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Rockford Edges Mustangs in Semifinals

One of the most storied seasons in the history of the Portage Central baseball program came to an abrupt halt June 17 at the hands of the Rockford Rams.

Rockford pushed two runs across the plate in the bottom of the fifth inning and went on to beat the No. 1-ranked Mustangs, 6-5, in a Division 1 state semifinal thriller at C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek. Rockford won the school's first-ever baseball state championship the following day.

The Mustangs (35-3) were checked on just eight hits by a pair of Rockford pitchers. Junior Jaden Nozicka was the lone Portage Central player with at least two hits. Senior Jordan Tillman was credited with two RBIs, while seniors Caleb Meulman and Evan Meier each plated a teammate, as well.

Senior Kyle Jusick pitched the first three innings for the Mustangs, yielding three earned runs, five hits and three walks. He struck out one batter. Senior Bryan Stevens pitched the next 1 2/3 innings and was tagged with the loss. Stevens surrendered three earned runs, four hits and a pair of walks. Junior Logan Templeton pitched the final 1 1/3 innings. He was touched for an infield single, but retired the other four batters he faced.

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Mustangs Rout Detroit CC in Quarterfinals

The No. 1-ranked Portage Central baseball is two victories away from achieving its ultimate goal of winning a state championship.

The Mustangs collected 12 hits -- including a pair of triples by senior Ryan Krill -- and got 4 1/3 innings of solid work on the mound from junior right-hander Logan Templeton, en route to a lopsided 12-2 victory Tuesday over Detroit Catholic Central in the Division 1 state quarterfinals at McLane Baseball Stadium on the campus of Michigan State University.

Krill scored four runs and drove in two others. Senior Caleb Meulman, along with juniors Jaden Nozicka and Derek Schneider each had a pair of hits and Schneider collected three RBI. Senior Evan Meier (double) and sophomore Gavin Porter also each plated a pair of runs.

The Mustangs broke open a close game with five runs in the fifth inning and four more in the sixth. Templeton scattered five hits, walked a batter and struck out one, before yielding to senior southpaw Bryan Stevens with one out in the fifth inning. Stevens gave up a pair of hits and struck out three Shamrocks, including the final two to end the game.

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Mustangs Win Regional Championship

The combination of stellar pitching, timely hitting and an opportunistic approach on the base paths Saturday at Battle Creek's C.O. Brown Stadium produced the sixth regional championship since 1997 for the Portage Central baseball team.

Derek Schneider worked six strong innings in a 4-0 victory by the Mustangs over Lansing Eastern in the regional semifinals, before senior Kyle Jusick handcuffed No. 2-ranked Grand Ledge over 6 2/3 innings in a 5-1 victory in the championship game.

With the twin victories, the No. 1-ranked Mustangs (34-2) advance to Division 1 quarterfinal play Tuesday against Detroit Catholic Central in a 1 p.m. contest at Michigan State University.

The Mustangs scored three runs in the top of the first inning against Lansing Eastern and never looked back. Jusick had three of the Mustangs' nine hits. He also drove in a pair of runs. Senior Evan Meier and sophomore Gavin Porter each collected a pair of hits. Schneider scattered four hits, walked two batters and struck out eight Quakers. Junior Logan Templeton pitched the seventh inning, retiring the three hitters he faced on five total pitches.

Meier was the lone Mustang to have at least two hits in the championship game. Portage Central capitalized on five errors by the Comets. Jusick surrendered eight hits, walked a batter and fanned two others.

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Mustangs Ranked No. 21 in POWERADE FAB 50

Ranked No. 1 in Michigan's Division 1 poll since the first week of the regular season, Portage Central continues to be ranked among the elite high school teams in the United States.

The Mustangs are now ranked No. 21 in the POWERADE FAB 50.

POWERADE FAB 50

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Mustangs Dominate All-Conference, All-District Teams

Eight Mustangs were named to the all-Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference (SMAC) Central Division first team, and seven reaped first-team, all-district honors in a recent vote by conference and area coaches. The announcement of those awards, along with team honors, were made at the post-season banquet Monday night at the Fetzer Center on the campus of Western Michigan University

Senior Ryan Krill led the elite group, being named the honorary captain for the SMAC Central squad. Krill was named to the all-SMAC Central first team, earned all-district and academic all-district honors and was also the recipient of one of the two "Captain's Awards." A four-year baseball letter-winner, Krill will also represent the Mustangs at the annual East-West All-Star Game, to be played June 21 at Comerica Park.

Seniors Evan Meier and Kyle Jusick added team co-MVP awards to their respective selections to the all-SMAC Central first team and the all-district team. Meier was also named to the academic all-district team. Senior Caleb Meulman was the other recipient of the "Captain's Award," as well as earning first-team all-SMAC Central and all-district honors. Senior Bryan Stevens was selected the Mustangs' "Most Improved Player," and garnered all-SMAC Central first-team honors, as well as all-district honors. Senior Mike Smodic earned first-team all-SMAC Central and academic all-district honors, while senior Jordan Tillman and junior Derek Schneider rounded out the corral of Mustangs to earn all-SMAC Central first-team and all-district honors.

Junior Jaden Nozicka was named to the academic all-district team and earned honorable mention honors on the SMAC Central team, while junior Logan Templeton earned honorable mention on the all-SMAC Central team.

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Mustangs Win District Championship

Portage Central won its 10th district championship since 1996 with two victories Saturday at Loy Norrix. The Mustangs scored three runs in the sixth inning to edge crosstown rival Portage Northern, 5-3, in the semifinals and then slipped past a youth-laden Mattawan squad in the championship game, 8-5.

Ranked No. 1 in Division 1 since the first week of the season, Portage Central (32-2) advances to regional play Saturday against Lansing Eastern in a 9:30 a.m. contest at C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek.

Senior Mike Smodic delivered a clutch two-run double against the Huskies to provide the eventual margin of victory Smodic and junior Jaden Nozicka were the lone two Mustangs with at least two hits. Senior captain Caleb Meulman clubbed his third home run of the season -- a solo shot -- in the first inning. Senior Bryan Stevens worked one inning of relief and earned the mound victory Stevens struck out two of the three batters he faced. Junior Logan Templeton struck out two of the four batters he faced in the seventh inning to earn the save. Senior Kyle Jusick worked the first five innings, yielding eight hits and four walks. Jusick fanned five Huskies.

In the championship game, Templeton went the first five innings en route to his sixth mound win of the year. The right-hander surrendered four hits, one walk and struck out five Wildcats. Nozicka earned the save with one pitch, inducing Mattawan's Ryan Penninger into a game-ending double play Senior Ryan Krill had a double, a triple and drove in four runs in the championship game. Jusick collected three hits, while Smodic and Nozicka each chipped in with a pair of hits.

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Mustangs Open District Play With Rout of Kalamazoo Central

The No. 1-ranked Portage Central baseball team opened Division 1 district play in convincing fashion Tuesday afternoon at Loy Norrix, routing SMAC Central rival Kalamazoo Central, 12-0, in five innings.

Junior left-hander Derek Schneider went the distance on the mound, yielding just two hits and one walk. He also struck out eight Maroon Giants. Junior Jake Austin had two hits and drove in three runs. Senior Kyle Jusick was the lone other Mustang to collect at least two hits. He also scored two runs. Schneider plated a pair of teammates and senior captain Caleb Meulman walked four times and scored three runs.

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Mustangs Edge Gull Lake, Repeat As G-K Gold Champions

In a game that pitted two of the top teams in Michigan against each other, Portage Central slipped past Gull Lake, 2-0, to win the Gold Division championship in the Greater Kalamazoo Tournament Saturday afternoon at Western Michigan University.

The Mustangs (29-2) and ranked No. 1 in Division 1, got a clutch, two-out single off the bat of junior Derek Schneider with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning, providing the eventual margin of victory.

Senior Kyle Jusick was masterful on the mound, limiting Gull Lake (30-1) to four hits en route to the complete-game victory. Jusick walked one batter, hit two others and struck out six Blue Devils, who entered the contest as the No. 2-ranked team in Division 2.

The Mustangs managed just three hits against former Portage Central player, Nate Stegman, who struck out the first two batters he faced in the pivotal sixth inning before the flood gates opened.

The victory marked Portage Central's 11th G-K Tournament title.

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Mustangs End Regular Season With Shutout of Lakeview

Portage Central put the finishing touches on a sparkling regular season Friday afternoon at Mustang Field with a 10-0 win over Battle Creek Lakeview.

Junior Jaden Nozicka spun a 1-hit gem to earn the mound victory, enabling the No. 1-ranked Mustangs to finish with a 28-2 regular season record.

Seniors Jordan Tillman, Ryan Krill and Mike Smodic each collected two hits on "Senior Day." Tillman and Smodic each drove in a pair of runs, as did fellow senior Kyle Jusick. Senior Evan Meier and sophomore Nate Schneider each scored twice.

Tillman, Krill, Smodic, Jusick, Meier, Caleb Meulman, Bryan Stevens and Jordan Butler were all honored prior to the start of the game

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Mustangs Split with Huskies, Win SMAC Central Championship

Portage Central split a doubleheader Tuesday with crosstown rival Portage Northern, earning the Mustangs the outright SMAC Central championship in the process.

The Mustangs improved to 27-2 overall and finished SMAC Central play with a 7-1 mark. The Huskies (19-9 overall) finished division play with a 6-2 record.

Senior Kyle Jusick pitched a three-hit, complete-game gem in the opener against the Huskies. The left-hander walked just one batter and struck out nine others. The Mustangs managed just five hits of their own. A single in the first inning by senior Ryan Krill plated senior teammate Caleb Meulman, and the Mustangs scored the eventual winning run in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly by Meulman that scored senior Jordan Tillman. Senior Evan Meier was the lone Mustang to collect at least two hits.

In the nightcap, junior Logan Templeton was tagged for five runs in the fourth inning and the Mustangs' bats were all but silenced by a pair of Northern pitchers. The Mustangs had just six hits in the second game, including a double by Meier in the fifth inning.

The Mustangs wrap up the regular season Wednesday at home against Battle Creek Lakeview. "Senior Day" festivities are scheduled between games.

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Mustangs Win Twice, Will Play for G-K Championship

Portage Central won twice on Saturday to advance to the championship game of the Greater Kalamazoo Tournament next Saturday at Robert J. Bobb Stadium on the campus of Western Michigan University.

The Mustangs beat Galesburg-Augusta, 4-0, in a first-round game, and then edged crosstown rival Portage Northern, 6-4, in a thriller that spanned 10 innings.

In the first game, junior Derek Schneider and senior Kyle Jusick combined on 1-hit masterpiece. Schneider worked the first four innings to earn the mound victory. He yielded the lone hit, walked none and struck out four batters. Jusick mopped up with three nearly perfect innings of relief. The southpaw did not walk a batter and struck out five Rams. Seniors Jordan Tillman and Evan Meier, along with junior Jaden Nozicka, each had a pair of hits for the Mustangs.

In the second game, Northern led, 4-0 heading into the seventh inning. Playing as the visiting team, the Mustangs pushed four runs across the plate, with the key blows coming on a run-scoring single by senior Mike Smodic and a clutch two-run single by Meier. Portage Central scored twice in the 10th inning on a two-run single by senior captain Caleb Meulman. Sophomore Nate Schneider collected three hits for the Mustangs, while Meulman and senior Ryan Krill (double) each had a pair of safeties. Nozicka pitched the first five innings for the Mustangs, surrendering a pair of hits and two walks. He fanned two batters. Senior Bryan Stevens was summoned in the sixth inning and stymied the Huskies on two hits. He walked three batters and struck out nine others to claim the pitching victory.

The Mustangs are the defending G-K champions and will face a Gull Lake team that escaped with a 4-3 win over Parchment in the other Gold Division semifinal contest.

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Bears Snap 24-Game Streak by Mustangs

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Mustangs Sweep Bearcats to Remain Unbeaten

Portage Central made short work of SMAC Central Division foe, Battle Creek Central Tuesday at Mustang Field, sweeping the Bearcats by scores of 15-0 and 18-0 in a pair of four-inning games.

Senior left-hander Bryan Stevens spun the second no-hitter in as many days for the Mustangs. Stevens walked just one batter and struck out nine others. Senior Caleb Meulman collected three hits, two of which were doubles, and scored three runs. Senior Kyle Jusick clubbed a solo home run in the second inning, and a two-run single in the bottom of the fourth inning off the bat of sophomore Nate Schneider capped the offensive performance.

In Game 2, junior southpaw Greyson Granger twirled a three-hit shutout to earn the mound win. Granger walked just one batter and fanned seven. Jusick smashed a walk-off grand slam home run, scored three time and finished with five RBI. Senior Jordan Tillman legged out an inside-the-park home run in the first inning, scored four runs and drove in three others. Meulman collected two more hits, scored twice and had two RBI. Seniors Ryan Krill and Evan Meier also drove in two runs, apiece.

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Mustangs Ranked Among Nation's Elite Prep Teams

Ranked No. 1 in Division 1 since the first Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association poll was released, Portage Central has been recognized among the nation's top prep teams.

The Mustangs were ranked No. 37 in this week's POWERADE FAB 50 poll. Portage Central is one of just four teams from midwestern states to be included in this week's rankings.

POWERADE FAB 50 POLL

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Mustangs Extend Winning Streak to 22

The No. 1-ranked Portage Central baseball team strapped on its hitting shoes Monday, routing host Schoolcraft in a non-conference doubleheader by scores of 22-0 and 7-1.

Junior left-hander Derek Schneider pitched a four-inning no-hitter for the Mustangs in the opener. He walked just one batter and struck out eight others. Senior Jordan Tillman had a career day at the plate, collecting five hits, including a pair of doubles and a triple. Tillman drove in six runs, scored five times and swiped a pair of bases. Junior Greyson Granger chipped in with three hits, while seniors Caleb Meulman, Evan Meier and Mike Smodic (two doubles), along with junior Jake Austin and sophomore Gavin Porter each had a pair of hits. Meulman collected three RBIs, while Meier, senior Kyle Jusick and junior Jaden Nozicka each plated two teammates.

In the nightcap, Nozicka scattered six hits, did not walk a batter and fanned eight Eagles en route to the complete-game victory on the mound. Meulman, Meier and Schneider each collected a pair of hits and the speedy Tillman added three more stolen bases.

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Mustangs Sweep Lakeshore, Now 20-0

Portage Central swept a youth-laden Lakeshore club for the second time this season on Thursday afternoon, winning by scores of 12-3 and 6-3 in Stevensville.

Despite four errors in the opener, the Mustangs got another solid pitching performance from junior Logan Templeton and monster efforts at the plate from seniors Caleb Meulman and Evan Meier.

Templeton (5-0) scattered seven singles and yielded three unearned runs. He did not walk a batter and struck out one Lancer. Meulman collected four hits, drove in three runs and scored twice, while Meier chipped in with three hits and three RBI. Senior Jordan Tillman added two hits, scored three runs and plated another. Junior Jake Austin collected a pair of RBI and senior Ryan Krill scored three runs.

In the nightcap, the Mustangs were challenged down to the final inning for the first time all season. Leading 4-3 heading into the final inning, the Mustangs rallied for a pair of runs, and then turned things over to recent Western Michigan commit, Derek Schneider, who retired the Lancers in order to record his first save of the season.

Meier (two hits, RBI) and Austin (two hits) led the Mustangs at the plate. Junior Jaden Nozicka added a two-run single, while Krill plated another run with a double.

Senior Kyle Jusick earned the mound win for the Mustangs. The left-hander scattered six hits, surrendered just one earned run, did not walk a batter and fanned seven Lancers.

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Mustangs Gallop Past Bulldogs

 Senior Ryan Krill slugged his team-high fifth home run of the season and left-hander Bryan Stevens turned in a stellar pitching performance to lead the Mustangs to a lopsided 13-1 nonconference victory Wednesday over host Vicksburg.

Krill, seniors Jordan Tillman, Kyle Jusick and Mike Smodic each had a pair of hits for the state's top-ranked team. Jusick and Smodic both drove in a pair of runs and Smodic scored twice. Junior Jaden Nozicka also plated a pair of teammates, while Tillman and senior Evan Meier each crossed the plate twice.

Stevens, a senior, pitched the full five innings. He yielded three hits, one earned run, walked no one and struck out six Bulldogs.

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Mustangs Rout Coldwater, Streak at 17

Portage Central ran its winning streak to 17 straight games Friday afternoon, routing host Coldwater by scores of 16-1 and 11-1.

Senior Ryan Krill clubbed his team-high fourth home run of the season to spark a four-run first inning in the opener. Sophomore Nate Schneider smacked a base-clearing three-run double in the second inning. Seniors Caleb Meulman and Kyle Jusick each collected three hits in the first game, while Krill and senior Jordan Tillman each added a pair of hits. Tillman and Jusick each scored three runs.

Jusick worked the full five innings to earn the mound victory. The southpaw yielded just one hit, walked four batters and struck out eight Cardinals.

In the nightcap, Jusick ripped a grand-slam home run and senior Evan Meier added a two-run blast. Meulman, Jusick, Krill and Meier each had a pair of hits, while junior Jaden Nozicka was 3-for-3.

Senior Jordan Butler worked the first four innings to earn his first varsity victory. Butler scattered 11 hits, walked a batter and struck out three others.

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Mustangs Rout Mattawan to Remain Unbeaten

Top-ranked Portage Central staged an offensive clinic at home Wednesday afternoon. The Mustangs collected 30 hits and scored 32 runs in a total of 11 innings, routing visiting Mattawan by scores of 16-4 and 16-2 in a nondivisional SMAC twinbill.

Seniors Caleb Meulman and Kyle Jusick each had two hits and four RBI in the opener. Meulman's three-run home run ended the game with one out in the sixth inning. Seniors Mike Smodic and Ryan Krill collected three hits. Senior Jordan Tillman, along with sophomore Gavin Porter,9o each chipped in with a pair of safeties. Tillman and Smodic each scored three times, while Krill plated three teammates.

Senior Bryan Stevens worked the first four innings en route to the mound win. The left-hander scattered five hits, walked three batters and struck out eight others. Junior Ryan Pobuda and Krill each worked an inning on the hill.

In Game 2, the Mustangs (15-0) scored five runs in the first inning and never looked back. Jusick collected three hits and drove in five runs, while senior Evan Meier added a pair of hits and collected four RBI. Tillman added three more hits and scored four times. Meulman had two more hits, scored three runs and drove in another three. Krill and junior Jake Austin also had two hits in the nightcap.

Junior southpaw Derek Schneider earned a complete-game mound victory. He yielded five hits, walked a batter and fanned eight.

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Mustangs Sweep Loy Norrix

Make it a baker's dozen!

Solid pitching performances by juniors Logan Templeton and Jaden Nozicka, along with a big day at the plate by junior Derek Schneider, produced two more SMAC Central victories for Portage Central Tuesday afternoon at Mustang Field.

Templeton (4-0) scattered four hits in a 6-1 win over Loy Norrix in the first game, and Nozicka hurled a six-hit, complete-game gem in a 9-0 victory in the nightcap. Schneider had two hits in each game, including his second grand-slam home run of the season in the first inning of Game 2. For the day, Schneider drove in five runs and scored four times.

Senior Jordan Tillman was the lone other Mustang to collect two hits in the first game. Senior Ryan Krill smacked his team-high third home run of the season in fifth inning of the second game and plated a pair of teammates. Senior Mike Smodic added a two-run single in that same frame. 

The No. 1-ranked Mustangs improved to 13-0 overall and 4-0 in SMAC Central play.

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Mustangs Remain Unbeaten, Sweep Ann Arbor Pioneer

The Mustangs validated their No. 1 ranking Saturday at Western Michigan University's Robert J. Bobb Stadium, sweeping defending Division 1 state champion Ann Arbor Pioneer, 15-1 and 11-4.

Portage Central (11-0) took advantage of seven errors by the Pioneers in Game 1, scoring nine runs in the third inning. Seniors Jordan Tillman, Ryan Krill, Evan Meier and Mike Smodic each collected a pair of hits. Tillman, Krill, Meier and sophomore Gavin Porter each drove in a pair of runs. Senior southpaw Bryan Stevens went the distance on the mound, yielding just two hits. He walked none and struck out six Pioneers.

In the nightcap, the Mustangs sent 16 batters to the plate in the bottom of the fifth inning, plating 10 runs. In that frame, the Mustangs benefitted from six walks and three hit-batsmen. Junior Derek Schneider worked the first five innings to pick up the pitching victory. He scattered six hits, walked one batter and fanned eight others.

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Mustangs Rout K Central to Open SMAC Central Play

Portage Central opened defense of its SMAC Central championship in convincing fashion Friday afternoon, scoring a pair of lopsided victories over Kalamazoo Central, 17-1 and 22-1. The No. 1-ranked Mustangs improved to 9-0, overall.

In the opener, junior right-hander Logan Templeton (3-0) scattered three hits, walked none and struck out six Maroon Giants. The Mustangs scored three runs in the first inning on consecutive home runs by seniors Caleb Meulman, Kyle Jusick and Ryan Krill. Senior Evan Meier collected three hits, scored twice and drove in two runs. Meulman, Krill, senior Jordan Tillman and juniors Derek Schneider and Jaden Nozicka each chipped in with a pair of hits. Nozicka also plated three teammates.

In the nightcap, the Mustangs collected 13 hits, including a three-run homer by junior Jake Austin. Meier, Schneider, Austin, senior Mike Smodic and junior Greyson Granger each had two hits. Schneider and Meier each had three RBIs.

Jusick worked two innings to earn his third mound win in as many decisions. The southpaw yielded one hit, walked one batter and fanned four others.

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Mustangs Sweep Lancers to Remain Unbeaten

No. 1-ranked Portage Central ran its unbeaten streak to seven games Thursday afternoon, sweeping the Lakeshore Lancers, 7-0 and 6-2, at Mustang Field.

The Mustangs collected 11 hits in the opener and scored five times in the fourth inning to blow things wide open. A two-run double by senior Mike Smodic was the big blow. Smodic, along with seniors Jordan Tillman, Caleb Meulman, Kyle Jusick and Evan Meier, each had a pair of hits. Sophomore Gavin Porter recorded the first two hits of his varsity career, including a run-scoring single in the fourth.

Junior right-handed pitcher Logan Templeton worked five innings en route to his second mound victory of the season. Templeton surrendered one hit, did not walk a batter and struck out six Lancers. Junior Derek Schneider struck out three of the six hitters he faced during the final two frames.

In the nightcap, the Mustangs' scoreless streak of 39 2/3 innings was snapped by the Lancers in the fifth inning. Still, the Mustangs struck for a pair of early runs and then exploded for three more in the fifth inning. The key blow in the fifth was a two-run double off the bat of senior Ryan Krill. Junior Greyson Granger smacked a triple and a double for the Mustangs in the nightcap.

Jusick (2-0) worked 5 1/3 innings to earn the pitching victory. The southpaw yielded two runs -- only one of which was earned. He scattered four hits, walked one and struck out seven. Krill retired the final three Lancers to notch a save.

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Templeton, Jusick Pitch Mustangs Past Sturgis

Junior Logan Templeton and senior Kyle Jusick each were nearly unhittable Thursday afternoon against Sturgis at Mustang Field. Templeton pitched a complete-game two-hitter in an 8-0 win by the Mustangs in the opener, and Jusick followed up with a one-hit, 17-strikeout performance in a 3-0 victory in the nightcap.

Ranked No. 1 in the first Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association Division 1 poll, the Mustangs improved to 5-0. During that stretch, Portage Central has recorded five shutouts and limited opponents to a total of just six hits.

Jusick, along with senior Evan Meier and junior Jaden Nozicka, each collected two hits in Game 1. Jusick drove in a pair of runs, while Meier scored twice and plated three teammates. Templeton struck out seven Trojans and walked just one batter.

In Game 2, Jusick was the difference on the mound, as well as at the plate. The left-hander was perfect through the first 6 1/3 innings, before being touched for a single to right field. He did not walk a batter. As a hitter, Jusick's two-run single in the third inning provided the eventual margin of victory.

Senior Caleb Meulman collected a pair of hits in the nightcap, while senior Ryan Krill's sacrifice fly in the third inning produced the Mustangs' lone other run.

NOTE: Saturday's first game in the Hudsonville Tournament will be played at Freedom Baptist. The address is: 6340 Autumn Drive, Hudsonville, MI 49426.

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Mustangs Score Lopsided Sweep of Marshall

Senior Kyle Jusick had a monster day at the plate, and the Mustangs added two one-sided victories to their total Tuesday afternoon at Marshall, winning 13-0 and 23-0.

Jusick collected three hits in each game and amassed a total of 10 RBI to lead the Mustangs. Senior Jordan Tillman clubbed his second home run of the young season. Junior Jake Austin celebrated his birthday with a pair of hits, and senior Evan Meier also collected a pair of hits.

Junior left-handers Derek Schneider and Greyson Granger combined on a no-hitter. Schneider worked the first four innings en route to the win, collecting four strikeouts and yielding two walks. Granger mopped up with a perfect 1-2-3 frame.

Schneider smashed a grand-slam home run in the nightcap. He drove in five runs on the strength of three hits. Senior Ryan Krill smacked a double and a pair of triples, while also plating a pair of Mustangs. Sophomore Will Jacobson and junior Michah Meulman each collected a pair of hits.

Junior right-hander Jaden Nozicka made his Portage Central mound debut with three solid innings. Nozicka yielded two hits, struck out three Redhawks and walked another. Krill pitched the final inning, striking out two of the three batters he faced.

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Mustangs Rout Harper Creek in Opener

Senior left-hander Bryan Stevens worked four innings without surrendering a hit, and seniors Ryan Krill and Jordan Tillman clubbed home runs Monday to lead Portage Central to an 11-0 drubbing of visiting Harper Creek.

Stevens struck out 11 Beavers and yielded just one walk in a stellar outing.  Krill smashed a three-run bomb off the scoreboard in the first inning, and Tillman followed with a solo shot in the second.

Junior Jaden Nozicka had two of the Mustangs' seven hits, while also driving in a pair of runs. Senior Evan Meier joined Krill with three RBI, including a two-run single in the third inning. Senior Kyle Jusick reached base three times and scored three runs, as did Krill.

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Information Regarding Sports Physicals for 2011-12

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Here we go!

The rosters are set and practices have begun in advance of the 2011 high school baseball season at Portage Central.

On the heels of a 29-5 season a year ago, along with a No. 3 ranking in the final Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association poll, the varsity returns eight players, including first-team all-SMAC Central Division performers Ryan Krill, Jordan Tillman, Caleb Meulman and Logan Templeton.

The Mustangs open their season April 11 with a single home game against Harper Creek.

2010 Final Varsity Statistics

Video Gallery

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Blog Dedicated to West Michigan High School Baseball

Click HERE for a web site/blog that includes feature stories, statistics and information related to high school baseball in West Michigan.

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Mustangs Well-Represented on Division 1-2 All-Area Team

Three Portage Central baseball players were named to the Kalamazoo Gazette's Division 1-2 All-Area first team, and four others were accorded honorable mention status.

Seniors Monty Porter and Tyler Jones, along with junior Ryan Krill, were named to the first team. Senior Nick McIntyre, juniors Caleb Meulman and Jordan Tillman, and sophomore Logan Templeton each received honorable mention.

Click HERE for the full list of the Gazette's Division 1-2 All-Area selections.

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Porter, Krill Garner Second-Team All-State Honors

Senior pitcher Monty Porter and junior outfielder Ryan Krill were each named to the second-team, Division 1 all-state baseball team.

Porter fashioned a 9-1 overall record with a skinny 0.75 ERA. He struck out 62 batters in 56 innings of work, while walking just 13. Porter capped a stellar senior season by appearing June 21 in the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association East-West All-Star game at Detroit's Comerica Park. The right-hander yielded no earned runs in his two innings of work, but his West squad eventually fell to the East, 12-2.

Krill had another monster year at the plate, hitting a team-best .474. Krill also led the team in slugging percentage (.726), on-base percentage (.629) and walks (27). He also collected 45 hits, scored 43 runs and drove in 43.

For the full list of all-state selections, please click on the following:

 http://www.mhsbca.org/All%20state%20teams/2010allstate.htm

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2010 Season Celebrated in Banquet at KCC

Nearly 150 players, parents, coaches and supporters turned out June 8 at Kalamazoo Country Club for an end-of-the year banquet to celebrate the 2010 Portage Central baseball season. The program produced 74 wins and a gaudy winning percentage of .871, ranking it among the most successful programs in the nation.

Senior co-captain Monty Porter was named the varsity MVP, in addition to earning first-team all-conference and all-district honors. Porter was also named as a pitcher for the East-West All-Star Game that will be played June 21 at Comerica Park in Detroit. Senior Nick McIntyre was also honored as a co-captain, while senior Kevin Irwin was named the team's Most Improved Player, earned academic all-district honors and was an honorable mention all-conference selection. Senior Tyler Jones was named the winner of the Athletic Achievement Award, as well as an all-district and first-team all-conference player.

Other awards of note included all-district, academic all-district and first-team all-conference honors for junior Ryan Krill, and first-team all-conference honors for juniors Jordan Tillman and Caleb Meulman, along with sophomore Logan Templeton. Earning honorable mention all-conference honors were juniors Evan Meier and Mike Smodic and sophomores Derek Schneider and Lee Dreksler.

Coaches Paul Schneider (varsity), Chris Gates (JV) and Mike Webster (freshman) each took turns recognizing players, individually, as well as offering deserved thanks and praise to everyone who supported Mustangs baseball during the 2010 season.

Enjoy your summer!!  

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Mustangs Edged in District Semifinal

In a battle that went down to the final out of the game, Portage Central dropped a heart-breaking 2-1 decision Saturday afternoon to crosstown rival Portage Northern in the semifinals of the Division 1 district tournament in Mattawan.

The clash featured two of the state's elite Division 1 teams, and the top-ranked Huskies (30-5-2) pushed across the eventual winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning against the No. 3-ranked Mustangs (29-5).

An infield single in the fourth inning by senior Nathan Schutter plated the Mustangs' lone run. Junior Ryan Krill collected two of Portage Central's five hits. Senior Monty Porter was touched for five hits and a pair of earned runs. He walked one batter and struck out five others.

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Mustangs Sweep Harper Creek in Regular Season Finale

Nick McIntyre swatted a pair of home runs -- the second of which was of the inside-the-park variety -- and Portage Central swept host Harper Creek, 5-0 and 11-1, Tuesday afternoon.

The twin victories allowed the state's No. 3-ranked Division 1 squad  to finish the regular season with a sparkling 29-4 overall record. The Mustangs next face No. 1-ranked Portage Northern (28-5-2) in a district tournament semifinal clash Saturday at noon in Mattawan.

After clubbing a long home run over the left field fence in the first inning, McIntyre sent a deep blast over the head of the Harper Creek centerfielder in his next at-bat. The Harper Creek player slid into the fence and lodged his foot in the process, enabling McIntyre to circle the bases and score standing up.

Sophomore Logan Templeton (6-0) went five strong innings in the opener Tuesday, allowing just one hit and one walk. Junior Kyle Jusick earned his first save of the season with two innings of no-hit baseball.

The key blow in the second game was a bases-clearing triple by sophomore Derek Schneider in the fifth inning. Senior Kevin Irwin pitched five solid innings to earn his sixth mound win of the season in as many decisions.

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Mustangs Win G-K Gold Division Title

Senior right-hander Monty Porter earned his ninth consecutive pitching victory and classmate Nick McIntyre smashed his seventh home run of the season to highlight a 6-1 Portage Central win Saturday afternoon over Gull Lake in the Gold Division championship game of the Greater Kalamazoo Tournament.

The Mustangs improved to 27-4 overall and will conclude their regular season Tuesday at Harper Creek.

With the score tied 1-1 in the sixth inning, junior Kyle Jusick singled home junior Evan Meier with the eventual winning run. Jusick had three hits on the day, while senior Nathan Schutter had a pair of hits. Senior Tyler Jones and junior Caleb Meulman also added RBIs. Porter scattered eight hits, walked a batter and struck out eight Blue Devils.

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Lakeview Sweeps Mustangs

It was too little, too late Thursday afternoon for the Portage Central Mustangs, who were swept in a nondivisional SMAC doubleheader by Battle Creek Lakeview, 11-9 and 8-7.

Trailing 11-6 in the seventh inning of the opener, the Mustangs got a three-run homer from sophomore catcher Lee Dreksler, but were unable to claw any closer. Dreksler collected a pair of hits and six RBIs in the first game, while junior Jordan Tillman also had two hits. Senior Tyler Jones also plated two runs. A trio of Mustang pitchers surrendered 11 earned runs, 12 hits and issued a total of six walks.

The Mustangs trailed 7-3 after five innings in Game 2, and had the tying run at second base in the seventh, but were unable to convert the opportunity. Dreksler added three more hits, while Jones, junior Kyle Jusick and senior Jeremy Renda each had two hits.

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Mustangs Sweep Huskies To Win SMAC Central Title

Portage Central senior right-hander Monty Porter validated his credentials as the top high school pitcher in the Kalamazoo area Tuesday afternoon with a masterful performance against crosstown rival and No. 1-ranked Portage Northern.

Porter (8-0) surrendered just a bunt single over his seven innings of work en route to a 3-0 win over the Huskies in the first game of one of the most highly-anticipated prep doubleheaders in recent memory. After Porter's gem ensured the No. 3-ranked Mustangs of no worse than a tie for the SMAC Central Division championship, the Mustangs scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning of the nightcap to escape with a thrilling 8-7 victory.

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Mustangs Stampede into G-K Championship Game

Ryan Krill and Nick McIntyre played the role of a two-man Portage Central wrecking crew Saturday in the first two rounds of the Greater Kalamazoo Baseball Tournament.

The Mustangs' potent 1-2 punch helped produce wins over Otsego (7-3) and Kalamazoo Central (10-0) to propel Portage Central into next Saturday's Gold Division championship game against Gull Lake. The Blue Devils toppled previously unbeaten Portage Northern, 15-5, in a semifinal stunner.

 Krill collected a pair of hits in both games and McIntyre's first-inning grand slam in the second game provided the Mustangs with all the runs they would need against the Maroon Giants.

Krill added two RBIs against the Bulldogs and senior Tyler Jones also collected two hits. Sophomore Derek Schneider worked five innings, scattering seven hits and a pair of walks to earn the mound win. He also struck out six batters. Sophomore Logan Templeton was credited with his second save of the season.

McIntyre had two hits and five RBIs in the second game. The Mustangs also got two hits, apiece, from Schneider and junior Evan Meier. Schneider also added a pair of RBIs. Junior left-hander Kyle Jusick worked the first three innings of the contest to earn his third pitching victory in as many decisions. Jusick surrendered a pair of hits, one walk and struck out five batters.

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Mustangs Sweep Bearcats, Showdown with Northern Next

Sophomore Logan Templeton pitched his second no-hitter of the season and senior Monty Porter yielded just one hit and struck out 10 batters in a pair of lopsided SMAC Central Division victories by Portage Central Tuesday over host Battle Creek Central.

Winners by scores of 13-0 and 16-1, the Mustangs improved to 22-2 overall and 6-0 in the SMAC Central, to set up a championship showdown with crosstown rival and No. 1-ranked Portage Northern next Tuesday at home. The first pitch against the Huskies will be thrown shortly after 4 p.m.

 Junior Ryan Krill collected three hits, two of which were doubles, and drove in three runs in the opener. Junior Caleb Meulman added two hits, scored four runs and had two RBIs, while sophomore Derek Schneider also plated a pair of runs.

Krill, along with juniors Evan Meier, Mike Smodic and Jordan Tillman each had two hits in the nightcap. Meier, Smodic, Tillman and seniors Tyler Jones and Nick McIntyre each collected two RBIs. Senior Nate Schutter scored four times.

Templeton was perfect through three innings. Following an error in the fourth, Templeton walked a batter and yielded an unearned run via a sacrifice fly. The right-hander finished with five strikeouts.

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Varsity Splits DH with Lakeshore

After thumping Lakeshore, 13-2 in the first game of a SMAC nondivisional doubleheader Friday afternoon in Stevensville, the Mustangs' 13-game winning streak was halted by the Lancers in the nightcap, 4-2.

Senior Tyler Jones and junior Kyle Jusick each collected three hits in the opener for the Mustangs. Junior Jordan Tillman added two hits and three RBIs, while senior Nick McIntyre chipped in with a pair of hits and plated two teammates. Sophomore Derek Schneider also had two RBIs in Game 1 for the Mustangs. Junior left-hander Bryan Stevens notched his first mound win of the season with four solid innings of work. Stevens surrendered five hits and walked one batter. He struck out six Lancers.

The Mustangs were unable to muster much offense against Lakeshore in the second game. McIntyre collected two of the Mustangs' four hits and added another RBI. Sophomore pitcher Nate Stegman was tagged with the loss.

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Varsity Win Streak Stretches to 12

A heaping helping of home cooking agreed with the Portage Central Mustangs (19-1) Wednesday afternoon against Vicksburg. The state's No. 2-ranked Division 1 high school baseball team stretched its winning streak to 12 games with lopsided nonconference wins of 10-0 and 16-2 over the Bulldogs.

In the opener, senior right-hander Monty Porter (6-0) checked Vicksburg on just one hit to earn the mound win. He struck out five Bulldogs and walked none. Porter was supported by an offense that produced 11 hits. Senior Tyler Jones collected three hits and two RBIs to lead the charge. Juniors Caleb Meulman, Ryan Krill and Kyle Jusick each chipped in with a pair of hits.

In the nightcap, sophomore hurler Logan Templeton (4-0) overcame a shaky second inning to notch the win. Templeton yielded two hits, walked three batters and struck out three others. Jusick paced the Mustangs with three more hits and plated three runs. Krill, along with juniors Jordan Tillman and Evan Meier, had two hits. Krill, Tillman and senior Jeremy Renda each collected a pair of RBIs.

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Mustangs Up to #2, Thump Gull Lake

Under the watchful and interested eye of multiple college coaches, the Portage Central Mustangs pounded out 15 hits Wednesday in an 11-4 non-conference victory over host Gull Lake.

Elevated to No. 2 in this week's Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association Division 1 poll behind crosstown rival Portage Northern, the Mustangs improved their overall record to 17-1.

Junior Ryan Krill's first-inning, three-run homer staked the Mustangs to a lead they would not relinquish. Junior Evan Meier collected a team-high three hits and drove in two runs, while seniors Nick McIntyre and Tyler Jones, junior Mike Smodic and sophomore Derek Schneider each chipped in with a pair of hits.

Junior southpaw Kyle Jusick (2-0) worked 3 2/3 innings in relief of starter Nate Stegman to earn the mound victory. Jusick surrendered three hits, walked none and struck out four Blue Devils.

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Mustangs Stay Perfect in SMAC Central

Senior Nick McIntyre and junior Ryan Krill combined for a dozen RBIs, and sophomore Logan Templeton pitched his first varsity no-hitter Tuesday afternoon, as Portage Central cruised to a pair of lopsided victories, 17-1 and 16-0, over host Loy Norrix.

The Mustangs improved to 16-1 overall and remained unbeaten in four SMAC Central contests.

In the opener, McIntyre ripped two home runs in a nine-run third inning and finished with five RBIs. He also scored four times. Krill's three-run double in the second inning provided the Mustangs with the only runs they would need. Junior Caleb Meulman also chipped in with four RBIs and sophomore Lee Dreksler had a pair of hits.

Senior right-hander Monty Porter (5-0) yielded two hits, walked one batter and struck out six others to earn the mound victory.

Krill added two hits and plated three more runs in the nightcap. Sophomore Derek Schneider and senior Jeremy Renda also collected three RBIs. Meulman scored three runs, while Krill, Dreksler, McIntyre, senior Tyler Jones and juniors Evan Meier and Kyle Jusick each scored twice.

Templeton faced just 10 batters in his three innings of work. He struck out four Knights and walked none. 

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Bats Quiet, But Mustangs Still Sweep Mattawan

With the wind blowing in against the hitters Thursday in Mattawan, the Mustangs managed a total of just 14 hits in a doubleheader against the Wildcats. Most importantly, however, was the fact that the Mustangs mustered up just enough offense to escape with a pair of victories, 5-1 and 11-9.

Junior Ryan Krill collected three RBIs in the opener, and sophomore right-hander Nate Stegman pitched six strong innings. Stegman yielded five hits, walked two batters and struck out three others.

In the nightcap, junior Jordan Tillman belted his second home run of the season and plated three runs. Senior Tyler Jones collected three hits, drove in two runs and scored twice. Senior Nate Schutter also had a pair of hits and scored two runs, while junior Evan Meier was credited with a pair of RBIs on a clutch single in the seventh inning.

Senior Kevin Irwin pitched the final two innings to register the mound win. Irwin surrendered two hits and walked three batters, but effectively stifled the Wildcats with several fly-ball outs.

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Mustangs Sweep Maroon Giants

Portage Central (12-1) opened defense of its SMAC Central Division championship in convincing fashion Tuesday afternoon against Kalamazoo Central at Mustang Field.

Senior Tyler Jones and junior Caleb Meulman each drove in four runs in a 13-1 victory by the Mustangs in the opener. Junior Evan Meier and senior Nate Schutter smacked back-to-back home runs in the nightcap to power a 13-2 win.

Sophomore Lee Dreksler collected a pair of hits and two RBIs against his former teammates in Game 1. Senior Monty Porter (4-0) went the distance on the mound. He surrendered five hits, struck out five batters and walked one.

Meier collected a career-high four RBIs in Game 2. Schutter plated two runs, as did junior Ryan Krill, while Dreksler and Jones each had two more hits.

Sophomore Logan Templeton (2-0) earned the complete-game victory on the mound. The right-hander yielded five hits and walked two batters, but fanned eight Maroon Giants. 

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Varsity Takes a Pair from Sturgis

Jordan Tillman had a big day at the plate, and the lefty-righty combination of starting pitchers Kyle Jusick and Kevin Irwin proved to be too much for host Sturgis Thursday afternoon. The Mustangs improved to 10-1 on the season with a 9-0 SMAC nondivisional victory in Game 1, and a 6-3 win in the nightcap.

Tillman collected three hits, scored twice and drove in a run to back five strong innings by Jusick. The junior southpaw yielded just one hit, struck out four Trojans and walked none. Juniors Caleb Meulman, Ryan Krill and Mike Smodic each chipped in with two hits. Meulman and Smodic each plated a pair of runs, as well. Sophomore Nate Stegman worked the final two innings on the mound in relief of Jusick, surrendering a pair of hits, with three strikeouts and no walks.

In the second game, Tillman had two more hits -- including his first home run of the season -- and scored two runs. Smodic was the lone other Mustang with at least two hits. Irwin put together a third straight strong start, going four innings to improve his mound mark to 3-0. The right-handed senior yielded three hits, struck out two batters and walked none.

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Varsity Splits Twinbill With St. Joseph

St. Joseph validated the old baseball adage that "good pitching beats good hitting" Tuesday afternoon at Mustang Field.

The Mustangs managed just four hits in the first game of a SMAC interdivisional doubleheader against the Bears, dropping a 2-1 decision and snapping a seven-game winning streak in the process. The Mustangs, however, bounced back in Game 2, collecting 11 hits en route to a 10-0 victory in five innings.

Juniors Jordan Tillman, Ryan Krill, Caleb Meulman and Mike Smodic each had a hit in the opener. The Bears snapped a 1-1 deadlock in the fifth inning and junior southpaw Bryan Stevens absorbed the mound loss.

In the nightcap, Krill collected four hits and drove in three runs. Tillman had two hits and sophomore Lee Dreksler plated a pair of runs. Junior Evan Meier also accounted for two RBIs with a long double to left-center field.

Sophomore lefthander Derek Schneider worked four innings on the mound to collect his first win of the season. Schneider surrendered three hits, walked one and struck out two.

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Mustangs win Hudsonville Tournament

Senior Kevin Irwin and sophomore Logan Templeton combined on a masterful pitching performance in the championship game of the Hudsonville Tournament Saturday, propelling the unbeaten Mustangs to a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Irwin earned his second win in as many outings this season with five solid innings. Irwin surrendered four hits, walked two batters and struck out one other.Templeton then pitched near flawless baseball over the final two frames to secure his first varsity save, as well as the championship trophy. Templeton yielded two hits, struck out four batters and walked none.

The Mustangs beat defending Division 3 state champion, East Grand Rapids, 16-1, in the first game of the tournament. Senior Monty Porter (3-0) handcuffed the Pioneers in a complete-game gem. Porter gave up two hits, fanned five Pioneers and walked none. Junior Caleb Meulman had four hits for the Mustangs. Juniors Jordan Tillman and Ryan Krill, along with sophomores Derek Schneider and Lee Dreksler, each added a pair of hits. Tillman, Dreksler and senior Tyler Jones each drove in three runs.

In the semifinals against Stevensville Lakeshore, the Mustangs dug themselves into a deep hole, and trailed 10-4 after four innings. But the bats came to life and the Mustangs tied the score in the top of the seventh inning, before escaping with an 11-10 victory in the ensuing frame.

Templeton pitched two scoreless innings to earn his first win of the season, and struck out the final two Lancers with runners at second and third.

Krill smacked his first home run of the season and plated three runs. Tillman had three hits and a pair of RBIs. Dreksler also collected two RBIs.

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Varsity Sweeps Redhawks

The Mustangs' high-octane offense kicked into gear again Tuesday afternoon in a doubleheader sweep of the Marshall Redhawks. The Mustangs thumped Marshall in the home opener, 10-1 and 11-1.

In the first game, junior Caleb Meulman's two-run single in the third inning provided the only runs necessary. Junior Ryan Krill followed, with a two-run double and senior Nick McIntyre capped the uprising with a run-scoring single. Meulman and Krill each finished with three RBIs.

Senior Monty Porter worked five strong innings to notch his second mound win of the young season. Porter surrendered two hits, walked none and struck out seven Redhawks. Junior Kyle Jusick pitched the final two frames in a non-save situation. The southpaw yielded a pair of hits, two walks and fanned four batters.

In Game 2, senior Kevin Irwin was stellar in his four innings of work to earn the victory. Irwin gave up one hit, walked three batters and struck out five others.

Sophomore catcher Lee Dreksler was the lone Mustang with at least two hits. McIntyre, senior Nate Schutter and junior Evan Meier were each credited with two RBIs.

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Varsity Opens With Lopsided Wins

The wind was blowing straight out to center field Saturday in Comstock and the Mustangs took advantage of the blustery conditions with a total of six home runs in a doubleheader sweep of the host Colts, 24-0 and 19-1.

Senior Nick McIntyre swatted two of his three dingers in the opener, both of which came in a 13-run second inning. The second of McIntyre's blasts was a grand slam. Junior transfer Kyle Jusick smacked a home run in his first official at-bat for the Mustangs. Senior Tyler Jones collected four hits and three RBIs in the opener, while juniors Jordan Tillman and Ryan Krill each chipped in with a pair of hits and three RBIs. Senior Monty Porter went the short distance on the mound to collect the win. The right-hander surrendered two hits, walked none and struck out four Colts.

In Game 2, the Mustangs got long balls from sophomore transfer Lee Dreksler, senior Nate Schutter and McIntyre. Jones and junior Caleb Meulman each collected three hits for the Mustangs. Jones added three more RBIs, while Meulman plated a pair of runs. Sophomore Nate Stegman worked the first two innings on the mound and earned the win. Sophomores Derek Schneider and Logan Templeton worked the third and fourth innings, respectively. Templeton struck out two of the three batters he faced 

McIntyre finished his monster day with 10 RBIs.

2011 DINGER CLUB