Tough test ahead
When Hays High baseball coach Frank Leo looked back on the season opening statistics from a doubleheader split at Salina South, seeing the Indians with 18 runners left on base in Game 2 -- and 18 hits -- was a little shocking.
Though it was a little disheartening to see, it was the little things the Indians did to win that second game he found promising.
"Our players handled some tough situations in Game 2, and really battled through some adversity," Leo said.
After dropping the first game, 5-1, the Indians salvaged a split nearly six hours after the start of Game 1, with a 15-11, nine-inning win.
Hays High had an early lead in that game, let it slip away and had to find a way to put runs on the board, while in three straight innings, the Indians had "loud outs" with runners at second and third, Leo said.
"We swung very well against a couple pitchers that threw pretty well. We were patient enough to wait for a good pitch, and that was important," Leo said.
As much as the Indians were tested in the opener with a much-improved Salina South team, that challenge will more than double with this week's schedule. Hays High is in Dodge City for triangular action today against the host Red Demons and Larned, and will play Friday in McPherson against the Bullpups and Kapaun-Mt. Carmel, two Class 5A state qualifiers from last season.
"We will be tested and see how we hold up. The starters have to keep their pitch counts down and stay ahead of hitters," Leo said.
Hays High will throw senior Matt Malott in his first career varsity start, and junior Logan Downing in Dodge City today. If needed, Friday's starters -- senior Nathan Meier and junior Kelton Rule, could pitch in relief today.
"This is a tough stretch for us, particularly playing our first eight games on the road," Leo said.