Douglas High’s Jackson Ovard connects with a pitch Tuesday afternoon against Galena. Ovard was 1-for-2 with a walk in the Tigers’ 7-4 win over the Grizzlies
Photo by Carter Eckl.
Douglas High School baseball is 8-0 overall and 2-0 in Class 5A North league play after a 7-4 win over Galena Tuesday afternoon.
Tuesday’s contest was moved to Minden after field issues left Galena High unable to host.
A four-run bottom of the third was the difference for the Tigers.
Tied 3-3, Catcher Jeffrey Peters led off the frame with a double down the left field line, his second in as many at-bats.
“I’m just trying to stay gap-to-gap and trying to hit the ball hard,” said Peters. “If I can get guys in, that’s what I’m going to try to do.”
After Jackson Ovard drew a five-pitch walk, Owen Evans deposited his second double of the day down the right field, scoring Ovard and Tyler Sentell, who courtesy ran for Peters.
Keegan Freeman plated Evans on his own RBI double to right field, putting the Tigers in front, 6-3.
Aaron Moss drove in the final run of the afternoon for Douglas on an RBI fielder’s choice.
“We have guys who can hit the ball hard. We’ve invested in hitting development and technology. The kids are taking ownership of their swings individually,” said Douglas head coach Jim Tucker.
Battling early against the Grizzlies
Douglas put the ball in the hands of senior hurler Thomas Young to start Tuesday’s contest.
Though some walks inflated his pitch count, Young was able to fire three strikeouts and limit the damage to one earned run even with the free passes.
Fellow senior Aaron Tekansik took over for Young in the third and went 4.1 innings of relief work without allowing an earned run.
Tekansik struck out three batters as well and allowed just four hits in total.
“I think we have to shout out the pitchers. Aaron Tekasik came in and shut the door against a good offense like that,” said Peters. “Things are starting to come together as a team.”
The pressure the Tigers have put on teams early in the season can’t be missed.
Young, who was 1-for-3 with an RBI, didn’t get credited with a steal Tuesday, but forced continuous pick-off throws, one of which led to an error and an extra bag in the sixth.
In total, Douglas has recorded 39 stolen bases in its eight games so far this season.
Young leads the group with 15 swipes while Aaron Moss has seven and Owen Evans stole his sixth bag of the spring.
“When we’re on the base paths, we are electric,” said Peters.
UP NEXT: Douglas (8-0, 2-0 in Class 5A North league play) is back at home Thursday for a league tilt against Damonte Ranch (1-6, 0-4). Saturday, the two teams will play again, but at Damonte Ranch High School.
(Douglas High senior Aaron Tekansik releases a pitch Tuesday afternoon versus Galena in a Class 5A North league contest. Tekansik came on in relief, pitching 4.1 innings without an earned run and three strikeouts. / Carter Eckl)
