by Derek White
The Colby Varsity Eagles put on a stellar performance Thursday, dispatching Goodland in a pair of games, with final scores of 11-1 and 4-1. The victories were a showcase of both offensive power and solid pitching as the Eagles proved too much for Goodland to handle.
In the first game of the doubleheader, Colby opened strong in the bottom of the first inning. Max Kersenbrock set the tone with a leadoff triple down the right-field line. A Goodland error shortly after allowed Kersenbrock to score, putting Colby on the board. The Eagles added another run in the second inning, capitalizing on a wild pitch that advanced the lead to 3-0.
The offensive barrage continued in the third, when Brayden Foss drove in another run with a timely double, extending the lead to 4-0. With a solid offensive showing, the Eagles were poised for a dominant win.
On the mound, Braxton Withington was in control for Colby, striking out nine over five innings. The senior hurler allowed just three hits and one unearned run, walking two. His solid outing set the stage for Cobin Curry, who came in for one inning of relief. Curry faced just three batters, retiring them all and striking out none while walking none.
Meanwhile, Goodland's starter, Kacen Sedersreom, struggled to contain Colby’s offense, surrendering five hits and five runs (three earned) over four innings. Sedersreom struck out six and walked two, but the damage was done. In terms of hitting, Joseph Vonlintel, Sedersreom, and Jared Quain were the only players to collect hits for Goodland, with Vonlintel's 1-for-3 performance leading the way and driving in the team's only run.
Talon Andreason and Withington were particularly tough for Goodland to handle in the lineup, each driving in two runs. Alongside them, Kersenbrock, Maxon Smiley, Foss, Kasen Stramel, Ethan Weinman, and Reid Ryan each contributed one hit, displaying the Eagles’ offensive depth.
In the second game, Colby fought a bit harder for their victory, securing a 4-1 win. The Eagles broke the scoreless tie in the second inning when Kasen Stramel grounded out to score a run. Goodland managed to tie the game in the top of the fourth inning when Anthony Rubial singled to center field, driving in the team's only run.
However, Colby regained the lead in the sixth inning. Foss stepped up once again, doubling to score a crucial run, giving the Eagles a 2-1 advantage. That lead was extended with more timely hitting and solid defense.
Kellen Burvee started for Colby, putting together an impressive outing on the mound. He pitched a complete game, throwing all seven innings while allowing seven hits and just one unearned run. Burvee struck out three and walked one, keeping Goodland's offense at bay throughout the contest. Goodland’s starter, Kaleb Williams, went six innings, surrendering four hits and three runs (two earned), while striking out six and walking one.
At the plate, Cobin Curry, Braxton Withington, Max Kersenbrock, and Brayden Foss each contributed one hit for Colby, with Curry and Stramel driving in the team’s runs. For Goodland, Rubial was the lone player to drive in a run, finishing 1-for-2. Chris Glass and Jared Quain collected two hits apiece, but the Goodland offense couldn't generate enough to break through.
Though Goodland was aggressive on the base paths, stealing four bases during the game, they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. The team did manage to turn one double play on defense, but it wasn't enough to overcome Colby’s well-rounded performance.
With these two dominant victories, the Colby Varsity Eagles continue to impress on both offense and defense, and they look to carry their momentum into their upcoming games.
