Strong pitching gives Bees the double-header

April 7, 2005
By Anthony Loconsole
Staff Writer

John O’Donnell Stadium was Buzzing with enthusiasm as the Fighting Bee baseball team opened up their 2005 Midwest Classic Conference season on April 2.

The Fighting Bee’s took their 8-7 record into the weekend double-header games against the Iowa Wesleyan College Tigers looking to get off to a winning start in conference.
Saturday’s first game featured senior ace Sean Johnson (2-0) who delivered a stellar performance on the mound mixed in with run support to earn him his third victory of the season.

The Bee’s won the game handedly by a score of 10-5, and were full of confidence heading into the second game. The second game of the day was headlined by a masterful pitching outing by the crafty Kyle Hildman, and a game capping home run by freshman third basemen Kyle Roesler.

The Fighting Bee’s defeated the Tigers by a final tally of 7-1.

“Our guys knew that if we could get some runs on the board early that our defense and pitching would seal the deal,” assistant coach Tony Huntley said.

With two big wins to open up MCC play the Bee’s were anxious to pull of the series sweep with two games left against the Tigers on Sunday. Taking the mound for the first game was Zach Smith who is normally used just in the bullpen. Smith showed no signs of fatigued as he threw a no-hitter through 5 innings and picked up the win as the Bee’s won by a final of 7-1.

Smith said that although he was a bit nervous at first he was content with his performance.
“I was just happy that once I got past the nerves my performance helped the team pick up the win and keep a winning record in conference,” Smith said.

After taking the first three games against the Tigers the Bee’s would have to put together a bit of a comeback to hold off the pesty Tigers.

Freshman Nick Hofer took the hill and despite a shaky start had his team behind him and the Bee’s held on to win the game 10-4. With a 4-0 record in MCC play the Bee’s sit atop the conference as each of the other teams have already accrued at least one loss.

The Fighting Bee’s next MCC opponent was Ashford University (formerly The Franciscan) on Tuesday but scores were available at time for print. The Bee’s continue the path for another MCC conference title as they head to Mount Mercy this weekend.

The next home games for the Fighting Bee’s are on April 16 & 17 when they’ll host the Grand View College Vikings.

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