Taking care of business early on. That was the plan for the Barton baseball team Wednesday afternoon at Lawson-Biggs field against Brown Mackie.
The Cougars accomplished that mission by scoring in each of the first four innings – plating eight runs in the fourth inning – on the way to a 15-3 non-conference win.
“It was nice to take care of business in the midweek and get some guys much needed innings and reps.” Coach Brent Biggs said. “We have a lot of guys that continue to work hard and it’s good to see them gain confidence going forward.”
Perhaps more importantly, it kept the Cougars on a roll as they head to El Dorado for Jayhawk West play this weekend.
Barton has now won 10 straight entering its four-game series with Butler.
The Cougars are co-leaders in the West at 4-0 along with Hutchinson. Barton is 12-5 overall. Butler in the only team yet to play a conference series. The Grizzlies open West play this weekend at 10-7 overall.
“This weekend will continue to test us,” Coach Biggs said. “Butler has one of the better pitching staffs in the conference.”
In the win over Brown Mackie, Barton pounded out 14 hits – seven of those extra base hits. Matthew Baca homered and tripled on the afternoon. The freshman from Goddard ended with four RBI and two runs scored.
Alan Clark tripled and doubled in the win, scoring three times. Drake Bliss had three hits – one a triple. Ryan Schippers had three hits as well to go with three RBI.
The Cougars can make a statement this weekend in the Jayhawk. The Cougars and Grizzlies will play a twinbill Saturday starting at 2 pm and a doubleheader Sunday starting a 1 pm
“Every weekend in our conference, regardless of who is on the schedule, it’s going to be a challenge,” Coach Biggs said. “The conference is loaded with good teams and talent from top to bottom. We have really been playing well all around the past few weeks and look to continue it this weekend.