Indians dominate to win own invitational

By MICKEY ALVARADO

Both Monroe Jefferson and Jackson Lumen Christi players were left scratching their heads after getting beat soundly by Tecumseh’s varsity baseball team on Saturday, May 5, as the Indians dominated play to win their annual Round Robin tournament.

“These were two good teams that we played and I liked how we came to play today,” said Tecumseh head coach Tom Bullinger.

The Indians weren’t frightened by Monroe Jefferson, the No. 2 ranked team in Division 2, in the least, beating the Bears 14-4 in just five innings.

Monroe Jefferson took a 3-1 lead after the first two and a half innings in game one but Tecumseh’s bats began thrashing the Bears to close the bottom of the third inning with a 7-3 advantage.

Tecumseh starting pitcher Eric Eldred gave up just one more run before the Indians closed the contest in the fifth inning by the mercy rule.

Jacob Britt (4 RBI) put on a spectacular offensive display for the Indians, going 3-for-3 at the plate and highlighting the game with a three run home run in the fourth inning.

“We had a very good approach at the plate this morning,” said Bullinger. “We worked the count in our favor and hit a lot of balls hard. Eric [Eldred] did a great job on the mound today too.”

Eldred pitched all five innings, giving up four runs on six hits while walking one and striking out four.

Also adding hits for Tecumseh were Max Patterson (2-for-3, RBI), Brad Vannatter (2-for-4) and George Preston (1-for-2, 2 runs).

Max Patterson pitched all seven innings in game two as the Indians crushed the Titans 10-2. He gave up two runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out four.

“Max [Patterson] was very efficient on the mound,” said Bullinger. “He kept Lumen off balance, worked fast, and our defense played well behind them. I thought our approach in this game was good as well.”

Vannatter went 2-for-3 at the plate with a home run, three runs scored and 4 RBI.

Jared Powell also added a home run on a 2-for-4 showing at the plate with 2 RBI while Britt was 2-for-4.

“We hit the ball hard again and worked the count into our favor,” said Bullinger. “Vannatter did a very good job all day in getting on base, stealing bases, and driving in runs like you want from a leadoff hitter.”

The Indians improved to 13-3 overall with the tournament wins.

Tecumseh (3-3, Southeastern Conference) was scheduled for a doubleheader at Lincoln on Thursday, May 3, but played just one game due to darkness setting in. The Tribe lost the first game by just one run, falling 8-7, and was winning game two 8-6 in the top of the seventh when it was called off.

“We were outplayed today,” said Bullinger. “They were more aggressive on the base paths and forced us into some mistakes. We battled until the last out, we just couldn't get it done.”

Britt was the losing pitcher of record in game one. He pitched three innings and gave up five runs on five hits while walking two and striking out three.

Nick Cowen pitched the last three innings and allowed three runs on three hits while walking three and striking out two.

The Indians’ offense was led by Vannatter with two hits, two runs, and two stolen bases.

Cowen was 2-for-2 offensively with two RBI for Tecumseh while Powell went 1-for-3 with two RBI. Spencer Adams recorded a double in three plate appearances and scored a run.

Tecumseh scored four runs in the top of the seventh inning in game two to take the lead after being down 6-4.