(Atlantic) Atlantic and Harlan will meet tonight for a Hawkeye Ten Conference baseball doubleheader, with coverage available on KS 95.7 FM. The Cyclones enter the matchup with a 4-2 record, while the Trojans are 2-3 on the season.
Harlan’s offense has been one of its strengths early in the year, posting a team batting average of .357 with seven players hitting above .300. Harrison Kjergaard has led the way at the plate, batting .500 with nine hits in 18 at-bats, including eight singles, one double, and four RBI.
Atlantic head coach Nathan Block said his team is excited for the challenge of facing a strong Harlan squad. He also noted that the return of Hudson McLaren and Jack Muller following their spring sports commitments has added stability and consistency to the Trojans’ lineup.
Atlantic is batting .233 as a team, but the Trojans’ power at the plate has been a major highlight early in the season. Through their first five games, Atlantic has launched seven home runs. Grant Petty and Kale Jensen have each connected for two homers, while Gavin McLaren, Cooper Woolsey, and Zayden Parker have added one apiece. The Trojans are averaging nearly eight runs per game, and head coach Block credits much of the team’s offensive success to assistant coach Tony Pross.
Atlantic has utilized eight pitchers so far this season, combining for a 5.30 ERA while holding opponents to a .211 batting average. The Trojans’ pitching staff has recorded 48 strikeouts, issued 27 walks, and hit seven batters. Jack Muller has paced the group with a 0.88 ERA, totaling 16 strikeouts and eight walks across eight innings pitched.
Harlan has used nine pitchers up to this point in the season, combining for a 6.74 E.R.A. while holding opponents to a .270 batting average. The Harlan staff has recorded 39 strikeouts, allowed 37 walks, and two hit batters. Jones Reynolds leads the staff with an E.R.A. of 1.00, totaling 10 strikeouts, two walks, and no hit batters.
Game one starts at 5:00 p.m. at Atlantic. We will broadcast on 95.7 FM on your radio dial and stream audio on westerniowatoday.com. The Pregame starts at 4:45.
