Pirates start season 2-1, but coach knows there is plenty to improve on
The Platte County Pirates are an improved baseball team and look poised to post a winning campaign for the first time in several seasons.
The Pirates stand 2-1 after the first week of the season and saw their modest two-game winning streak come to end with a 15-14 extra-inning loss to Oak Grove at Pirates Field Monday afternoon. But, while Pirates coach Rob Davenport is happy his team is off to a nice start, he knows the Pirates need to shore up a few areas if they want to keep it up. Of particular concern is Platte County’s defense, which made a whopping eight errors in Monday’s loss. “I am pleased with a 2-1 start but very disappointed with the defense (against Oak Grove,” Davenport said. “Our pitching has to get better. We are giving too many free bases. These are things we must fix.” Behind starting pitcher Josh Eastman, Platte County built a 4-2 lead through three innings Monday. But a combination of errors and walks fueled a five-run Oak Grove fourth and the two teams slugged it out the rest of the way, combining for the 29 runs and 30 hits. Oak Grove plated two runs in the eighth for a 15-13 lead and the Pirates could only answer with one in the bottom of the frame. Kodee Martin and Tanner Ruwe had home runs for the Pirates and Justin Mitchell added two doubles. Martin, Jerod Thomas and Nabil Ahmad also had doubles. Dylan Watson pitched the middle innings for the Pirates; Derrick Holcomb finished on the hill and took the loss. Platte County dominated St. Pius X 12-2 on March 26. The Pirates scored four runs in the sixth on a two-run single by Ahmad, an error, and a fielder’s choice. Topher Kilkenny had a busy day at the plate, collecting two extra-base hits. He doubled in the first and fourth innings and singled in the sixth inning.