The Greyhounds opened their season over the weekend winning 2 of 3 three games against Cloud County. Head Coach John Hill III was pleased with the weekend results but knows the team has a long way to go.
"This was not necessarily the start we were hoping for, but I am proud how our guys responded after a tough loss Saturday night. We have a few adjustments to make, and we are excited to get back at it next weekend.
Saturday's double-header featured two games against KJCCC west opponent Cloud County Community College. Game one was a one sided affair with the Hounds winning 12-2. Mackay Williams and Ben McConnell homered for FSCC. Justin O'Laughlin Started on the mound for the Greyhounds and went the distance striking out 10. Game two saw the FSCC allow 24 free bases to the thunderbirds in the form of walks, hit by pitches and errors. While the Hounds hung around for 7 innings, they ultimately fell to the Thunderbirds 19-9. Nick Sloan took the loss for FSCC on the mound.
"We saw both ends of the spectrum on Saturday, the really good, and the really bad. We were crisp and error free in game one, and for some reason that did not transfer into game 2," Hill said.
Sunday saw the flags completely change direction from the wind blowing straight out, to blowing straight in. Sophomore Boby Johnson took the mound and went 5 and 2/3 innings allowing just 2 runs and striking out 3 in the Hounds 5-2 win. Freshman Kobie Schmitt came in for a 3 plus inning save. Ben McConnell, Quinn Waterbury, and Mitch Sloan each had multi hit days for the Greyhound offense.
"We learned a lot this weekend, I was happy with the offense on Sunday; they had to change their plan to hit the ball on a more flat plane. We had 11 hits on a day that was hard to hit. The pitchers also really did an excellent job bouncing back and competing at the level we need them to. Now we will make some adjustments this week and get ready to take on North Central next Saturday." Hill Added
Greyhound baseball is scheduled for doubleheaders next Saturday and Sunday against North Central Missouri College. Saturday's doubleheader will begin at 1:00 and Sundays will begin at 12:00. All games next weekend will be played at the LaRoche Complex in Fort Scott.