MILAN – Tyler Bondy knows what is possible for Jefferson’s baseball team.
He played for the Bears’ state championship team in 2002.
But the first four seasons as head coach at his alma mater have been rough.
More: Monroe County Region high school sports roundup for Tuesday, April 21
Jefferson, which often has five freshmen in the starting lineup this spring, improved to 7-3 with a 5-3 victory over Milan on Wednesday, April 22.
“We’re a scrappy young team learning on the fly,” Bondy said.
Freshmen were at the forefront of the latest win for the Bears.
Hunter Barton earned the pitching win and helped his own cause with a key double.
“He’s been tremendous,” Bondy said of the freshman hurler. “He never gets rattled.”
Fellow members of the Class of 2029 Caleb Henry and Jett Jones racked up two hits each and Brayden Burkmier contributed a clutch hit.
Bondy says it’s nothing new for Henry and Jones to lead the offense.
“They’ve been really coming through of late,” Bondy said. “The last few games, they’ve gotten hot. Several freshmen are maturing quickly.”
Henry took over for Barton on the mound in the fifth inning and picked up a save, giving up just one hit and no runs.
Ryan Hatfield went 2-for-3 and drove in two runs for Milan.
Jack Baker, Airport: Enjoyed a 3-for-4 day at the plate to spark a 4-3 win over Flat Rock. Brenden Smith added two hits and Cash Nye drove in a pair of runs. Evan Szalay homered for Flat Rock.
Owen DeLano, New Boston Huron: Tossed a five-inning no-hitter while collecting two hits and two stolen bases to lead an 11-0 victory over Grosse Ile.. Cash Moczydlowsky and Dayton Miller also finished with two hits and Dominic Russo drove in three runs.
Jason Bryant and Brody Leonhard, Bedford: Notched two hits each in a 13-2 loss to Dexter. The Mules dipped to 7-3.
Asher Simmons, Monroe: Struck out 11 in six innings of a 9-5 triumph over Ann Arbor Skyline. Dalen Cosby led the offense with three hits and Landon Loveland drove in two runs.
Brody Masters, Whiteford: Rang up three hits during a 16-1 win over Erie Mason. Cooper Call and Tre Eitniear added two hits apiece to support strong pitching from Luke Henegar as the Bobcats improved to 6-2.
Brock Cousino, SMCC: Collected two hits and drove in two runs to spark a 7-4 win over Riverview. Steel Decator tossed a complete game for the 8-3 Falcons, ranked No. 4 in Division 3. “We played a much cleaner game today,” SMCC coach Jared Janssen.