***Kendall Vincent is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
It was a mixed outcome for the Annawan/Wethersfield baseball program on Saturday, as the junior varsity Titans powered their way to a 7-2 win over the Alleman Pioneers JV, while the varsity Titans fell 6-2 despite a strong offensive showing against Alleman’s varsity squad.
JV Titans take command for 7-2 win
The A/W junior varsity came out strong and never looked back in their matchup. They jumped on the board early in the first inning with an RBI single from Dane Ross. Jace Nichols added to the lead in the second with a single to center, making it 2-0. Myer Heitzler followed in the third inning with another RBI single, extending the Titans’ lead to 3-0.
Victor Skaggs was sharp on the mound, tossing five innings and giving up just two hits and one unearned run, while striking out five. Pierce Childs closed out the game with a perfect inning of relief, not allowing a hit or walk and striking out one.
At the plate, Childs led the team with a 3-for-4 performance. Ross and Heitzler each drove in a run, while Baylor Frankenreider showed off his speed with two stolen bases. The defense also contributed with a key double play to shut down any potential Alleman momentum. Brady Williams and Kaddin Whited each notched a hit for Alleman JV.
Varsity Titans fall short
In the varsity game, the Titans tallied six hits — one more than Alleman — but couldn’t turn them into enough runs, ultimately falling 6-2. Koeyn DeClercq and Jonathan Torres both went 2-for-3 and drove in a run apiece for A/W.
Torres got the Titans on the board early with an RBI single in the second, but an error in the bottom half of the inning, followed by a single from Adam VanMeighem, allowed Alleman to jump ahead 2-1. Gavin Wilburn added to their lead in the third with a sacrifice fly, and the Pioneers kept control from there.
DeClercq started on the mound, allowing just two hits but giving up five runs (four earned) across four and two-thirds innings, striking out five. Alleman’s Cael Kuster countered with a solid start, holding A/W to five hits and one unearned run over three and one-third innings.
VanMeighem led Alleman’s offense with two RBIs, while Truman Marner chipped in with a perfect 2-for-2 day. The Pioneers also showed aggression on the basepaths, stealing eight bases as a team, with contributions from Wilburn, Anthony Clark, and Will Bowers.
While the varsity squad came up short, the day wasn’t without its bright spots—strong pitching, productive at-bats, and standout performances at both levels show plenty of promise for the Titans moving forward.
