After enduring a stretch of 16 games in 16 days the Barton Community College was back at it after just one day of rest. This time, though, it was just a single game. A typical midweek game against a junior varsity team.
The Cougars took full advantage its opportunity against the Kansas Wesleyan JV, rolling by the Coyotes 14-3. The win evened Barton’s record at 14-14 on the season.
“Unfortunately we haven’t had many midweek games this season because of the weather but it was nice to get back on our home field and start a winning streak,” Coach Brent Biggs said. “Some of our guys haven’t been able to get the innings or at bats they deserve so it was nice to get those guys back on the field.”
The Cougars will now get what might seem like an eternity before their next game. Barton will have three full days off before returning to the diamond to battle Dodge City in a Jayhawk West contest.
Barton wasted little time in bolting to a big lead against Kansas Wesleyan, scoring 11 runs in the first three innings. Barton scored four runs in the first, four more in the second and three times in the third inning. By that time the Cougars had built an 11-3 lead. Barton scored single runs in each of the next three innings and ended the game by a run-rule in the seventh.
Trevor Turner and Evan McDonald each drove in three runs in the win for the Cougars - who pounded out 13 hits over six innings at the plate. Xavier Sundman had three hits and Jacob Richardson scored three times.
Every Cougar starter collected a hit and scored a run in the win.
“It was a total team win and everyone contributed,” Coach Biggs said. “We always talk about playing against the game and not the opponent and our guys did a good job of that for seven innings.”  
On the mound Barton rolled out five different pitchers with none going more than two innings. Kade Parker and Josh Farrington each threw two innings to open the game then Griffin Jones, Mitch Malherbe and Tristan Hall tossed one apiece to finish the game.
The Cougars will step right back into conference play this weekend when Dodge City visits Lawson-Biggs Field. Dodge City is currently tied for second in the Jayhawk West with a 10-6 mark. Barton is close behind at 6-6 on the season.
“We are halfway through the season and our best baseball is in front of us,” Coach Biggs said. “We showed signs the past three games of being a good all-around team. We have a tough conference schedule left but our fate is in our hands. The conference race is wide open with the leaders still on our schedule.”
First pitch for Saturday and Sunday doubleheaders will be at 1 p.m.