritchie, sold by Jordan Muffley.
Game: May 27, Cubs at Whitesox
Mickey Troth, sold by Davin Renda.
Game: May 29, Whitesox at Cubs
Brynn Spears, sold by Noah Spears.
Game: June 5, Rays at Tigers
Paul VanderBor, sold by Jared Vanderbor.
Game: July 14, Rangers at Tigers
Elliott Herring, sold by Ben Herring.
Game: Whitesox Vouchers
Freshman Drop Doubleheader to Huskies
5/17/2013 Mike West
After riding a nine game winning streak, the PC Freshman lost two tough
games to crosstown rival Portage Northern Friday evening. The Huskies
beat PC 8-1 and 9-5 behind good pitching, timely hitting and solid
defense. Max Newsome (four innings) and Ethan Dunlop (one inning)
pitched the first game for PC, while William Gentner (three innings) and
Ethan Dunlop (two innings) shared pitching duties in the second game. A
total of 12 hits were recorded by PC in the doubleheader including Jason
West (2B, 2B, 1B), Daniel Kuchenbuch (2B, 1B), Ethan Dunlop (2B, 1B),
Justin Gatz (1B, 1B), Max Newsome (2B), Jake Porter (1B) and Brad Lesman
(1B). The Freshman conclude their season on Monday evening when they
host Gull Lake.
Freshman Beat Lakeview Three Times
in Home-Home Series
5/1/2013 Mike West
On Friday, PC beat Lakeview 13-5 on a rainy, windy and cold evening
behind a 2-run HR from Joseph Witt and solid pitching from Max Newsome
(3 1/3 innings) and Ethan Dunlop (1 1/3 innings). Additional Mustang
hits were recorded by Daniel Kuchenbuch (2B, 1B), Jason West (1B, 1B),
William Gentner (1B), Jake Porter (1B), Brad Lesman (1B) and Ethan
Dunlop (1B). The second game was rained out.
On Monday, PC beat Lakeview 14-0 in the first game highlighted by a
complete game, one-hitter thrown by Collin Callaway who was masterful
striking out five Spartans while walking only one batter. Mustang hits
were recorded by Brad Lesman (1B, 1B), Ethan Dunlop (1B, 1B), Daniel
Kuchenbuch (2B), Joseph Witt (1B), Jake Porter (1B) and Jason West (1B).
In the second game, PC beat Lakeview 9-8 capped off by a wild 5th inning
finish. Trailing 5-0 entering the top of the 5th, Lakeview bats exploded
for eight runs to take an 8-5 lead. However, the Mustangs did not quit
and fought back to score four runs in the bottom of the 5th to snatch
victory from the jaws of defeat. The rally was highlighted by a two-run
double from Joseph Witt to tie the game. Then with base loaded and two
outs, Max Newsome delivered the game winning hit scoring Jaryd Stewart
to secure the victory. Ben Herring pitched four innings and William
Gentner pitched one inning and Mustang hits were recorded by Joseph Witt
(2B, 1B), Daniel Kuchenbuch (1B, 1B), Alex Repyak (1B), Jason West (1B),
Brad Lesman (1B), Ethan Dunlop (1B) and Max Newsome (1B).
Varsity Win Hudsonville Tournament
5/11/2013
PC defeated Stevensville Lakeshore 8-4 in the first game of the 2013
Hudsonville Tournament to earn the opportunity play for the tournament
championship. Lake Orion (ranked #2 in the State) defeated Hudsonville
7-4 to earn the other birth in the championship game.
In the tournament championship, Portage Central scored 3 runs in the
first inning and rode outstanding pitching and fielding to a 5-1 win
over Lake Orion to win the Hudsonville Tournament on a cold rainy and
miserable afternoon.
Freshman Dominate Gull Lake Tournament
5/4/2013 Mike West
Game Photos
Outscoring their two opponents 38-4 and collecting a total of 32 hits,
PC won the Gull Lake Tournament on Saturday in impressive fashion.
In the first game, PC beat Pennfield 25-4 behind the pitching of Ben
Herring (two innings) and Collin Calloway (two innings). Eleven
different Mustangs recorded a total of 21 hits including Jake Porter
(2B, 1B, 1B), Max Newsome (2B, 1B, 1B), Joseph Witt (2B, 1B), Nolan
Caranci (2B, 1B), Brad Lesman (1B, 1B), William Gentner (1B, 1B), Daniel
Kuchenbuch (1B, 1B), Jaryd Stewart (1B, 1B), Jason West (2B), Rick
Campbell (1B) and Justin Gatz (1B),
In the second game, PC shut out Gull Lake 13-0 behind the outstanding
pitching performance of William Gentner who threw a complete game, three
hitter. Mustang bats continued to boom in the Championship Game
recording 11 hits led by Jason West who went 4 for 4 (2B, 1B, 1B, 1B),
Nolan Caranci (1B, 1B), Ethan Dunlop (1B), Jake Porter (1B), Daniel
Kuchenbuch (1B), Max Newsome (1B) and Brad Lesman (1B).
PC Freshman Sweep Mattawan
5/1/2013 Mike West
Behind a Joseph Witt 3-run dinger over the centerfield fence and strong
pitching from Max Newsome, PC won the first game 4-2. Newsome pitched 4
2/3 innings, striking out eight Wildcats and allowing just three hits.
Ethan Dunlop came in relief and retired the last batter. A total of six
hits were recorded by PC including Ethan Dunlop (1B, 1B), Joseph Witt
(HR), William Gentner (1B), Alex Repyak (1B) and Kyle Kesler (1B).
Trailing Mattawan 5-3 entering the top of the 5th inning, PC rallied to
win the second game 9-5. The six run rally began with a walk by Max
Newsome and a single by Jake Porter. With one out and a full count,
Jason West then delivered a pinch hit 2-run double to left field to tie
the game. PC went on to score four additional runs on three walks, a hit
batter and an error. Pitching duties were shared by Joseph Witt (two
innings), William Gentner (two innings) and Ethan Dunlop (one inning)
and PC hits were recorded by Jason West (2B), Daniel Kuchenbuch (1B),
Joseph Witt (1B), Jake Porter (1B) and Ethan Dunlop (1B).
PC Freshman Take Two From Harper Creek
4/29/2013 Mike West
Trailing Harper Creek by two runs entering the bottom of the 5th, PC
rallied with three runs to win the first game 5-4. Jared Stewart started
the rally with a walk followed by a single from Alex Repyak and a two
RBI single to center from Daniel Kuchenbuch. Following a stolen base by
Kuchenbuch, Ethan Dunlop stepped to the plate and drove in the game
winning run with a sharp single up the middle. William Gentner pitched
the first three innings and Ethan Dunlop pitched the final two innings
and PC hits were recorded by Nolan Caranci (1B), Alex Repyak (1B), Max
Newsome (1B), Jake Porter (1B), Daniel Kuchenbuch (1B) and Ethan Dunlop
(1B).
PC dominated the second game winning 11-1 behind the pitching of Ben
Herring (two innings) and Collin Calloway (two innings). A total of
eight hits were recorded by PC including Ethan Dunlop (1B, 1B, 1B), Joe
Witt (3B, 1B), Max Newsome (1B), Jake Porter (1B) and Jason West (1B).
Mustangs take 2 from St. Joseph
4/26/2013 Webmaster
The Mustang hardballers made short work of St. Joseph Friday winning
both games by the 10-run "mercy" rule. The first game ended in 6 innings
and the second ended after 5. Mustang hurlers Cole Schaefer and Jared
VanderBor kept the Bears off the scoreboard all evening and each
recorded their second win of the season in as many games. Kevin Phelps
took the mound for the Mustangs in the 6th inning of the first game to
mop up.
The Mustangs hit the ball well both games, unfortunately I don't have
the hitting stats. If I get them they will get posted.
Hudsonville Tournament May 11th
4/26/2013 Webmaster
The Hudsonville tournament that was originally scheduled for April
13th has been rescheduled to Saturday May 11th. The format has changed a
little too as there will only be four teams participating.
Click here
for more information.
Schedules Change Again!
4/24/2013 Webmaster
Today's games, which were yesterday's games are cancelled again and
will be played Friday but we have games already Friday so those will be
moved to Saturday. Get it? Got it? I think I do. Seriously the schedules
are updated so take a look. They are cleaned up a little bit too, I hope
that is helpful.
This is getting ridiculous: just give us some sunshine and let us play
ball. Everyone is frustrated, especially the coaches and players, but
also the guy who said he'd keep this website updated.
Tuesday's Games Rained-Out Again
Rescheduled for Wednesday April 24th
4/23/2013 Webmaster
Portage Central and St. Joseph tried in vain to get a conference
game in Tuesday, April 23rd. But for the sixth time this spring the
games were cancelled. Out of a possible 15 games scheduled PC has only
played 2. BOTH Varsity and JV teams will try again tomorrow to get the conference game
in. Game time is set at 4:30 for the first game.
Varsity Games Moved to Portage Saturday
4/19/2013 Webmaster
The Varsity team will be playing against Grandville at home on
Saturday. The start time for the first game is 12 noon. The JV team's
games with Grandville are cancelled.
Varsity Take Both Games in Season Opener
4/16/2013 Webmaster
Both Kalamazoo Central and Portage Central started slow sending 9
players each to the plate in the first three innings. In the top of the
fourth our Mustangs finally generated a run on a 2-out infield single by
Mickey Losey which pushed Ryan Mergener across the plate. Mergener was
on third after a walk and Jordyn Muffley and Nick Corbit were hit by
pitches.
Kalamazoo Central responded in the 5th with a three run homer taking the
lead 3-1. In the 6th the Mustangs tied things up after Mickey Losey's
shot towards third base was mishandled and Jordyn Muffley (W) and Gavin
Porter (2B) scored.
With the score tied at 3 Joseph Janicke knocked in Kevin Phelps (FC) and
Chase Richards (E6) with a solid hit.
Cole Schaefer looked very good in his first outing and pitched the first
6 innings. Ryan Mergener closed the game for the Mustangs.
In Game 2 as the fans shivered the Mustangs jumped out early on the
Maroon Giants scoring 5 runs off 4 hits (Chase Richards-2B, Nick Corbit,
Gavin Porter, Kevin Phelps-2B) 3 Hit batters (Muffley, Losey, Janicke) a
walk (Alex McCoy) and an error (Mergener.)
The Maroon Giants respond in their half of the inning by scoring a run
made possible after two Mustang errors. An exciting Richards (CF) to
Mergener (SS) to Muffley (C) play at the plate resulted in a Giants out.
Mustang scores in the 3rd (Phelps-W, scored on passed ball), 4th (Mergener-W
from Porter hit) and 7th (Losey-1B on Phelps hit) innings rounded out
the Mustang scoring. Corbit had two more hits during the game including
a double and Richards added a hit in the 7th.
The Marron Giants added a run in the 6th to their cause but couldn't
generate enough offense to threaten the Mustangs.
Jared VanderBor pitched a very good 6 innings and Luke Schaefer closed
out the 7th inning.
PC Freshman Split Doubleheader with Gull Lake
4/15/2013 Mike West
Despite out-hitting Gull Lake seven to four, PC dropped the first
game 6-2 due in large part to four errors and leaving bases loaded in
the 4th and 5th innings. Joe Witt (2 2/3) and Jaryd Stewart (1 1/3) both
pitched well in the loss and PC hits were recorded by Jason West (2B,
1B), Ethan Dunlop (2B), Jake Porter (1B), Daniel Kuchenbuch (1B), Max
Newsome (1B) and John Harning (1B).
Led by William Gentner who threw a complete game, no-hitter, PC
rebounded strong with a 4-0 victory in the second game. Gentner was
masterful in the five innings fanning six and walking only one batter. A
total of eight hits were recorded by PC including Joe Witt (2B, 1B),
Brad Lesman (1B, 1B), Max Newsome (1B), Ethan Dunlop (1B), Daniel
Kuchenbuch (1B) and Jason West (1B).
Rained Out Niles Games Rescheduled
to Friday, May 10th
Hudsonville Tournament CANCELLED
The varsity tournament hosted by Hudsonville and the JV double-header
with Hudsonville in Portage have been cancelled due to weather
conditions.
Opening Day 2013 Delayed AGAIN
More rain has forced the games on Thursday, April 11th to be cancelled.
The weekend tournament in Hudsonville doesn't look too promising either
so it may be next Tuesday before the Mustang Varsity and JV play (vs
Kalamazoo Central) and Monday for the Freshmen who travel to Gull Lake.
Opening Day 2013 Rained-Out
Everyone was crossing their fingers and hoping the weather man would be
wrong (again) but unfortunately for Portage Central's Baseball teams the
storms rolled in and the rains came down. And opening day is put off at
least another day for the Varsity and JV squads.
Mustangs Celebrate 2012 Season With Banquet at Fetzer Center
The Portage Central baseball "family" assembled Monday night at Western
Michigan University's Fetzer Center to celebrate the 2012 season for all
three Mustangs teams.
Varsity head coach Paul Schneider announced that seniors Derek Schneider
and Logan Templeton, along with junior Nate Schneider, were each
selected to the all-SMAC West first team.
Templeton, the school's career record-holder with 25 pitching victories
and only 3 loses,
along with Derek Schneider (21-2 career pitching record), were each
lauded as 4-year varsity players. In their time on the varsity,
Templeton and Schneider have helped the Mustangs compile a staggering
overall record of 118-26. Schneider was also announced as the team's
Most Valuable Player, an all-district selection and will pitch June 26
at Detroit's Comerica Park in the East-West High School All-Star Game.
Senior Ty Laurencig was selected by his teammates as Most Improved
Player.
First-year freshman coach Steve Graham introduced and recognized a
team that compiled a 15-4 record this season, while junior varsity coach
Chris Gates did the same with a club that won 24 of its final 25 games
and finished, 24-4.
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Back-to-Back District Titles for Mustangs!
Portage Central (24-9) rode the arms of seniors Logan Templeton and Derek
Schneider en route to its 11th district championship since 1996 Saturday
at Mustang Field.
Templeton pitched a complete-game gem in a 5-0 semifinal win over
Kalamazoo Central, before Schneider worked five strong innings on the
way to a 9-4 victory over Mattawan in the championship game.
In the morning semifinal, Templeton (8-1) scattered two hits, walked a
batter and struck out eight others. Schneider collected a pair of
doubles and drove in two runs. Juniors Nate Schneider and Gavin Porter
each added an RBI-double.
Against Mattawan, Nate Schneider's 3-run home run in the second inning
highlighted a six-run frame to break the game wide open. Derek Schneider
and senior Jaden Nozicka also collected RBI-singles in the pivotal
inning. The Mustangs tacked on three runs in the fourth inning, with
Derek Schneider's run-scoring single and a two-run single by Porter
producing the tallies. Derek Schneider (7-1) struck out seven Wildcats
and scattered eight hits before giving way to junior Cole Schaefer, who
held Mattawan at-bay over his two innings of work to ensure the
Mustangs' second consecutive district championship.
The Mustangs will travel across town to Portage Northern next Saturday
for a regional semifinal showdown with Dexter, the winner of the Ann Arbor
Pioneer district. The time of the game is noon.
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Mustangs Rout Schoolcraft
The Mustangs pounded out 11 hits in just three innings Tuesday afternoon
en route to a 17-1 non-conference victory at Schoolcraft.
Junior Nate Schneider led the hit parade with three safeties, including
a triple. He also drove in a pair of runs. Senior Derek Schneider (2
RBIs) and junior Will Jacobson each collected a pair of hits, while
juniors Alex McCoy and Andrew Carr each plated a pair of teammates.
Sophomore Ryan Mergener had three RBIs and scored three runs. Senior Jaden Nozicka also scored three times and junior Nick Corbit crossed the plate
twice.
Senior righthander Logan Templeton was credited with his team-high
seventh mound win of the season. He struck out one batter and walked
another in two innings of work. Nozicka struck out two batters in the
third inning.
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Mustangs Fall to Gull Lake in G-K Gold Division Final
Portage Central was unable to successfully defend its Greater Kalamazoo
Tournament Gold Division championship, falling to Gull Lake Saturday,
3-2 in an 8-inning thriller, at Western Michigan University's Hyames
Field.
Gull Lake, ranked No. 1 in Division 2, slapped three straight singles to
account for the eventual game-winning run in the eighth inning.
The Mustangs' got a pair of RBI-singles from junior Gavin Porter, but
collected just seven hits against a pair of Gull Lake pitchers. Senior
lefthander Derek Schneider pitched seven strong innings. He scattered
three hits, walked three batters and struck out six Blue Devils. Senior
righthander Logan Templeton was tagged with just the third loss of his
record-setting career.
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Mustangs Won't Travel to Niles, Still Share SMAC West Title
CLICK HERE FOR MLIVE.COM STORY
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Mustangs Split Doubleheader at Battle Creek Lakeview
The Mustangs traveled to Battle Creek Wednesday afternoon and split an interdivisional SMAC doubleheader against Lakeview,
winning the opener, 9-1, before dropping the nightcap, 6-5.
Senior lefthander Ryan Pobuda started on the mound in Game 1. He worked
the first 4 2/3 innings, en route to his second victory of the season, scattering five hits and three walks.
Pobuda struck out four
Spartans. Senior Jaden Nozicka worked the final 2 1/3 innings. He
yielded a pair of hits and a walk, while recording four strikeouts.
Offensively, the Mustangs got two hits and two runs from Nozicka, along
with seniors Derek Schneider (double) and Greyson Granger. Junior Nate
Schneider drove in a pair of runs for the Mustangs, while Derek
Schneider, Granger, and juniors Will Jacobson, Cole Schaefer and Alex
McCoy each plated a teammate, as well.
Game 2 saw the Mustangs jump out to a 5-0 lead after three innings, but
the Spartans pushed across two runs in the sixth, three more in the
seventh and then added the winning run with two outs in the bottom of
the eighth frame. Granger started the game and was perfect through four
innings, yielding no hits and striking out five Spartans. The Spartans
scored three times against junior Jared VanderBor in the seventh without
the benefit of a basehit, and then touched sophomore Ryan Mergener for a
game-ending double in the next inning. The Mustangs collected 11 hits in
the nightcap, including a double and a triple by Nate Schneider.
Schneider also scored a run and plated another. Jacobson added a pair of
hits and scored a run for the Mustangs, Mergener swatted a two-run
triple and Granger also added a three-base hit.
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Mustangs Sweep Crosstown Rival Huskies on Senior Day
The 1-2 pitching punch of seniors Derek Schneider and Logan Templeton
delivered a double knockout of crosstown rival, Portage Northern Tuesday
afternoon at Mustang Field. Each hurler worked six strong innings on the mound,
and the Mustangs vanquished the Huskies by scores of 7-0 and 11-1.
Schneider scattered three hits and struck out seven batters in Game 1 en
route to his sixth victory of the year. Junior Jared VanderBor retired
the only three batters he faced in the seventh inning. Junior Alex McCoy collected two
of the Mustangs' nine hits, including a triple. He also drove in a run.
Junior Will Jacobson's two-run double in the third inning broke things
open. Junior Nate Schneider also scored twice.
In the nightcap, Templeton fanned 10 Huskies, yielded three hits and did
not walk a batter.
Senior Jaden Nozicka had three hits, drove in a run and scored twice to
pace the offense. Derek Schneider and sophomore Ryan Mergener chipped in
with two hits, apiece. Junior Andrew Carr collected two RBIs, and a
two-run single off the bat of Nate Schneider with one out in the bottom
of the sixth inning ended the game. Senior Greyson Granger also scored a
pair of runs.
Between games Tuesday, the Mustangs honored their five seniors. In
addition to Derek Schneider, Templeton, Nozicka and Granger, Ty
Laurencig and Ryan Pobuda were also recognized.
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Mustangs To Defend G-K Tournament Championship
Portage Central pounded out a season-high 14 hits Saturday morning at
Mustang Field, en route to a 16-1 Gold Division victory over Paw Paw in
the opening round of the Greater Kalamazoo Tournament. The Mustangs then
escaped with a 4-3 win in the semifinals over Hackett Catholic Central
to advance to next Saturday's championship game at Western Michigan
University's Hyames Field. The Mustangs are
the defending champions in the event.
In the first game, good things came in threes for junior Nick Corbit in victory over the
Redskins. Corbit swatted three singles, drove in three runs and scored
three times. Senior Derek Schneider (3 RBI, 2 runs), junior Will
Jacobson (3 runs, RBI) and sophomore Ryan Mergener (3 RBI, run) each
collected a pair of hits. Junior Gavin Porter (double) had three RBI,
while juniors Alex McCoy and Chase Richards each scored a pair of runs.
An RBI-single by Nate Schneider with two outs in the bottom of the sixth
inning provided the eventual margin of victory against Hackett Catholic
Central. Corbit had two more hits for the Mustangs, and also collected
an RBI and scored a run, Jacobson scored two runs, and Porter was
credited with another RBI.
Senior Logan Templeton worked only one inning -- the sixth -- but was
credited with the mound victory. Templeton yielded a pair of hits, an
unearned run and struck out the final batter he faced. Junior Jared
VanderBor struck out two of the three batters he faced in the seventh
inning to notch his seventh save of the year. Junior Cole Schaefer
worked the first five innings. He surrendered two earned runs, five
hits, walked a batter and fanned six others.
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Mustangs Sweep Lakeshore in SMAC West Twinbill
Seniors Derek Schneider and Logan Templeton each turned in complete-game
mound performances Tuesday to help lead Portage Central past
Stevensville Lakeshore in a SMAC West doubleheader at Mustang Field. The
Mustangs won the opener, 8-2, and then rallied to win Game 2, 3-2.
In the opener, the left-handed Schneider struck out a season-high 11
batters en route to his fifth victory of the season. Schneider scattered
three hits and walked three batters. Senior Greyson Granger and junior
Gavin Porter each had a pair of hits for the Mustangs. Sophomore Ryan
Mergener, along with juniors Nate Schneider and Will Jacobson, each
scored twice. A fifth-inning double by junior Cole Schaefer drove in a
pair of runs.
In the nightcap, the Lancers plated two unearned runs in the third
inning, but were unable to add to their total against Templeton. The
right-hander scattered six hits, walked four batters and struck out five
others en route to his fourth mound win of the season. Templeton fanned
the final Lakeshore hitter he faced with the bases loaded in the seventh inning to
set the stage for a thrilling finish. Junior Nick Corbit was the
offensive hero of the game, smacking a two-out single to right field in
the bottom of the seventh inning to score senior Jaden Nozicka with the
winning run. Corbit had two of the Mustangs' eight hits, as did
Mergener. A single by Schaefer in the sixth inning tied the score at
2-2.
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Mustangs Split at Sturgis
Portage Central traveled Thursday to Sturgis and split a pair of games,
winning the opener, 12-3, before dropping the nightcap, 4-1.
The Mustangs snapped out of their offensive funk in Game 1, collecting a
season-high 11 hits. Leading the charge was senior, Greyson Granger, who
swatted three doubles and drove in four runs. Senior Jaden Nozicka had
three hits, scored a run and plated another. Sophomore Ryan Mergener had
two hits, an RBI and scored a run, while junior Nate Schneider scored
three times. Senior Ryan Pobuda worked six solid innings on the mound,
en route to the victory. The southpaw scattered four hits, walked three
batters and struck out five Trojans. Junior Jared VanderBot fanned two
of the three batters he faced in the seventh inning.
Unfortunately for the Mustangs, the bats went silent again in Game 2, as
they amassed just four singles. A sacrifice fly off the bat of junior
Gavin Porter plated senior Ty Laurencig in the fifth inning to account
for the Mustangs' lone run. Junior Cole Schaefer absorbed the mound
loss, but struck out nine batters in five innings of work.
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Mattawan Sweeps Mustangs in SMAC West Twinbill
The Portage Central Mustangs dropped both ends of a SMAC West
doubleheader Tuesday at Mattawan by scores of 2-1 and 8-6.
The first game was a classic pitcher's duel between Portage Central
senior Derek Schneider and Mattawan junior B.J. Butler. Schneider struck
out 10 Mattawan hitters, but the Wildcats made single tallies in the
first and third innings stand up behind Butler. The Mustangs managed
just four hits in the contest, two of which came off the bat of senior
Ty Laurencig.
In the second game, the Mustangs squandered a 6-1 lead. Senior Logan
Templeton and junior Jared VanderBor combined to surrender three home
runs to Mattawan hitters, and the Mustangs committed four errors in the
contest. Junior Nate Schneider clubbed a three-run home run in a 5-run
third inning for the Mustangs. Portage Central also got run-scoring
singles from juniors Cole Schaefer and Gavin Porter in that frame.
Schaefer collected two of the Mustangs' eight hits in the nightcap.
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Mustangs Split at Midland
In a prep baseball doubleheader featuring two of the state's top
Division 1 teams, the No. 5-ranked Portage Central Mustangs traveled across the state
Saturday and split a pair of games with No. 2-ranked Midland. Portage
Central scored a 3-1 victory in the opener, before dropping a tough 2-1 decision in Game 2.
The Mustangs pushed across single runs in the third, fifth and sixth
innings, collecting a total of nine hits. Junior Gavin Porter had two
hits and scored a run. Sophomore Ryan Mergener, senior Jaden Nozicka and
junior Will Jacobson were each credited with an RBI. Nozicka pitched
four innings in relief of senior starter, Derek Schneider, to earn the
mound win. Nozicka yielded one hit, walked three batters and struck out
two Chemics. Junior Jared VanderBor worked a perfect seventh inning to
notch his sixth save of the season.
In the nightcap, Midland scored two runs in the fifth inning to thwart
the Mustangs' hope of a sweep. Portage Central managed just four hits in
the contest, and left the bases loaded twice. Schneider collected two
hits, and junior Alex McCoy swatted a double. Junior Cole Schaefer (2
innings, 1 hit) started the game on the mound. Senior Logan Templeton (2
innings, 2 hits, 3 strikeouts) spelled him, before giving way to senior
Ty Laurencig (2 innings, 1 earned run, two hits).
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Mustangs Hold Tigers Hitless in SMAC West Sweep
Four Portage Central pitchers combined to hold visiting Benton Harbor
without a hit Tuesday afternoon in a SMAC West sweep at Mustang Field.
Host Portage Central won by scores of 6-0 and 15-0.
Senior southpaw Derek Schneider (4-0) earned the mound victory in Game
1, striking out eight Benton Harbor hitters in his three-inning stint.
Juniors Cole Schaefer (3 innings, 6 strikeouts) and Jared VanderBor (1
inning, 3 strikeouts) relieved Schneider. Offensively, the Mustangs got
two hits from junior Nate Schneider. Sophomore Ryan Mergener drove in a
pair of runs.
In the nightcap, senior right-hander Logan Templeton (3-0) pitched three
perfect innings to establish a new Portage Central record with his 20th
career victory. The win snapped a tie with former Mustangs Greg Welke,
Kyle Clark and Monty Porter. Templeton struck out six batters in the
win. Derek Schneider had a monster game at the plate in the nightcap,
collecting three hits and four RBIs. Junior Nick Corbit had two hits,
scored twice and drove in three runs, senior Jaden Nozicka had two hits
and two RBI and Nate Schneider also drove in a pair of runs. Junior Will
Jacobson scored three times and Mergener crossed the plate twice.
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Mustangs Sweep Flushing
The Portage Central baseball team got solid starting pitching
performances Thursday afternoon by seniors Jaden Nozicka and Greyson
Granger and swept the Flushing Raiders, 5-2 and 4-2 in a non-conference
doubleheader at Mustang Field.
Nozicka scattered five hits over his five innings of work en route to
the victory. The right-hander struck out five batters and walked just
one. Junior Jared VanderBor added four strikeouts and no walks in his
two innings of relief to notch the save. Granger and junior Cole
Schaefer each collected a pair of hits and an RBI. Juniors Will Jacobson
and Nate Schneider also drove in a run.
Granger struck out a career-high 10 batters in five innings on the mound
in Game 2. The southpaw yielded just three hits and was not touched for
an earned run. Senior Ty Laurencig pitched the sixth inning, fanning two
batters en route to the save. Granger collected two of the Mustangs' six
hits and added another RBI. Schaefer, senior Alex McCoy and junior Nick
Corbit each chipped in with an RBI.
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Portage Central Splits With St. Joseph
The Portage Central Mustangs traveled to St. Joseph Tuesday for a SMAC
West doubleheader and split with the host Bears. The Mustangs won the
first game, 6-2, before committing four errors in the nightcap en route
to a 5-3 setback.
Senior Derek Schneider pitched a complete-gem in the opener. The crafty
southpaw yielded two earned runs, scattered six hits, walked four
batters and struck out seven. Junior Cole Schaefer clubbed his first
home run of the season, while Schneider along with seniors Greyson
Granger and Ty Laurencig each collected a pair of hits. Schneider also
had two RBIs, while Laurencig scored two runs.
Schaefer lasted just 2 2/3 innings in Game 2. The big right-hander
yielded five runs, only two of which were earned. Senior Logan Templeton
spelled Schaefer and was lights-out over the final 3 1/3 innings.
Templeton surrendered a pair of hits, struck out five batters and walked
none. Granger and junior Nate Schneider each drove in a run. Derek
Schneider, Granger and junior Will Jacobson each scored a run, but the
Mustangs amassed just three hits.
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Portage Central Sweeps Grandville
Portage Central hosted the Grandville Bulldogs to Mustang Field
Saturday, and swept the visitors by scores of 6-2 and 3-0.
Senior Greyson Granger worked the first five innings on the mound in
Game 1 for the Mustangs, en route to the victory. Granger scattered four
hits, walked three batters and struck out five Bulldogs. Sophomore Ryan
Mergener pitched the final two innings and notched the save. Mergener
yielded a hit and fanned two batters. Seniors Derek Schneider (two
doubles) and Jaden Nozicka each had a pair of hits for Portage Central.
Nozicka also scored twice.
In Game 2, senior Ty Laurencig pitched the first four innings to notch
his first varsity victory. The right-hander surrendered three hits and
struck out four Bulldogs. Senior Ryan Pobuda (1 walk), junior Jared
VanderBor (1 hit, 1 strikeout) and Schneider (1 hit, save) relieved
Laurencig to preserve the shutout. Junior Gavin Porter recorded two of
the Mustangs' three hits and was credited with a key RBI in the sixth
inning.
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Mustangs Split With Lakeshore
The Portage Central Mustangs traveled to Stevensville Thursday afternoon
and split a non-conference doubleheader with the host Lancers. The
Mustangs rallied to win the opener, 5-3, in eight innings, before
dropping a 9-3 decision in the nightcap.
Senior right-hander Logan Templeton earned the mound victory in Game 1,
scattering nine hits over seven innings. Templeton struck out a
career-high 11 batters and walked none. It marked the 19th pitching
victory of Templeton's Portage Central career, tying the school record
held by former standouts Greg Welke, Kyle Clark and Monty Porter. Junior
Jared VanderBor worked a scoreless eighth frame en route to his second
save of the season. VanderBor did not give up a hit, walked one batter
and struck out another. Senior Derek Schneider collected two of the
Mustangs' hits in the opener. Junior Cole Schaefer had two RBIs, while
seniors Greyson Granger and Jaden Nozicka each scored a pair of runs.
In the nightcap, the Mustangs committed six errors and Lakeshore made
them pay with four runs in a pivotal fifth inning. Portage Central
managed just six hits in the second game, with the big blow coming on a
two-run single in the first inning by junior Andrew Carr. Schaefer also
collected an RBI. Nozicka absorbed the hard-luck mound loss. He
scattered four hits, struck out five batters and walked none in his 4
1/3 innings of work, but the Mustangs committed five errors behind him.
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Schneider, Schaefer Blank Kalamazoo Central
Senior Derek Schneider and junior Cole Schaefer each turned in masterful
mound performances Tuesday afternoon against Kalamazoo Central at
Mustang Field. Schneider tossed a complete-game two-hit gem in Game 1,
en route to a 5-0 SMAC West victory. Schaefer then one-upped his
teammate with a complete-game no-hitter in just his second varsity
start. Between them, Schneider and Schaefer struck out 17 Maroon Giants
and walked just one.
In the opener, Schaefer collected two of the Mustangs' six hits and
drove in a pair of runs. Junior Will Jacobson clubbed the team's first
home run of the season and also plated a pair of teammates.
Sophomore Ryan Mergener had three hits and an RBI in the nightcap.
Senior Greyson Granger smacked a triple that scored Jacobson. Schaefer
was perfect through five innings, before a shaky sixth frame ended his
chance at a perfect game. Junior shortstop Nate Schneider saved
Schaefer's no-hitter with a phenomenal play with one out in the seventh
inning on a ground ball deep in the hole, throwing out K Central's Cam
Janssen by a step.
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Mustangs Split in Hudsonville Tournament
Portage Central split two games Saturday at the annual Eagle-Sader
Tournament, hosted by Hudsonville High School. The Mustangs dropped the
opener to Forest Hills Central, 6-1, before bouncing back with a 4-1
victory over Unity Christian.
A pair of FH Central pitchers silenced the Mustangs' bats in the opener.
Portage Central managed just seven singles, two of which came off the
bat of senior Jaden Nozicka. Junior Nick Corbit scored the Mustangs'
lone run in the seventh inning on a ground ball by junior Connor
Gorczyca. Nozicka absorbed the mound loss for Portage Central. Seniors
Ty Laurencig (two innings) and Ryan Pobuda (one inning) relieved Nozicka
and held the Rangers at-bay for the balance of the contest.
In the second game, senior Logan Templeton pitched four solid innings en
route to the victory. The right-hander scattered three hits, yielded an
unearned run, walked three and struck out five. Junior Jared VanderBor
pitched three scoreless innings in relief of Templeton to earn his first
varsity save. VanderBor surrendered three hits, walked a batter and
struck out three others. Nozicka and junior Andrew Carr each had a pair
of hits. Carr also drove in a run, as did senior Derek Schneider and
Corbit.
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Mustangs Open with Win, Tie
The Portage Central Mustangs kicked off their 2012 season with a win
and a tie Thursday afternoon on the road against SMAC West Division foe,
Niles. The Mustangs won the opener, 5-1. Descending darkness shortened
the nightcap to six innings, with the two teams tied at 1-1.
In the first game, the Mustangs snapped a 0-0 deadlock with two runs
in the fifth inning and three more in the sixth. Sophomore Ryan Mergener
collected two hits and two RBIs in his varsity debut. Senior Jaden
Nozicka also had a pair of hits. Senior Derek Schneider pitched 4 1/3
innings en route to the mound victory. The southpaw yielded no runs,
scattered three hits and struck out six Vikings. Senior Logan Templeton
worked 1 2/3 innings in relief of Schneider, yielding an earned run and
three hits. Templeton also struck out three of the eight hitters he
faced. Junior Jared VanderBor pitched a perfect seventh inning in his
first varsity stint, striking out two of the three Vikings he faced.
In Game 2, junior Cole Schaefer worked five strong innings in his
varsity debut. He was touched for an unearned run, yielded two hits,
walked two batters and struck out six Vikings. Nozicka pitched the sixth
inning for the Mustangs, yielding no hits with two walks and a
strikeout. Junior Nate Schneider's RBI-single in the sixth inning plated
Nozicka to account for the Mustangs' lone run. Mergener had the lone
other Portage Central hit.
The Mustangs travel north Saturday to Hudsonville for the annual
Eagle-Sader Tournament. Portage Central opens against Forest Hills
Central in a 10 a.m.contest at Jenison High School.
--------------------------------------------------------
Portage Central Season Preview
The No. 2-ranked Mustangs open the 2012 season today with a tough
road test against SMAC West Division foe, Niles. First pitch is
scheduled for 4 p.m.
For a preview of the 2012 season,
CLICK
HERE
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ESPN Pre-Season Rankings for Michigan Teams
On the heels of an appearance last season in the Division 1 state
semifinals, the 2012 Portage Central baseball team is included in the
ESPN pre-season rankings for Michigan prep teams.
The Mustangs (35-3 last year) are No. 7 in the initial poll, which
includes teams throughout the state, regardless of division.
For a complete list of teams, as well as other news
CLICK
HERE
The Mustangs are also ranked No. 2 among Division 1 teams in the
pre-season version of the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches
Association poll. That link appears on the left side of this page as the
'MHSBCA Rankings.'
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