Tough Games Ahead
The Hays High School baseball team is scheduled to play today the team that kept it from going to the state tournament last season.
The Indians are in a triangular in McPherson, first playing the Bullpups, then taking on Wichita/Kapaun-Mt. Carmel. McPherson beat Hays High at sub-state last year, costing the Indians a trip to the season finale.
"It's going to be a very good early-season test for us," Hays High coach Frank Leo said.
Hays High (3-1) has passed most of its early tests, using solid pitching and a high-scoring offense to win three straight after dropping its first game of the season.
The Indians are hitting .372 as a team and have scored 39 runs in four games.
"I think the guys are doing an excellent job with their approach at the plate," Leo said. "They've been swinging it well the fist four games."
Junior Thomas Rohleder leads HHS at the plate, batting .500 with a team-leading eight RBIs.
The Indians are coming off a sweep of two games Tuesday in Dodge City. HHS won 11-0 over Larned and 11-1 against the host Demons. Senior Matt Malott allowed one hit against Larned, While junior Logan Downing tossed a no-hitter against the host Red Demons.
"We're coming off a triangular Tuesday with two outstanding pitching performances," Leo said.
Senior left-hander Nathan Meier (0-1) and junior right-hander Kelton Rule (0-0) were the probable starters for today's games, with Meier going against McPherson and Rule matching up with Kapaun-Mt. Carmel. If a starter gets in trouble, Leo can go to senior right-hander Sam Rohleder out of the bullpen.
Leo also has been pleased with his team's defense. Senior Austin Klaus is making the transition from playing center field the last two years to moving back to shortstop, his original position. Thomas Rohleder is in center, making the Indians stronger at two positions once Klaus becomes acclimated to being back in the infield.
"It's going to be an adjustment period for Austin," Leo said. "Austin has the physical ability to do it.
"Thomas Rohleder is a very good defensive outfielder, pretty good offensive numbers for us," Leo added.