By Greg Seubert
Waupaca’s baseball team entered North Eastern Conference play this week with a 1-1 record.
The Comets picked up a 10-0 win over Weyauwega-Fremont March 29 one day after opening the season with an 11-5 loss to West Bend West.
Waupaca 10, W-F 0 (5 inn.)
The Comets needed only five innings to defeat the Indians.
“Our pitching was very good, the sticks came alive and things really started to come together,” coach Rocky Mondello said. “We were able to get all guys in again in five innings of play. It is much easier to do that, especially early in the season and when we have runs to do so.”
Kadin Wanty picked up the win on the mound.
“We threw three pitchers again tonight and I like where we’re at with our staff,” Mondello said. “Each guy has seemed comfortable on the mound once they got into their groove. As we take advantage of the weather and can do more live pitching, I think we will build a reliable stable of arms.”
West Bend West 11, Waupaca 5
Gavin Hinckley’s seven runs that included a three-run home run in the third inning, helped lift the Spartans to the win.
The Spartans built an 11-1 lead after scoring three runs in the first and third innings, four in the fifth and one in the sixth.
Waupaca came up with a run in the third before adding four more in the sixth.
“We gave up some early runs that were tough to recoup against a very tough pitching staff,” Mondello said. “We were down 11-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth and scored four runs that kept us alive for another inning. Unfortunately, we just couldn’t get going in the seventh.
“Regardless of the score, I was happy with what I saw, not only picking out the things that we need to work on, but also seeing what guys can do when given the chance,” he said. “Like any sport in any season, we look to fill spots that were open from graduating seniors. Every year, those spots are tough to fill but it ends up working.”
The Comets’ roster this season includes 19 players, which Mondello said will be a challenge.
“I am very confident in all 19 and these early games give us an opportunity to fit the pieces together,” he said. “Early nonconference games are a time for teams to experiment and give guys opportunities that may not get the same chance later in the season.”
Waupaca opened North Eastern play April 2 at home against Fox Valley Lutheran. The Comets will also face the Foxes at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, in Appleton. The Comets will also head to Adams-Friendship Friday, April 5, for a 5 p.m. nonconference matchup with the Green Devils.
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