Wildcats increase winning streak to 9 with sweep of Bonner Springs

The Louisburg baseball team couldn’t have asked for a much better start to its season.

Louisburg had won nine of its first 10 games going into the Wildcats’ April 15 home doubleheader against Bonner Springs. They certainly didn’t cool off any against the Braves. 

The Wildcats got out to a big lead in the opener and held on for an 8-6 win. In the nightcap, Louisburg junior Christian Owens struck out 14 batters and led his team to a 6-0 shutout to earn the sweep.

Those wins pushed the Wildcats’ winning streak to nine games and they are now 11-1 on the season.

“They’re playing really right now,” Louisburg coach Kade Larson said. “Defense has stepped up when needed and the offense has too. They’re worried about winning the next game they play and have done a great job focusing on getting the job done.”

Louisburg put together a dominant showing in that second game as Owens, not only struck out 14, but allowed just one hit over six innings and had two walks.

“Our pitching was really good all night,” Larson said. “The guys threw a ton of strikes and let their defense work. Christian pitched really well. He did a great job for us and never let their offense get any kind of rhythm. 

The bats followed suit as the Wildcats scored four runs in the first inning and never looked back. 

Junior Danny Napier led the way with three hits, including a pair of doubles and 2 RBIs. Luke Schultz had two hits and double, while Bristol Barbour also had two hits and an RBI.

Louisburg jumped out to a big lead once again in the first game. The Wildcats scored eight runs in the first five innings and took an 8-1 advantage.

Schultz and Barbour each had three hits. Schultz hit a solo home run, while Barbour had an RBI double. 

Senior Carter Willey had two hits and an RBI. Senior Jayce Toms and Owens each drove home a run.

“We swung it well in both games,” Larson said. “ We had some really timely hits and put the ball in play to get the job done when needed.”

Senior Meade Rutherford started in game one and pitched well as he allowed just two earned runs over six innings and struck out five.

Junior Evan Moreland come on in relief and didn’t allow an earned run as he struck out two in his lone inning of work.

The Wildcats will try and continue their winning ways today as they host Tonganoxie for a single game at Lewis-Young Park. First pitch is set for 6:15 p.m.

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