Larks Make D-II All Region Baseball Team
Six of the 2009 Larks baseball team received All-Region honors last Spring. Sophomore Kirk Kelly received the award for the second time. Kelly was the Lark’s leading pitcher with a 4-2 record, and 2.52 earned run average, and also batted .321, playing outstanding defense in centerfield when not pitching. Travis Ebersole was the other sophomore earning the honor, batting .355, while playing on the infield.
Four frosh made the team – Lee Voth-Gaeddert, Jon Wilson, Dustin Linder, and Tyler Yoder. Voth –Gaeddert, playing at first base and outfield, led the team, and region, in hitting at .417. Infielder Wilson was close behind at .416. Linder, a utility player and pitcher, batted .375, while Yoder pitched and was an infielder/designated hitter batted .339. All four frosh, along with 10 additional 2009 first-year players, will return for the 2010 season.
Hesston College baseball strengthens pipeline from Sarasota (Fla.) Christian School with signing of shortstop Garrett Kurtz
Garrett Kurtz, a shortstop from Sarasota (Fla.) Christian School (SCS), has signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Hesston College.
Kurtz lettered four years in baseball for SCS, and during his senior year was given the Coach’s Award, as well as earning all-area honors. Following his junior season, Kurtz was named the SCS Defensive Player of the Year.
Kurtz was a member of the two-time (2006-07) regional and district championship Sarasota Christian teams that advanced to the Florida class A final four.
On the honor roll for four years, Kurtz received Highest Academic Honors his senior year. A four-year member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Kurtz is a member at Bayshore Mennonite Church in Sarasota.
“I’m excited about playing baseball at the next level,” said Kurtz. “And I feel that Hesston will be a good fit for me.”
With the signing, Kurtz becomes the latest in a long line of recent SCS products to join the Hesston program. Since 2005, at least one SCS grad has been on the Hesston College roster every season. Drew Ebersole (’06 Hesston College grad), Brad Rohaty (’07), Derek Ebersole (’09), Travis Ebersole (’09), and current Larks standout Tyler Yoder have all enjoyed success in a Hesston uniform, and head coach Art Mullet expects more of the same from Kurtz.
“Garrett brings excellent baseball skills to our program as well as a competitive high school ball experience,” explained Mullet. “He will do some pitching for us, as well as play an infield position. Garrett is another very fine student-athlete we have been fortunate to attract from Sarasota Christian School.”
Kurtz is the son of Marlin and Tami Kurtz, Sarasota.
Six players named to all-region team
Sophomores Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.) and Travis Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.) and freshmen Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.), Dustin Linder (Louisville, Ohio), Jon Wilson (Hutchinson, Kan.), and Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla.) were named to the All-Region VI National Junior College Athletic Association Division II baseball team.
Shawnee Mission Northwest High School grad Cody Carbajo signs to play baseball at Hesston College
Cody Carbajo, a middle infielder from Shawnee Mission Northwest high school in Shawnee, Kansas, has signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Hesston College.
A career .400 hitter in high school ball, Carbajo, who also played football in high school, was a member of Shawnee’s 2008 team that captured the regional championship.
A gifted middle infielder and offensive player, Carbajo adds another strong bat to the Hesston lineup, and will look to be a key contributor for the Larks this fall.
“Cody brings a wealth of experience in competitive baseball,” said Hesston College coach Art Mullet. “I have no doubt he’ll be an immediate contributor.”
Carbajo is the son of Christopher and Cheryl Carbajo, Shawnee.
Pettisville High School grad Jared Avina signs to play baseball
 Jared Avina (center, front) signs a letter of intent to play baseball at Hesston College with his parents, Josie and Benny Avina beside him. Hesston College Admissions Counselor Andrew Sharp and Vice President of Admissions Joel Kauffman are in the back row. |
Jared Avina, an outfielder from Pettisville (Ohio) High School, has signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Hesston College. Avina will compete for immediate playing time in a Hesston outfield that lost two regulars to graduation.
Avina lettered three years in baseball for Pettisville High, and was an important part of the Blackbirds success throughout his career.
A member of the district runner-up teams in both baseball and basketball, Avina was a three-sport athlete at Pettisville High, competing in soccer as well.
Avina is active in his youth group at Central Mennonite Church, Archbold.
"Jared and Hesston College will be a good match,” said Hesston College baseball coach Art Mullet. “He will not only bring many gifts to our baseball program, he will also be an asset to our campus community. I'm pleased he has decided to further his education and baseball career here at Hesston."
Avina is the son of Benny and Josie Avina, Pettisville.
Hesston College baseball announces first three signings of ’09 recruiting class
Hesston College baseball coach Art Mullet has announced the signings of three baseball players who will continue their athletic careers at Hesston. The three signees are:
- Ross Eastin, right-handed pitcher, Mesquite, Texas
- Austin Goering, INF/OF, Moundridge, Kan.
- Jacob Krane, OF, Georgetown, Ontario, Canada
Eastin, a right-handed pitcher from Mesquite, Texas, was 4-1 during his senior season with a 1.98 ERA. In 27 and 1/3 innings pitched for Rockwall Christian Academy, Eastin recorded 29 strikeouts while garnering all-state recognition, as well as first-team all district honors. Throughout his high school career, Eastin was a three-time all-state and all-district player.
During his sophomore year, Eastin was voted to the all-tournament team at the state finals, helping Rockwall to the state championship that year.
A member of the National Honor Society, Eastin also participated in drama and football at Rockwall.
“Ross’s drive and work ethic has helped our program the past three seasons,” said Rockwall Coach Caleb Palmer. “He’s going to be a great addition to Hesston College as a student-athlete.”
“Ross will be a good fit at Hesston,” added Coach Mullet. “He’s got a lot of upside, and will continue to improve and develop here. He’s a hard-working young man, dedicated and committed to excellence.”
Ross is the son of Mark and Tammy Eastin, Mesquite.
Goering, an infielder/outfielder from Moundridge, Kansas, has played a variety of positions for Moundridge High during his baseball career. Aside from baseball, Goering played four years of football as well.
Goering has excelled throughout his academic career at Moundridge, as he has been a mainstay on the honor roll, maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA in all four years of high school. Goering is also active in his church, Eden Mennonite, Moundridge.
According to Coach Mullet, Goering will contribute both on and off the field at Hesston. “We’re happy to have a quality young man such as Austin join our program,” said Mullet. “He will be a fine addition not only to our program, but to the campus community as well.”
Goering is the son of Sam and Marcia Goering, Moundridge.
 In the photo: (front) Bob Krane (father), Jake Krane, Teresa Krane (mother); (back) Art Mullet (Hesston College baseball coach) |
Jacob Krane, an outfielder/catcher from Georgetown, Ontario, has played four years of high school baseball at Christ the King Secondary School, Georgetown. Krane also plays for the Oakville Royals, a summer travel team that plays in Canada and throughout the U.S.
A multi-sport athlete, Krane played two years of high school basketball and several years with a travel hockey team.
Krane also excels in the classroom, and is a Dean’s Scholarship recipient at Hesston College.
With the departure of Hesston sophomore outfielders Kirk Kelly and Derek Ebersole, Coach Art Mullet expects Krane to make an early contribution to the outfield mix this fall.
“Jake will be a good fit here,” commented Mullet. “He’s a gifted outfielder with a good background of playing on a quality traveling summer program. He’s also a dedicated student, and will excel both athletically and academically.”
Krane is the son of Bob and Teresa Krane, Georgetown.
Season comes to a close as Larks drop double-header to Brown Mackie
The Hesston College baseball season came to an unexpected end following a double-header sweep at the hands of regional rival Brown Mackie College (Salina, Kan.). The Lions won by scores of 7-5 and 14-3 to capture the three-game series and advance to district play.
The Larks jumped out to an early lead in game one, exploding for five early runs on 11 hits through three innings. The visitors chipped away, however, and squeaked by for the game one win.
Sophomores Travis Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.) and Derek Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.), and freshmen Cory Rychener (Hesston, Kan.), Blake Prince (Garland, Texas), and Grant Gonzalez (Cheyenne, Wyo.) each collected two hits in game one, while freshman right-hander Scott Stroberg (Hutchinson, Kan.) went the distance on the mound, surrendering seven hits and four earned runs over seven innings. Sophomore Travis Riesen (Hillsboro, Kan.) went 1-for-3 in the loss.
Brown Mackie jumped out early with four first-inning runs and cruised to a 14-3 win over Hesston in game two. Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.) and Derek Ebersole each recorded an RBI double.
Despite the early post-season exit, optimism runs high in the Hesston College baseball program, as a large returning freshman class will be paired with what is shaping up to be a stellar recruiting class in anticipation of another season of Larks baseball.
Southeast earns double-header sweep against Hesston
Hoping to continue their recent success, the Hesston College baseball team traveled north to Beatrice, Nebraska, to take on Southeast Community College, a team the Larks had split with during a home double-header earlier this season. Despite an outstanding pitching performance in game one, Hesston was on the short end of a 2-1 score, then fell 12-7 in the second game. The losses put Hesston at 17-14 on the year as playoffs near.
In game one, sophomore ace Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.) was at his best, turning in a complete-game four-hitter in the losing effort. Kelly surrendered just one earned run on the day, walking one with three strikeouts.
Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.) went 2-for-3 at the plate while scoring the lone Hesston run. Dustin Linder (Louisville, Ohio) reached base three times with a pair of singles, a walk, and a run batted in.
During the second game, the Southeast offense jumped out of the gate early, scoring 11 runs in the first three innings to complete the home sweep. Before the Southeast CC outburst, the Larks had scored first on a two-run home run to center by of Voth-Gaeddert.
Hesston stayed in the game with a three-run second, aided by a Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla.) sacrifice fly to left that scored Travis Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.) who had earlier singled.
In the Larks fourth, a Kelly sacrifice fly and an Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio) double scored Voth-Gaeddert and Yoder, respectively, to make it an 11-7 game. That would be as close as Hesston would get however, as SECC scored a late run to set the final of 12-7.
Hesston had nine hits in the game, led by freshman Cory Rychener (Hesston, Kan.), who had three singles and a run scored in four trips to the plate.
Voth-Gaeddert finished 2-for-2 with two runs scored and three knocked in.
Several Larks freshmen fueling Hesston success at the plate
Throughout the 2009 Hesston College baseball season, several freshmen have made significant contributions to the Larks offense, and many single-season records are in jeopardy of being broken.
One record that already has fallen is the single-season hitting streak, now owned by Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.). The local product had a recent 17-game hitting streak come to an end with a 0-for-3 game against Manhattan Christian. Voth-Gaeddert promptly recorded a 2-for-3 effort in game two of the double-header against Manhattan, starting what Coach Art Mullet hopes is another lengthy streak.
During Voth-Gaeddert’s tear, the freshman hit .422 (27-for-64), including six extra-base hits with 21 runs scored and 17 runs batted in. The previous record was held by Adam Jantzi, who had a 12-game hit streak during the 1992 season.
If the weather cooperates and Voth-Gaeddert keeps hitting, Nate Miller’s (’00, Millersburg, Ohio) record for hits in a season (48) may be the next mark to fall.
Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla), Hesston’s team-leader in several offensive categories, has been a mainstay in the Lark lineup all year long. Batting clean-up behind his roommate Voth-Gaeddert, the freshman from Sarasota Christian School is closing in on the season-record for RBI’s, and is within range of the single-season mark for homeruns and doubles. Yoder leads Hesston with a .629 slugging percentage, and has also contributed over 30 innings of work on the mound, compiling three wins and 28 strikeouts to date.
Jon Wilson (Hutchinson, Kan.), another first-year player, has been quietly putting together a huge year for the Larks, and has a significant record within his sights. As of April 15, Wilson’s season batting average of .508 (32-for-63) puts him in position to possibly knock off the 23-year-old record of .460, held by 1986 Hesston alumni Daryl Yoder (Leola, Pa.).
Dustin Linder (Louisville, Ohio), a freshman do-it-all utility player for the Larks, has seen action at five defensive positions this season, all the while leading the team with 19 walks and a .565 on-base percentage. The speedster from Central Christian School (Kidron, Ohio) is batting .372 with 11 stolen bases – most among first-year players.
“We knew going into the season that we were going to be dependent on first-year players being able to step-up and contribute right away, and I've been extremely pleased that this has been the case,” said Mullet. “Each of our 17 first-year players have contributed at one time or another throughout this season, and several in a very significant way. I relish the thought of having all of them back for their sophomore seasons.”
The 2009 freshmen have been instrumental to the success of the 17-12 Hesston College Larks this season, and hope to finish strong as the schedule comes to and end, with playoffs in sight.
Larks sweep Manhattan Christian, improve to 17-12
The Hesston College baseball team traveled to Manhattan, Kansas on Tuesday afternoon and came home with a pair of wins (5-1, 10-4) to improve to 17-12 on the year.
In game one, freshmen twirlers Aaron Grunewald (Wamego, Kan.) and Curt Compagnone (Salina, Kan.) teamed up for seven solid innings, giving up a combined five hits and one run.
Back-to-back RBI doubles from Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla.) and Kelly highlighted a two-run third that gave the Larks an early 3-0 lead.
Jon Wilson (Hutchinson, Kan.) continued his hot-streak at the plate with another multi-hit game, going 2-3 with a run scored. Wilson, Travis Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.), Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.), and Travis Riesen (Hillsboro, Kan.) each recorded two-hit games as the Larks pounded out 11 hits in the 5-1 win.
The Hesston offense continued to roll in game two, totaling 11 more hits to fuel the 10-4 victory.
RBI doubles by Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.) and Kelly sparked a three-run first for Hesston, giving starter Scott Stroberg (Hutchinson, Kan.) room to work on the mound.
Stroberg was superb in the nightcap, scattering eight hits and a walk with five strikeouts over six innings to earn the win, his third of the year.
Wilson, Voth-Gaeddert, Yoder, Kelly, and catcher Grant Gonzalez (Cheyenne, Wyo.) each had two-hit efforts in game two, while Dustin Linder (Louisville, Ohio) scored a pair of runs and knocked in two. Yoder hit a home run to left, his team-leading sixth of the year, in the top of the sixth for the Larks.
Larks hold on in game two to salvage double-header split with Brown Mackie
After dropping the opener in heartbreaking fashion, the Hesston College baseball team responded with a gritty 7-6 win over rival Brown Mackie College (Salina, Kan.) to earn a spilt in Saturday’s home double-header.
Hesston’s Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.) appeared headed for his fifth pitching win of the season late in game one, as the sophomore ace induced a fly out to right, his tenth consecutive batter retired, to lead off the seventh inning. The next three Brown Mackie batters collected hits to tie the game, however, and with two outs a triple plated two more runs to give the visitors a 5-3 lead.
Determined to avenge a pair of early season losses to the Lions, the Larks battled back in the bottom of the seventh with consecutive singles from Jon Wilson (Hutchinson, Kan.), Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.), Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla.), and Derek Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.). With the help of a passed ball that scored Voth-Gaeddert, the Larks had tied the game and had a chance to win, but the Lions defense stiffened and forced extra innings.
With the score tied a 5-5, Brown Mackie pounded out seven hits in the eighth inning off reliever Scott Stroberg (Hutchinson, Kan.) to take a commanding 11-5, then held on for an 11-6 win to improve to 3-0 this year versus Hesston.
In game two, the Larks found themselves down 4-2 with two outs in the bottom the fourth when a five-run explosion, aided by three extra-base hits, put Hesston in front for good. Brown Mackie made a late charge, scoring a run in each of the last two innings before Yoder retired the last two batters to wrap up the complete-game victory, his third mound win of the year.
Nick Wesman (Apple Creek, Ohio) started the Larks fourth with his first triple of the season, and two outs later Voth-Gaeddert cut the lead to one with an RBI single to left. Yoder doubled home Voth-Gaeddert to tie things up at 4-4, and following a Kelly walk, freshman shortstop Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio) lifted a three-run blast to right field, his third homer in his last 19 at-bats, to give the Larks a 7-4 advantage.
Hesston’s defense stepped it up in the final innings, as a 6-4-3 double play ended the Brown Mackie fifth, and an assist to the plate from centerfielder Kelly ended a rally in the sixth.
The Larks, now 15-12 on the year, travel to Manhattan, Kansas, for a double-header against Manhattan Christian on Tuesday, April 14.
Larks pound out 32 hits in double-header sweep
The Hesston College baseball team exploded for 37 runs on 32 hits in a two-game sweep over Central Christian JV (McPherson, Kan,) on Tuesday afternoon, winning 22-0 and 15-1 to improve to 14-11 on the season. Several players had big days offensively for the Hesston, as the Larks have now won four of the last five contests.
In game one, an eleven-run third inning blew the game open for the home team, highlighted by back-to-back singles by brothers Travis and Derek Ebersole(Sarasota, Fla.) that each plated two runs. Later in the inning, fellow Sarasota Christian alumnus Tyler Yoder knocked in a pair of runs with a double to right, and Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.) scored Yoder with a double of his own.
Not quite done scoring runs, the Larks came back with another huge inning in the fourth, scoring nine runs this time, ending with a three-run homerun off the bat of Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio.), his second of the year, to set the final at 22-0.
Aaron Grunewald (Wamego, Kan.) was dominant on the mound, pitching five innings to record the complete-game shutout in the shortened game. The freshman right-hander was efficient in collecting the victory, walking no one while strikingout six.
Jon Wilson (Hutchinson, Kan.) finished with a 4-5 showing with three runs scored, while Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.) and Derek Ebersole each collected three hits.
Steiner, Kelly, and Dustin Linder (Louisville, Ohio) each had two-hit games.
In the nightcap, the Hesston offense showed no signs of slowing down, as 15 Larks crossed home plate in a three-inning stretch to put the game out of reach.
Travis Ebersole had a memorable game, as the sophomore infielder recorded two hits in the same inning – including a two-run shot to left – in the Hesston second. Ebersole finished with a 3-5 day with five runs knocked in, while Yoder had three hits in four trips to the plate. Yoder collected two RBI in the second game, giving him a team-leading 30 through the team’s first 25 games.
Nick Wesman (Apple Creek, Ohio) and Derek Ebersole each enjoyed two-hit efforts in game two.
On the mound, Scott Stroberg (Hutchinson, Kan.), Curt Compagnone (Salina, Kan.), and Corey Rider (Andover, Kan.), all freshmen, combined to hold the Tigers to three hits and a single run scored.
Lark hurlers carry Hesston in double-header sweep
The Hesston College baseball team received two stellar performances from each of its starting pitchers in a two-game sweep over Hastings College JV(Hastings, Neb.) on Wednesday night, improving their season record to 12-11.
In game one, sophomore Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.) was dominant through the first five innings, flirting with a no-hitter until allowing a single to lead off the sixth. Through six frames, Kelly struck out a season-high 12 batters withoutissuing a walk. Scott Stroberg (Hutchinson, Kan.) worked a perfect seventh to nail down the win. Kelly, now 4-1 on the year, leads the Hesston staff with 39 strikeouts through37 innings pitched.
Jon Wilson (Hutchinson, Kan.) got things going early for theLark offense with a first inning single that plated two runs. Wilson finished with two hits and four RBI in game one, while Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.) turned in a 3-4 day with three runs scored. Travis Riesen (Hillsboro, Kan.) was 2-4 on the day.
The Larks built a 5-1 lead in game one, only to see Hastingsclaw their way back with a three-run bottom of the sixth to make it a one-run game. Wilson again came up big again however, this time with a triple to right-center that made it 7-4. Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio) plated Wilson with an RBI to single to set the 8-4 final score.
In game two, it was Tyler Yoder’s (Sarasota, Fla.) turn on the mound, and the freshman right-hander turned in a complete-game effort, allowing just two earned runs on five hits while striking out six. Yoder improved to 2-4 on the year with the win.
Offensively, Wilson again had a productive game, going 3-4 with a run scored and an RBI.
A second-inning Travis Riesen single knocked home Wilson and Derek Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.) to put the Larks on top, and after five innings, Hesston had built a 6-1 lead.
The Larks return to the field on Monday, April 6, with a road trip to McPherson, Kansas, to take on Central Christian College JV, starting at 4 p.m.
Larks reach double digits in wins with split against Manhattan Christian
The Hesston College baseball team got back on the winning track in game one of a double-header against Manhattan (Kan.) Christian College, winning 10-3 before dropping the second game by a 17-7 count. On a day in which strong winds were blowing straight out to left field, both teams struggled to keep runners off the bases.
In game one, Hesston fell behind early before an eight-run third inning opened things up. Following a Travis Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.) RBI single that brought home Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla.), freshman Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio) smacked his first collegiate home-run to knot things up at three runs a piece. Derek Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.) followed with a single, and after Travis Riesen (Hillsboro, Kan.) walked, Nick Wesman (Apple Creek, Ohio) joined the hit parade with a three-run blast to left, giving the Larks a 6-3 lead.
That would be all the run support Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.) would need, as the right-hander worked five strong innings to improve his season record to 3-1. Kelly scattered six hits without issuing a walk, while striking out eight batters in the win. Kinzor Hoover (Cheyenne, Wyo.) worked the final two innings with no runs allowed to close out the contest.
Yoder finished with a 3-4 effort in game one with two runs scored, while Steiner, Travis Ebersole, Kelly, and Dustin Linder (Louisville, Ohio) each collected two hits. As a team, the Larks pounded out 14 hits.
Manhattan Christian jumped out to a huge lead in game two, scoring 13 runs in a marathon second inning, and cruised to a 17-7 win in the nightcap. The Larks weren’t exactly silent at the plate either, as freshmen Jon Wilson (Hutchinson, Kan.) and Cory Rychener (Hesston, Kan.) each went 3-3. Wesman had two hits, both doubles, and Yoder also doubled in the losing effort.
21 hits by the visitors, however, proved too much for the Larks to overcome, as Hesston’s season record now stands at 10-11.
Larks unable to hold late lead against Brown Mackie
The Hesston College baseball team dropped a pair of games to district rival Brown Mackie College (Salina, Kan.) on Saturday afternoon by the scores of 12-2 and 10-9. The Larks held a 9-5 lead heading into the sixth inning in game two, but couldn’t contain a five run rally by the home Lions. Saturday’s setbacks put Hesston’s season record at 9-10.
In the opener, Travis Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.) continued his recent hot streak with a 2-3 showing and a run scored. Ebersole has hit safely in seven of his last eight games. Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla.) added to his team-leading 24 RBIs by knocking in Ebersole in the first, while Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.) smacked a solo home run, his first of the year, in the third inning for the Larks.
In the nightcap, the Larks responded by pounding out 11 hits. Travis Riesen (Hillsboro, Kan.), Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.), Ebersole, and Voth-Gaeddert hit consecutive doubles in a fourth inning that saw five Larks cross home plate. Voth-Gaeddert, Yoder, Riesen, and Jon Wilson (Hutchinson, Kan.) each collected a two-hit game in the loss.
Hesston looks to get back in the win column with a home double-header on Tuesday, March 24, against Manhattan (Kan.) Christian College. The first game is scheduled to get under way at 4 p.m.
Larks drop double-header despite seven-run rally in final inning
The Hesston College baseball team lost a pair of games to Colby (Kan.) Community College on Tuesday night, dropping their season record to 9-8. Colby won game one 7-4, and built a 16-7 lead going into the bottom of the seventh in the nightcap before the Larks exploded for a seven-run outburst that made things interesting. Colby held on to win 16-14, however, and left Hesston with a two-game sweep.
In game one, Colby built a 4-0 lead on Larks sophomore starter Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.) before Hesston battled back with two runs in the fifth to close the gap to 4-2. Freshman Nick Wesman (Apple Creek, Ohio) started the rally with a double to left, and two batters later was chased home by another double, this one off the bat of fellow freshman and Central Christian School (Kidron, Ohio) alumnus Dustin Linder (Louisville, Ohio). Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.) knocked home Linder with an RBI single to get the Larks back in the game.
Following a three-run Colby sixth, the Larks rallied for two more runs in the bottom of the sixth, keyed by a Travis Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.) RBI single. Down 7-4, Voth-Gaeddert came to bat with two outs and hit a liner up the middle that the Colby Shortstop tracked down to end the threat.
Linder finished game one 3-4 at the plate, while Voth-Gaeddert recorded a 2-4 day. On the mound, Kelly struck out five through six innings of work with four earned runs. The second-year righty has logged a team-high 26 innings pitched and 19 strikeouts thus far this season.
In game two, Colby again jumped out to an early lead, scoring two in the top of the first of Larks starter Kinzor Hoover (Cheyenne, Wyo.). Hesston wasted no time getting even, as freshman Tyler Yoder launched a two-run shot to left in the bottom half of the first to knot things up at two runs a piece.
Following a four-run outburst from Colby in the fourth, Kelly led off the Larks half of the third with a double to center. Two batters later, Yoder brought Kelly home with a single to center. A single by Blake Prince (Garland, Texas) and a walk to Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio) loaded the bases for freshman Jon Wilson (Hutchinson, Kan.), who singled to make it 6-6. Wesman followed with a sacrifice fly to center that plated Steiner and gave the Larks a brief 7-6 lead.
Two runs by the visitors in the fourth gave Colby an 8-7 lead, which is where things stayed until a wild seventh inning. Colby sent 12 batters to the plate in their half of the seventh to open up a seemingly safe nine-run cushion. The Hesston bats would not go quietly, however, as 12 Larks found their way to the batters box as well.
Kelly started things off with a walk, and after stealing second-base was singled home by Voth-Gaeddert. Up stepped Yoder, who blasted his second two-run homer of the game, this one to center, to make it a 16-10 ballgame. Following a Prince walk, Steiner and Wilson each singled to load the bases, still with no one out. A balk by the Colby pitcher plated Prince, and sophomore catcher Travis Riesen (Hillsboro, Kan.) knocked in two more to make it a three-run game.
Three batters later, Voth-Gaeddert would record the last hit of the day, a single to center that cut the lead to two. With two outs and two on, Yoder stepped to the plate representing the winning run and hit a deep fly that the Colby centerfielder tracked down just a few feet from the warning track to end the marathon seventh.
The Larks return to the field this Saturday with a road trip to Salina, Kansas, to take on the Brown Mackie College Lions. The double-headed starts at 1 p.m.
Larks unable to contain Scottsdale bats in loss
The Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College Fighting Artichokes came out swinging against the Hesston College baseball team on Wednesday afternoon, posting a five-run third inning en route to a 10-0 win over the Larks. The loss drops Hesston to 9-5 on the year, as they prepare for Thursday’s spring break finale against Phoenix College.
The Hesston bats were kept silent versus Scottsdale, as they were held to three hits on the afternoon. Following a Travis Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.) single in the first, the Larks were held hitless until a Grant Gonzalez (Cheyenne, Wyo.) base-knock in the sixth. Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.) collected his team-leading 18th hit with a single in the seventh.
Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla.) worked three innings on the mound in absorbing the loss for the Larks. Dustin Linder (Louisville, Ohio) pitched the fourth, followed by Corey Rider (Andover, Kan.), who made his debut on the mound this season by working two scoreless innings with a strikeout.
Following Thursday’s 6 p.m. game at Phoenix College, the Larks will take a day off on Friday, and then hike the Grand Canyon on Saturday afternoon before heading back to Hesston.
Larks turn five double-plays in 10-6 win over Gateway CC
The Hesston College baseball team turned in a complete team effort to defeat Gateway Community College (Phoenix, Ariz.) on Tuesday afternoon. Aided by an incredible five double-plays, the Larks rebounded from Monday’s loss to Glendale to collect a 10-6 win over Gateway. The five twin-killings are believed to be a single-game school record.
Sophomore righthander Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.) got the nod and went the first four innings for the Larks, surrendering just three hits and one run while striking out three. Kelly had a productive day at the plate as well, scoring three times while batting leadoff for Hesston. Freshman righty Scott Stroberg (Hutchinson, Kan.) relieved Kelly and was effective through the eighth, scattering six hits and two earned runs over four innings of work. Kinzor Hoover (Cheyenne, Wyo.) pitched the ninth, giving up two runs before inducing a game-ending 6-4-3 double-play to end the game.
Second baseman Travis Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.) and centerfielder Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.) each doubled and collected two hits on the day. Voth-Gaeddert knocked in three runs, as did third baseman Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla.). Dustin Linder (Louisville, Ohio), and Travis Riesen (Hillsboro, Kan.) each recorded an RBI double in the win.
In the top of the second with the game tied at a run a piece, the Larks built a lead they would never relinquish. Following a Riesen walk, Kelly delivered a single, the first of four consecutive hits, to put runners at first and second. Following an Ebersole single to load the bases, Voth-Gaeddert blasted a double to left-center that plated two runs. Up to the plate stepped Yoder, who delivered a single to left that made it 5-1 Hesston. The single to left gave Yoder a team-leading 16 RBI for the Larks through 13 games.
The win over Gateway puts Hesston’s record at 9-4 heading in to today’s battle with powerhouse Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College.
Gauchos come back to defeat Larks 8-5
The Hesston College baseball team came out swinging in the first few innings of their annual spring break to Phoenix, Arizona, jumping ahead 3-0 against Glendale (Ariz.) Community College on Monday afternoon before eventually falling 8-5.
The host Gauchos stormed back to score runs in four consecutive innings however, and took a 6-3 lead after five. Hesston responded with runs in the seventh and ninth innings, but it was too little, too late for the Larks, who fall to 8-4 on the year.
With two outs in the first inning, freshman Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla.) blasted a two-run homer to left to get the Larks on the board. An inning later, centerfielder Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.) made it 3-0 with a solo shot to left, his first of the season.
In the bottom of the seventh, a sacrifice fly of the bat of freshman Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio) plated the Larks fourth run, while an RBI double from sophomore Travis Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.) in the ninth provided the final Hesston tally.
Yoder finished 2-4 with two RBI and a pair of runs scored, while Ebersole recorded a 3-5 day with a run knocked in. Jon Wilson (Hutchinson, Kan.), Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.), and Nick Wesman (Apple Creek, Ohio) each singled.
Freshman rightly Phil Hotchkiss (Des Moines, Iowa) started for the Larks on the mound, absorbing the loss after tossing three and a third innings. Hotchkiss surrendered five hits and two walks, but just one earned run. Kinzor Hoover (Cheyenne, Wyo.) (2 2/3 innings), Aaron Grunewald (Wamego, Kan.) (1 inning), and Curt Compagnone (Salina, Kan.) (1 inning) closed out the day for the Hesston pitching staff.
Larks split versus Southeast CC; Head to Phoenix with 8-3 record
The Hesston College baseball team wrapped up the early part of their spring schedule by splitting a home double-header with Southeast Community College (Beatrice, Neb.) on Friday night, putting the Larks season record at 8-3.
The Hesston offense sputtered in game one, managing just three hits before responding with an eight-hit effort in the nightcap. Lark pitchers again turned in solid outings, as four members of the Hesston staff combined to throw 14 innings without an earned run, giving up nine hits while striking out 10. As they head to spring break, the Hesston staff has yielded just 63 hits and 20 walks in 79 innings while striking out 58.
In the opener against Southeast CC, sophomore Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.) went the first five innings on the mound before giving way to Kinzor Hoover (Cheyenne, Wyo.). Kelly and Hoover each surrendered an unearned run on the day, while the Larks were held hitless at the plate until the fourth.
With one out in the bottom of the fourth, Kelly blasted a triple to right-center field to break up the no-hitter. Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan) promptly followed with an RBI single to left to tie the game at 1-1.
Hesston had a chance to go up a run an inning later, but a fortuitous bounce kept the score tied at a run a piece. With Blake Prince (Garland, Texas) at second, Travis Riesen (Hillsboro, Kan.) hit a line drive up the middle that seemed sure to knock in a run, but the SECC pitcher managed to get a glove on it and sent the ball bouncing toward the second baseman, who completed the unusual 1-4-3 putout that advanced Prince to third. A strikeout ended the inning and SECC pushed across an unearned run in the top of the sixth to squeak by 2-1.
In game two, Hesston jumped out to a 4-1 lead after four innings and cruised to a 6-2 victory. The Larks used a balanced offensive attack to get the win, as six different Hesston players recorded a hit. Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla.) and Dustin Linder (Louisville, Ohio) each went 2-3 on the day. Yoder knocked in two runs while Grant Gonzalez (Cheyenne, Wyo.) crossed the plate twice for the Larks.
Right-hander Phil Hotchkiss (Des Moines, Iowa) went the first four innings on the mound for Hesston, allowing just three hits and one unearned run with no walks and three strikeouts. Hotchkiss is now 2-0, and leads the Larks with 17 innings pitched on the year. Yoder closed out the game by tossing three frames with an unearned run, also striking out three.
Hesston now travels to Phoenix, Arizona, for a week of games beginning on Monday, March 9.
Larks improve to 7-2 on the year with sweep of Central Christian JV
The Hesston College men’s baseball team erupted for 21 runs on Tuesday night against Central Christian JV (McPherson, Kan.), sweeping the visiting Tigers by the scores of 13-6 and 8-3.
Freshmen Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla.) and Blake Prince (Garland, Texas) led the offensive attack with four hits apiece on the day. Prince knocked in five runs and scored four on the double-header, while Yoder finished with five runs scored and four RBI. Dustin Linder (Louisville, Ohio) and Scott Stroberg (Hutchinson, Kan.), each picked up a victory on the mound for the Larks.
In the opener, Hesston jumped out to an early 5-1 lead after two innings of play only to see Central claw their way back with three runs in the top of the third. Helped by three walks and sloppy defense by Central, the Larks responded with three runs in their half of the fourth to build an 8-5 lead. An inning later, Hesston put the game out of reach courtesy of a mammoth Yoder three-run homer to left field.
On the mound, Stroberg turned in a workman-like effort, going four innings with two earned runs and three strikeouts to collect the win. Kinzor Hoover (Cheyenne, Wyo.) closed out the game with three shutout innings, surrendering just two hits.
In game two, the Hesston offense struck early and often, jumping out to an 8-3 lead after four innings while collecting 13 hits. Travis Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.), Yoder, Prince, Derek Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.), and Travis Riesen (Hillsboro, Kan.) each notched two hits to lead the balanced attack. Riesen finished the nightcap with three RBI.
By the time Linder toed the runner for his first collegiate start, the afternoon wind had subsided a bit and the freshman right-hander was in control. Through the first three innings, Linder struck out four while yielding only three singles. Linder lost some command in the fourth, walking three before Curt Compagnone (Salina, Kan.) came on to face the middle of the order for Central.
Compagnone, another freshman, promptly struck out the number three hitter before getting the Tiger’s cleanup hitter to flyout to center to end the threat. Compagnone worked through the end of the sixth, and Hoover came on the nail down the seventh and secure the home sweep.
Coach Mullet’s Larks return to action on Friday, March 6, with a home double-header against Southeast Community College (Beatrice, Neb.) beginning at 2 p.m.
Split versus Hastings College JV gives Hesston 5-2 start
After dropping a 3-2 decision in the opener, the Hesston College baseball team responded with an 8-0 shutout of Hastings College JV (Hastings, Neb.) to improve their season record to 5-2. Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.) pitched a complete-game shutout to lead the Larks to a win in the nightcap, surrendering just three hits and no walks while striking our six. Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, KS) collected 6 hits on the day, including a 4-4 showing with a pair of triples in game two.
Phil Hotchkiss (Des Moines, Iowa) turned in another quality outing on the mound for Hesston in game one, working five innings with four hits and two runs allowed. After falling behind 2-0, Hesston responded with a three-hit bottom of the sixth that plated two runs. Travis Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.) singled home a run and Jon Wilson (Hutchinson, Kan.) executed a suicide squeeze play to knot the game at 2-2.
Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla.) came on in relief and pitched the last two innings, giving up an unearned run on one hit while striking out four Hastings batters.
After Hastings pushed across the go-ahead run in the top half on the seventh, the Larks went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the seventh to end the game.
Outfielder Nick Wesman (Apple Creek, Ohio), Voth-Gaeddert, and Yoder each went 2-4 in the loss.
Game two was a different story for the Larks, as Kelly took command early and cruised to a complete-game victory. The sophomore right-hander was superb, facing 22 Hastings batters through seven innings --- just one over the minimum.
The Lark offense scored early and often, jumping out to a 6-0 lead after three frames. Ahead 2-0, Jake Landers (Overland Park, Kan.) hit a second-inning triple, the first of three triples in the game for Hesston. Wesman doubled Landers home to make it 3-0 Larks, and Voth-Gaeddert followed with another three-bagger to extend the lead to 4-0.
Yoder and Voth-Gaeddert each had a pair of RBI’s in game two, while Kelly went 1-4 with two runs scored.
The Larks return to Oswald Field for a home double-header against Central College JV (McPherson, Kan.) on Tuesday, March 3, beginning at 4 p.m.
Larks win slugfest against Tabor College JV, now 4-1 on the year
The Hesston College baseball team found itself on the winning end of a 12-9 scoring affair against Tabor College JV (Hillsboro, Kan.), notching a victory in the Larks first road game of the season. Despite committing a season-high six errors on the field, the Larks were able to grind out the road win to improve their season record to 4-1.
A five-run third inning got things rolling for the Larks, highlighted by a two-run single of the bat of sophomore Travis Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.). Ebersole’s knock was one of a season-high 11 hits by Hesston.
Back-to-back RBI doubles by Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.) and Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla.) helped push three more runs across in the Hesston fifth, as the Larks built a 9-7 lead after five innings of play.
On the mound, Dustin Linder (Louisville, Ohio), Scott Stroberg (Hutchinson, Kan.), and Phil Hotchkiss (Des Moines, Iowa), all freshmen, each pitched three innings for Hesston. Stroberg recorded the win, while Hotchkiss was credited with the save.
Voth-Gaeddert finished 3-5 on the day, while Linder enjoyed a 2-3 day with three runs scored. Nick Wesman (Apple Creek, Ohio) had two hits in four times to the plate.
The Larks return to Oswald Field for a home double-header against Hastings (Neb.) College JV on Saturday, February 28. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Lark hurlers continue to impress in double-header split versus McCook
The Hesston College baseball team received another day of quality outings from its pitching staff during Friday’s double-header split with McCook (Neb.) Community College. The Larks shutout McCook 3-0 in Friday’s opener to keep its season record unblemished, but fell 5-0 in the nightcap, and are now 3-1 on the year.
In game one, freshman right-hander Phil Hotchkiss (Des Moines, Iowa) was masterful in his collegiate debut, yielding just a pair of singles and two walks in five innings of work. The Hesston offense was quiet for much of the day but managed to string together four base hits in the bottom of the third that proved to be the difference.
Dustin Linder (Louisville, Ohio) led off the Larks half of the third with a single, and with one out was advanced to second on a liner to shallow centerfield off the bat of Curt Compagnone (Salina, Kan.). Nick Wesman (Apple Creek, Ohio) followed with a sharp single to left that got by the McCook leftfielder, allowing Linder to race home with the games first run. With runners on second and third and one out, centerfielder Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.) lofted a sacrifice fly to right, plating Compagnone. Up next was Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.), who promptly lined a single up the middle to make it 3-0 Larks.
Four more innings of shutout baseball by Hesston pitchers and three superb defensive plays would ensure the win for the Larks.
In the top of the forth, the visitors threatened with a runner on second with two outs. A single to center sent McCook’s Chris Kalk around third and headed for home. Kelly raced up to field the ball and delivered a strike to catcher Travis Riesen (Hillsboro, Kan.) who applied the tag and ended the inning.
An inning later, the visitors looked to rally with a runner on first and one down. McCook centerfielder Josh McKinney pulled a screaming line drive down the first base side that was sure to go for extra bases, but Voth-Gaeddert showed off his athleticism by diving to his right and snagging the ball, then stepping on first base to record the inning-ending double play.
To the mound in the top of the sixth came Kinzor Hoover (Cheyenne, Wyo.), who worked two scoreless frames to earn the save. The freshman right-hander nailed down the win with some help from Kelly. With one out and a runner on first in the McCook seventh, Kelly tracked down a fly ball in right-center field, then fired to first to double off the runner and end the game.
Larks open season in style with pair of home wins
The Hesston College baseball team wasted no time notching its first two wins of the season, knocking off Fort Scott Community College 3-2 and 2-0 to begin the 2009 campaign. The Larks received four quality pitching efforts on the day, and freshman Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla.) went a combined 4-6 in his college debut, including a dramatic two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning that provided the margin of victory in game one.
Sophomore Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.) received the starting nod in the season opener and was effective through four innings for the Larks. Kelly surrendered two runs, both unearned, on five hits while striking out one and issuing no walks.
After jumping ahead 1-0 early in game one courtesy of a Travis Riesen (Hillsboro, Kan.) RBI single, Fort Scott came back with a run in both the third and forth innings to claim a 2-1 lead. The score would remain 2-1 until Yoder stepped up with 2 outs and a runner on first. Already 2-2 on the day, Yoder lined the first pitch he saw just over the left field fence to put the Larks on top.
Kinzor Hoover (Cheyenne, Wyo.), another freshman who had relieved Kelly after the fourth, induced a 6-4-3 double-play with one out in the bottom of the seventh to seal the win. Over the last three innings, Hoover scattered two hits without a walk to earn his first collegiate win.
Hesston came out strong in game two, this time with Yoder on the mound. The former Sarasota Christian School standout was lights out through four innings, giving up no hits and one walk while striking out five to earn the win.
A Kelly single to start the bottom of the first got things going for Hesston, and following a wild pitch that moved the speedy centerfielder to second, Nick Wesman (Apple Creek, Ohio) got in on the action with a single to right that put runners on the corners. Another wild pitch brought Kelly home and the Larks were on the board.
In the bottom of the forth, freshman Jon Wilson (Hutchinson, Kan.) led off with a single, his second of the game, and advanced to second base following a Grant Gonzalez (Cheyenne, Wyo.) sacrifice bunt. Kelly stepped up to bat and delivered a sharp single to left that plated Wilson following an errant relay-throw from the FSCC leftfielder.
With a 2-0 lead, Hesston Head Coach Art Mullet turned to freshman Aaron Grunewald (Wamego, Kan.) who responded with three solid innings of relief to collect the save. Grunewald scattered five hits and didn’t walk a batter while striking out two.
Lark pitchers were around the plate all day, allowing a combined 12 hits and one walk over 14 innings, while striking out eight.
Hesston returns to Oswald field this Friday, February 20, at 2 p.m. with an afternoon double-header against McCook Community College (McCook, Neb.).
Baseball team looks to the spring after fall season ends.
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The Hesston College baseball team recently finished the fall portion of its season, as players and coaches eagerly look to the spring.
Included in the fall season was the annual alumni game, won by the varsity.
Several sophomores return from last year’s squad, led by 2008 all-region performer Kirk Kelly (Newton, Kan.). Kelly played exclusively as an outfielder for the Larks last year, but will also see time on the mound this coming season. Other returners include outfielder Derek Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.), infielder Travis Ebersole (Sarasota, Fla.), and catcher/infielder Travis Riesen (Hillsboro, Kan.).
Coach Art Mullet will be counting on several incoming freshman to contribute right away next spring. Freshman Nick Wesman (Apple Creek, Ohio) led the Larks in batting average and stolen bases this fall while playing an excellent defensive outfield. Curt Compagnone (Salina, Kan.) and Cory Rychener (Hesston, Kan.) are other newcomers who will compete for playing time in the outfield.
Behind the plate, freshman Grant Gonzalez (Cheyenne, Wyo.) played well in the fall and will compete for time at that position.
New faces on the infield include Jon Wilson (Hutchinson, Kan.), Corey Rider (Andover, Kan.), Jake Landers (Overland Park, Kan.), Drew Walters (Wichita, Kan.), and first baseman Blake Prince (Garland, Texas).
Freshmen Aaron Grunewald (Wamego, Kan.), Scott Stroberg (Hutchinson, Kan.), Kinzor Hoover (Cheyenne, Wyo.), and will compete for innings on the mound.
The Larks will receive a boost to the roster when soccer players Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio) and Dustin Linder (Louisville, Ohio) make the transition to baseball in the spring semester. Steiner is an infielder, while Linder will likely see time at several positions, including on the mound. Three players who are transferring into the program for the spring semester include Lee Voth-Gaeddert (Hesston, Kan.), Tyler Yoder (Sarasota, Fla.), and Phil Hotchkiss (Des Moines, Iowa). Voth-Gaeddert, like Linder, plays multiple positions, while Yoder is primarily a third-baseman. Hotchkiss is a right-handed pitcher. All five newcomers to the spring roster are freshmen.
The Larks ten-week spring schedule begins in mid-February.