The Okawville Jr. high baseball season just started kicking off. They have fourteen 6th, 7th, and 8th grade players on the team. The 8th graders consist of Bennett Schuetz, Aidan Killion, Caleb Hagarty, Ayden Foley, Max Carr, Andrew Bunch, and Wesley Blanford. The 7th graders this year are Rigden Senior, Landan Kraus, Hutson Hudgens, and Kolby Bowers. The 6th graders on the team this year are Michael Todd, Daniel Tooley, and Kyle Bollmeier.
The Jr. Rockets started the season with a win over Coulterville 24-4. Aiden Killion earned the win on the mound for the Jr. Rockets, surrenduring one hit and zero runs in three innings, striking out four, and walking two. The Jr. Rockets had twelve hits that game with Aidan Killion and Wesley Blandford each getting three hits.
On August 10th, the Jr. Rockets fell to Freeburg on a 15-3 loss. Caleb Hagarty started on the mound. They surrendered zero hits and one run scored over four innings, striking out six and walking six. Aidan and Caleb each collected one hit for the Jr. Rockets. Rigden Senior led with three walks and three stolen bases.
On Wednesday, August 16th, it came down to a suspenseful game as the Jr. Rockets won 9-8 against Wesclin. Caleb earned the win for the Rockets. He gave up four hits and seven runs in five innings, striking out three and walking three. Aidan led the Jr. Rockets with three hits in four at-bats. Hutson and Rigden drove in two runs. Wesley collected two hits. Bennett, Landan, Wesley, and Rigden stole multiple bases.
On Thursday, August 17th, the Jr. Rockets got the win over Waltonville 8-6. Aidan earned the win for the Rockets. He gave up two hits and five runs (zero earned), striking out ten and walking one. Caleb and Rigden each collected two hits for the Jr Rockets. Caleb, Rigden, and Wesley drove in two runs for the Rockets. Landan and Rigden led the team with two walks each.
I interviewed Ayden Foley asking him about the season. I first asked him, “What are a couple of goals you have for this season?”
He said, “My first goal is to finish with a winning record, but our team goal is to win regionals and compete in the state tournament.”
I asked, “How do you think the season is going so far?”
He responded, “I think the season is going great, we are playing good baseball and beating other great teams.”
The last question I asked him was, ”Do you think you guys will make it far in the season?”
He said, “I think we will be competing in the championship game in regionals. We are going to work very hard to win that game and advance to the state tournament.”
Good luck Rockets as you continue on with your season!
