SPEAKER_04 0:00

Last night it was about 10 55. I mean we were done one six and oh in the Missouri River Activities Conference. West comes into this game with a record of 0-6. 0-6 in the MRAC. John, let's talk a little bit about last night's game and and some of the positives that we spent a lot of time talking about coming home on Monday and leading into last night's game.

SPEAKER_11 0:25

Yeah, obviously, Mike, we talked about um we talked a little bit about what they needed to do was take those positives from the nights uh the night previous and and and apply it against North because you know North wasn't is not a bad team, and you and I both saw that. And they did that. And I did uh talk had a chance to talk to Coach Wesselman uh before tonight's game, and and exactly what you and I just said is exactly what he was happy to see. He saw the hitting. Um he'd like to see the hitting obviously a little earlier in the early innings versus uh the seventh inning, but uh overall just a great job uh of hitting and and making contact with the ball and not necessarily striking out.

SPEAKER_04 1:05

Yeah, definitely uh for healing those last couple innings in both games last night uh proved huge. In game two, healing scored five runs in the top of the seventh inning uh to blow that open. And in game one, healing scored seven runs in the seventh inning to really blow that one open. So uh yeah, when you're when you're at the ballpark for that long, John, and you're calling the game, you kind of wish that they'd score a lot more runs earlier. So uh you you think your night might be done, but it was really good to see. We can we can honestly say that every batter in the lineup, their batting average improved last night. Uh the bottom of the lineup, like we said, if they can just start hitting the ball, it's gonna make Healing dangerous. And first game, Gaswent got a nice hit, and LaFaver followed up with a nice hit. Aiden did. So it was fun to see uh good things. I saw Nathan between games, and he had a big smile on his face, and uh he made a couple good plays out in the outfield last night to to record some outs, and that one that got past him and all the way to the fence. I know I mentioned it last night and you commented today that it was a cool reference. Uh for us old timers, it was Dave Parker Roberto Clementi throw because he too hopped it into third base. And uh for you youngsters, if you haven't seen Roberto Clementi or Dave Parker throw the ball, go to YouTube and look and you'll see what I'm talking about.

SPEAKER_11 2:30

Well, if he would have got it to him all the way in the air, we would have said it was a Bo Jackson.

SPEAKER_04 2:34

Yeah, there you go. There you go. I'm I'm sure that I'm sure the people today know Bo Jackson a lot more than they the two that that uh I referenced earlier. Uh let's talk a little bit about uh your visit with the West High coach.

SPEAKER_11 2:48

Sure. Sure. So Alec Neiman uh has took over for the head coach at West High School, got assistant coach of Dave Markowski. Uh a lot of people in Sioux City will know that name from Morningside area. Markowski's go way back, so nice coaching staff. 0-6. Um, obviously, it's not the start he would want to have, but but he's very young, very inexperienced. Um they've been booting the ball around. He said if they can field the ball clean, they can be competitive, Mike. And uh couple kids that they have um that are injured right now that would be in the starting lineup. He's got a kid that's got a concussion, and he's got a kid that's got uh kind of a broken leg or a crack in his beam or something like something set something like that. I can't remember exact the exact break. So he's missing a couple ball players. Um the kid that's got the concussion, and hopefully he'll be back when they play against us at Healing, is Lane Monroe. I'll give him a little shout out to my next door neighbor, so gotta give Lane a little shout-out. I wish he could play tonight, you know, so I could call his game a little bit. Um for them, he's got some key players in Clayton Baker, Braden Block, Peyton Markowski, Colin Crazy, and Caleb Washburn. Those are the key players that have kind of stepped up for them, and what he's looking for tonight is some consistency in his pitching and obviously consistence in fielding.

SPEAKER_04 4:10

Yeah, I always I always like these visits with the that you have with the coaches before the game because we can be in Orange City, and you've got some tie, some relations, some some knowledge of whoever it is up there. And once again, you got a next door neighbor that's that's on the West High baseball team, and I'm sure whenever they uh come back, come to Healing in a few weeks, that uh hopefully he's gonna be ready to play and and you'll get to see it.

SPEAKER_11 4:36

Told them I'd give him a shout out uh a little more at the Healing game over at Healing.

SPEAKER_04 4:41

All right, we're gonna take a two-minute break and we will be back.

SPEAKER_06 4:46

Barclay Asphalt provides a wide range of services to its customers from new construction of commercial facilities and new asphalt paving to maintenance and repair of existing pavement systems. The asphalt pavement design and construction technology group focuses on innovative techniques for design and construction of high-performance asphalt pavements used in new construction. For more information, please call 255-1848. Barclay Asphalt is a proud supporter of Bishop Healing Athletics and Student Catholic Radio.

SPEAKER_09 5:39

For more information, call 531-625-3941 to see how the most advanced cataract procedures can create new vision for you.

SPEAKER_16 5:48

We understand you have a lot of choices when you are choosing a real estate professional. It's an important decision. This is Dave Pepin. I've helped over 700 families in the Siouxland area, and I would love the opportunity to partner with you as you transition into your new home. I will be with you every step of the way to ease your stress through one-on-one consultations and prepared transactions so that you can ease your anxiety and focus on the next chapter in your life. You can learn more and see featured properties at davepeppen.com. You can contact me at 712-635-5945.

SPEAKER_14 6:20

What makes your home home? Is it a favorite reading corner? A growth chart on the door frame? A bunk bed that doubles as a fork? Home is that feeling of warmth and safety, a place where you belong. At Security National Bank, we put thoughtful care and attention into helping you find your place. Not just any place, but your home. Because home matters. Security National Bank. Everything matters. Member FDIC.

SPEAKER_19 6:51

And now back to your Crusader Sports on your Catholic radio station.

SPEAKER_04 6:59

Welcome back to West High Baseball Field. I'm Mike Skaggs, joined by John Tritz. I'll go ahead and get through the starting lineups here. First for the visiting Bishop Healing Crusaders. Leading off playing shortstop will be JJ Hope. He's coming in with a batting average of 478. Peyton Erickson will bat second playing catcher. He's got a batting average of 350. Caleb LeFaver will be DH'ing tonight. His batting average is 571. Chase Beck will be at second base, and that who's Caleb is DHing for. Batting fourth will be Brody Shaner, batting average of 333. He'll be at third base. Batting fifth, Tommy Carroll, batting average of 389. He'll be playing in left field. First base, Bennett Beckett Blatchford coming in with batting average of 200. Batting seventh, Aiden LaFaver. Raised his batting average last night to 0.7077. He'll be on the mound pitching. Nathan Gaswin will be batting eighth. He'll be playing right field, raised his average up to 0.118. And batting ninth will be Dylan Knapp, batting average of 0.118. He'll be in center field. And you know, there was an inning last night where Dylan just he manufactured a run on his own. He he bunted, stole a base, stole a base, and then scored from third. So that was that was fun to see, fun to watch. I know you didn't get to see it, John. You were home enjoying some air conditioning. Now I'll give you the West starting lineup as the umpires and the coaches are uh out doing their pregame discussion. Uh for West High, leading off will be Markowski. He'll be pitching. Comes into this game with a batting average of 400. These stats we have for West are only three games. They don't have all six games stats in, so uh we're doing we're going with what we have. Batting second will be Barker, he'll be playing catcher, he's batting 375. Batting third will be Frazy, batting average of 200, he'll be at shortstop. Batting fourth will be Washburn playing first base, his batting average is 100. Batting fifth will be Vall. His batting average is 300, he'll be at third base. Batting sixth, Artiega, batting average of 100, he will be the DH, and he will DH for Black, who will be playing in left field. Wolf has no batting average so far this year, and he'll be playing center field. Batting eighth for West will be Coyle playing second base, he has no batting average thus far. And batting ninth will be Joy again, no batting average for him, and he'll be in right field. We've one of the two umpires we had last night, so we know the strike zone is going to be consistent and pretty fair. So uh looking looking forward to uh seeing uh how Healand matches up here against West and see if they can continue getting that bottom of the batting order, making contact with the ball and getting on base.

SPEAKER_11 9:58

That's exactly uh exactly right, Mike. Um, one thing that coach Wesselman said uh kind of a key to the game was to put the ball in play tonight. Uh he you know he's he's gonna goof around a little bit with the lineup like today he's got Beckett playing first base. Um and you said we're gonna see that throughout try to get some other things going. Um can't play play down to the competition. You know, even though a West is 0-6, you can't play down to that record. He wants his kids to be ready and alert and jump on them early.

SPEAKER_04 10:29

Yeah, these high black Raiders found out about the other night when they were up six runs in the bottom of the seventh and got walked off by Thomas Jefferson. So you can't let down, especially in the Missouri River Activities Conference. Uh just so everyone knows, John and I are sitting outside along the right by the heel and dugout on the first baseline. So if you hear some wind blowing through your radio, it's because we're we're outdoors tonight. At least we've got that breeze and we're not up in a sauna in a hot box.

SPEAKER_11 10:56

Well not yet. Hey, let's go back a little bit to our uh hitting percentages and on base percentages, Mike. There's a couple things that stick out to me, even more than the batting average is a couple guys' on base percentage and our slugging percentage. I mean, Jonathan Hope, JJ Hope obviously is on base percentage at 552, and Caleb LeFaver uh 679. But more importantly, the slugging percentage, the 714 for Caleb. I mean, with guys in scoring position, 714 with guys in scoring position, JJ Hope at 565 and Peyton Erickson at 500. Just incredible numbers. And I mean, for this, I know it's early in the season, very encouraging both gentlemen, especially when we keep going.

SPEAKER_03 11:47

Yeah, it really is. Uh thankfully.

SPEAKER_04 11:48

Uh West is taking the field here.

SPEAKER_03 11:52

Getting ready to start the warm-up.

SPEAKER_04 11:54

We will go ahead and take a two-minute break and we will be back.

SPEAKER_06 11:59

Greenville Pharmacy is a fully staffed modern health pharmacy that specializes in providing personalized care and concern for every prescription customer. This dedicated concern is substantially enhanced by our professional staff's more than 200 plus years of combined experience. We are all about service, sales, and savings. At our pharmacy, you are far more than just another prescription number. You are a customer friend. Greenville Pharmacy is a proud supporter of Bishop Healing Athletics and Siouxland Catholic Radio.

SPEAKER_03 12:29

Hello, I'm Brian Coyle, Market President from Liberty National Bank. As the seasons change, it's the perfect time to fall in love with your financial security. Why not take a moment to review your financial goals? Our team is here to meet all of your financial needs. Come see us today at our Sioux City, Dakota Dunes, North Sioux City, and Elk Point locations. Or you can always visit us online at Libertynational.bank. At Liberty National Bank, we believe in you, member FDIC and the community.

SPEAKER_06 13:03

For your shopping convenience, Wilmits Do a Best Hardware want to welcome you to our online store where you can purchase 70,000 items available for overnight delivery. If you want to purchase a product that cannot be delivered by UPS, stop in our call our store to purchase the product. If you do not have the item in stock, one of our friendly employees will be happy to special order the item for you. We are a dedicated small business hardware store with a big goal to meet the first needs of our customers. Shop small, shop with us. We are located in South Sioux City and Sioux City. Heinman Family Dentistry produces great smiles that win every time, and our clinic is here to help. Josh is a proud graduate and supporter of Bishop Heelan, and Dr. Heyman and his team offer everything from cleanings and fillings to crowns and implants, all at their convenient morningside location. Trust Heineman Family Dentistry for care that keeps your smile in the game. Go Crusaders! Heinman Family Dentistry is a proud supporter of Siouxland Catholic Radio and Bishop Heelan Athletics.

SPEAKER_19 14:05

And now back to your Crusader Sports on your Catholic radio station.

SPEAKER_04 14:11

We are back and we got a little bit of an early start here. JJ Hope up to bat. First pitch was outside for a ball, one ball, no strikes. Another pitch outside, two balls, no strikes. We're looking right down the third baseline tonight. That pitch bounces in there for ball three, three balls, no strikes.

SPEAKER_11 14:36

Well, they got this field looking absolutely gorgeous. But we have some really nice facilities in town, I'll tell you that.

SPEAKER_04 14:43

Pitcher in the windup, here's the pitch. Pitch in there for strike one. Three balls, one strike. Caught him looking for strike three.

SPEAKER_11 15:07

Well, I can tell you right now, I know what he's calling. He's given that pitch. That's a little outside and up, but you know what? He called it consistent, so I mean the rest of the rest of the batteries need to take notice. That that pitch is gonna be a strike tonight.

SPEAKER_04 15:21

Peyton Erickson steps in. Pitching from the full lineup is Markowski. First pitch into Peyton is a strike. No ball is one strike.

SPEAKER_11 15:32

Nothing but fastball so far, Mike. He hasn't thrown a curve yet.

SPEAKER_04 15:48

Peyton had a couple good hits last night, drove in some runs. Here's the pitch. Pitch is in there for strike two.

SPEAKER_11 16:00

Yeah, he's consistent. I mean that's another one. Payton's had a little I think uh was a little upset with that call, and I'm sure he looked up back at him and said, I want that same pitch.

SPEAKER_04 16:10

Yeah, they'll they'll have a conversation between innings.

SPEAKER_11 16:13

Yep.

SPEAKER_04 16:15

Here's the pitch. Peyton fouls that down the third baseline out of play. Yeah, I talked to Peyton before the game about his interactions last night with the umpires, and he said they were they were good. They listened. Yeah. Made sure to let him know when he was right and when he was wrong. That pitch in there, high for ball two, two balls, two strikes.

SPEAKER_11 16:41

You know, there's a certain way to do that, Mike. There's a there's a right way and a wrong way being a former catcher, and let me tell you, you'll know when it's the wrong way.

SPEAKER_04 16:50

Yes, and this umpire will let you know if it's the wrong way. That pitch in there, high for ball three, three balls, two strikes. Markowski doesn't wind up. Here's the pitch.

SPEAKER_11 17:10

Markowski has thrown nothing but fastball so far. You know, I'm coming up. That's what I'm looking for.

SPEAKER_04 17:27

He's an independent run for Ericsson. Caleb Favor steps in. Markowski from the stretch steps off. Takes a look over at Peyton at first base. He was pretty aggressive last night on the base pass pretty much with everybody.

SPEAKER_11 17:49

Yeah, again, here's the pitch. You know, we talked about that last night. I mean, you know, you hit and run, I mean, that's the game within the game, and and here we go, right at the first inning here.

SPEAKER_04 18:06

Markowski delivers to the plate. Two balls, no strikes.

SPEAKER_11 18:13

Caleb's got such an interesting strike zone. I mean, you come in there and you're 6667.

SPEAKER_04 18:22

Markowski deals. Caleb hits that out to center field. Center fielder settles under it for the second out.

SPEAKER_11 18:36

Nice swing right on top of it. You know, right on it.

SPEAKER_04 19:17

And the throw is there in time. Hayton throwing out a second base for the third out. Healing is retired one, two, three. We'll head to the bottom of the first. We'll be back in thirty.

SPEAKER_05 19:30

Bob Rose Point After and Bob Rose North End Zone are proud supporters of Healing Athletics on Siouxland Catholic Radio 88.1. Enjoy great food like Sioux Land Choice Awards Best Chicken Wings, which are cooked to perfection with just the right amount of sauce. You can enjoy delicious pizza and appetizers as well. Visit with your friends and family for a tremendous time. Bob Rose located 2320 Transit Avenue in Sioux City and Bob Row's North End Zone in Leeds, where good times gather.

SPEAKER_19 20:02

And now back to your Crusader Sports on your Catholic radio station.

SPEAKER_04 20:08

I have a correction to make on that. It was Heaton who was thrown out at second base. He was pinch running for Erickson. On the mound in the first game here, be eight in LaFavor. He has no record. He's pitched six innings. Teams are batting.154 against him. He's given up four hits, two runs, both earned, walked three, and struck out seven. He's got an ERA of 2.33. And I know she's not listening, but I know she can hear me. We'll give a shout out to Aiden's mom, Kathy LaFaver, here at the game tonight, and Dad Jeff.

SPEAKER_11 20:47

Yeah, two wonderful people. Uh raised just uh wonderful kids. You know, uh Aiden had such a such a really good first outing, Mike, and for an eighth grader, he showed great composure in that in that first time he was out. And I look forward to seeing him on his second one. He'll be a little more relaxed. Um got a wicked curveball. Doesn't throw quite with the velocity yet that his brother has, but then again, he's four years younger.

SPEAKER_04 21:18

So Yeah, he's he does have good movement on those breaking balls.

SPEAKER_11 21:24

And he's consistent, he's around the plate, and and I'm sure that's what coach is hoping to see from him tonight.

SPEAKER_04 21:32

Finishing his last warm-up pitch here. Markowski will step in to lead off for the West High Wolverines. Steps in from the left side.

SPEAKER_11 22:00

Here we go.

SPEAKER_04 22:03

Wind up by LaFavre. Here's the pitch. That first one in there for a strike. No balls, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 22:09

Nice pitch on the outside corner.

SPEAKER_04 22:16

Wind up and deals. That ball bounced to Blashford at first base. He'll take it himself. For the first out. That'll bring Barker to the plate. He'll step in from the right side.

SPEAKER_11 22:35

Up next. You got Blathford over there, another big target for us. I mean, we gotta have the three biggest first basemans in the state of Iowa.

SPEAKER_04 22:44

That's for sure. Here's a pitch by Lefaver. That ball's popped up. You're gonna have to save us tonight, John, if that thing comes right over the fence.

SPEAKER_11 22:53

Well, if it comes over that close, you're on your own, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 22:57

Thanks, John. First pitch fouled out of play. No balls, one strike. Here's the pitch.

SPEAKER_11 23:02

Nice.

SPEAKER_04 23:03

Swing and a miss by Barker.

SPEAKER_11 23:05

Yeah, he's he's right around the plate. Looks like he has just a little bit more velocity than he had the first time out, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 23:14

No balls, two strikes. No favor in the wind up and the pitch. Swing and a miss for strike three.

SPEAKER_11 23:19

Beautiful job on that change up of the speed. And wasn't his sharpest curve. He threw kind of a slower curve there, Mike, and hit that outside corner.

SPEAKER_05 23:30

Number nine.

SPEAKER_04 23:31

Yeah, that was a good morning, good afternoon, and good night strikeout. Absolutely. Brings Frazy to the plate. Shortstop. He steps in from the right side. First pitch. Swing and a miss for strike one. No balls, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 23:43

Boy, Frazy's really pulling his head. I go to that outside corner. That's where he's going.

SPEAKER_04 23:49

That pitch fouled off.

SPEAKER_11 23:51

I like it. Peyton. For strike two. Peyton recognized that just, and I'm sure coaches taught him that. You see that kid pulling the head like that. Hit that outside corner. There's no way he can hit it.

SPEAKER_04 24:03

LaFaver deals. Here's the pitch. That ball just gets under the glove out there. It's second base. Frazion with a single.

SPEAKER_11 24:16

Boy, just missed it. It's almost like he thought it was going to come up a little bit, Mike, and it stayed down.

SPEAKER_05 24:21

Number 22, Caleb Washburn.

SPEAKER_04 24:25

Washburn steps in. Healens in their road grays with blue lettering and blue numbers. Blue caps and the blue stripe down the side. Washburn steps in from the left side. Nice pitch. That pitch in there for a strike.

SPEAKER_11 24:41

You know, there again, we're playing on uh on real grass here, and this is something Coach Wesselman, you know, talked about getting those hops off the off of real grass.

SPEAKER_04 24:52

Pitch. Runner goes. Throw down by Erickson. Just off the mark. Frazi steals second.

SPEAKER_11 25:00

Yeah, Frazy had a great jump. That was a good throw by Peyton. Just uh just a better jump by Frazy.

SPEAKER_04 25:08

No balls, two strikes on Washburn. Lafaver looks in. Frazy steps out.

SPEAKER_11 25:16

Give a shout out. Or Washburn steps out. Give a shout out to Washburn's grandpa, Ron Washburn. Guy I played baseball with with the Sioux City Saints back in the day, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 25:26

Yeah, John's walking through the parking lot and he runs into people he knows. Here's the pitch. Swing and a miss. First strike three.

SPEAKER_11 25:35

Just a beautiful pitch.

SPEAKER_04 25:36

So Wes is able to get one on, unable to capitalize on it. We'll go to the top of the second. We'll be back in 30.

SPEAKER_01 25:46

Hi, this is real estate agent Tammy Bertram with Keller Williams serving all of your residential and commercial real estate needs in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. My husband Rick and I proudly support Siouxland Catholic Radio and Arbishop Healen High School Athletics. As proud Catholic parents of Addison Halen Class of 2025, William Class of 2028, and Henry Class of 2030, we strive to spotlight the mission and the message of Siouxland Catholic Radio. Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us.

SPEAKER_19 26:16

And now back to your Crusader Scores on your Catholic radio station.

SPEAKER_04 26:22

We are back at West Tide for the matchup between the Crusaders and the Wolverines.

SPEAKER_11 26:31

I'd like to give a shout out to some of our underwriters and supporters of Catholic Radio and Bishop Healing Baseball, the Bargain Center, Barkley Asphalt, BCU's Catholic Connection Scholarship, Bob Rose Point After and North End Zone, Bush Dry Cleaners, Catholic Charities, and Central Bank of Sioux City, Storm Lake. Thank you for supporting Catholic Radio and Bishop Healing Baseball.

SPEAKER_04 27:02

Schayner, of course, was at bat at the end of the last inning whenever Heaton was thrown out at second base, so he'll lead off this inning. In there for strike one.

SPEAKER_11 27:33

Yeah, I have I'm telling you, Mike, I have not seen him throw a curveball yet. So I mean you gotta come up there ready to swing.

SPEAKER_04 27:40

Here's the pitch. That pitch on the outside corner for strike two, no balls, two strikes.

SPEAKER_11 27:49

Out straight, outside corner, about belt high, and he's calling it, so that's the zone tonight.

SPEAKER_04 27:54

Here's the pitch. That pitch way high for ball one, one ball, two strikes. Here's the pitch to Shaner. Caught looking for strike three. Carroll fouls that off down the first baseline.

SPEAKER_11 28:41

Yeah, Tommy looked really good at the plate last night in both games. Making good contact. Just looks really confident up there.

SPEAKER_04 28:50

Fouls that one off down the first baseline again for strike two. No balls, two strikes. Both pitchers so far have had to throw very few pitches.

SPEAKER_11 29:00

Yeah. It's kind of weird being at this at ground level.

SPEAKER_04 29:06

Carroll gets caught looking for the second out of the inning. Another strikeout. That'll bring Blatchford to the plate.

SPEAKER_11 29:12

It's something we're gonna have to adjust to, Mike. Uh he's calling that waist high strike. And this is the same guy from last night. Yep. And he wasn't calling it, so I mean they're gonna have to adjust. He's called it consistently first inning and a half.

SPEAKER_04 29:25

Blatford steps in from the left side. Swing and a miss by Beckett for strike one.

SPEAKER_11 29:30

Good cut. Anxious to see what he can do if he can get a hold of one.

SPEAKER_04 29:37

Here's the pitch. That pitch in there for strike two with the knees. Markowski doesn't waste a whole lot of time between pitches.

SPEAKER_11 29:47

Nope. He's right right around the plate, every pitch.

SPEAKER_04 29:49

Here's the pitch. That pitch was low for ball one. One ball, two strikes. A little too early for me to jinx it, John. But if both pitchers are throwing like this, we might be home really early tonight. I agree. That pitch outside for ball two. Two balls, two strikes.

SPEAKER_11 30:07

You just jinxed us, see.

SPEAKER_04 30:14

Markowski steps off.

SPEAKER_11 30:16

Yeah, he really does work fast.

SPEAKER_04 30:22

Here's the pitch. Blatford pops that up. Shortstop trying to settle under it and makes the play for the third out. We will head to the bottom of the second. Score remains. Healing zero, West Zero. We'll be back in 30.

SPEAKER_06 30:39

We are New Crib Inspection and a locally owned and operating company supporting our clients with an unbiased opinion in real estate inspections and residential home valuations. We take pride in knowing our industry and taking the responsibility in providing our clients with the service, knowledge, and professionalism. To find out more, you can call 712-301-2121. Newcrib Inspection is a proud supporter of Bishop Healing Athletics and Siouxland Catholic Radio.

SPEAKER_19 31:10

And now back to your Crusader Sports on your Catholic radio station.

SPEAKER_04 31:18

We are back out at West High. West will send Ball, Artiega, and Wolf to the plate here in the bottom of the second. Right on the plate.

SPEAKER_11 31:50

I mean, he's throwing that thing right in, belt high. We gotta be aggressive on it.

SPEAKER_04 31:55

Yeah, we'll we'll see if the bottom of the order when we get to the third, picks up on that and and starts taking some cuts early.

SPEAKER_11 32:03

Absolutely. Got a treat uh in between games. We're gonna have Coach Herbst, Bishop Healan uh soccer coach, come up and uh gonna do a little interview and talk to us about the team. They play in the substate uh championship tomorrow night to go to state. So looking forward to that, having him up here.

SPEAKER_04 32:26

Yeah, that'll be good.

SPEAKER_11 32:26

Leading off the Wolf.

SPEAKER_04 32:28

Like we talked about last night. Pat's done a fantastic job with that program, and you know that Healan's always gonna be competitive and right there every year battling for a chance to go to state.

SPEAKER_11 32:37

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_04 32:39

Ball steps in, here's the pitch. That ball hit sharply to Hope at shortstop, throws to Blatchford at first for the first out. JJ did a nice job of staying down on that ball. Artiegis steps in, he's a designated hitter.

SPEAKER_11 32:54

Yeah, this difference between grass and field turf right there, Mike. You really got to stay down. You can't take a chance because you don't know what that's gonna do off the when it comes off the grass onto the dirt.

SPEAKER_04 33:05

Yeah, because as that came off the grass, there's a little bit of a lip. So it hopped up and he was able to keep his glove down and stay with it.

SPEAKER_11 33:12

Yeah, good job by JJ.

SPEAKER_04 33:14

Lafaver deals. Ball hit softly out to Aiden. Aiden scoops it up, throws to Blatchford at first for the second out. So, two pitches, two outs.

SPEAKER_11 33:25

Good job fielding this position right there. You know, third baseman didn't have a shot at it. So grass is pretty thick. It is thick, and it's just not gonna it's gonna slow the ball down quite a bit.

SPEAKER_04 33:37

That's gonna be a problem for Wes later if JJ Hope decides to come up and bunt.

SPEAKER_11 33:41

It won't go very far.

SPEAKER_04 33:43

Wolf steps in. Lefaver deals. Swing and a miss for strike one. No balls, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 33:53

Yeah, nice, nice breaker on the outside corner there, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 33:58

Aiden's having fun right now. Here's the pitch. That pitch is high for ball one. One ball, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 34:13

He's ready to go.

SPEAKER_04 34:15

Wolf steps back in. Here's the delivery by Lefavre. Swing and a miss for strike two. One ball, two strikes.

SPEAKER_11 34:23

Nice pitch. Inside corner. See what Peyton dials up here. Betty comes back with that outside slider, Mike. The one he was reaching for on the first pitch. That's where he's going.

SPEAKER_04 34:34

Here's the pitch.

SPEAKER_11 34:36

Perfect.

SPEAKER_04 34:37

Foul tip held on to by Erickson for the third out. Three up, three down. We will head to the top of the third. We'll be back in 30 seconds.

SPEAKER_18 34:50

Missouri Valley Land and Cattle Consultants started up in 1987 by Mike and Vergine. They specialized in buying and selling cattle. You can reach Michael Richer at 712-251-4232. They're located in Dakota Dune, South Dakota.

SPEAKER_19 35:13

And now back to your Crusaders courts on your Catholic radio station.

SPEAKER_04 35:19

We are back at back at West Tide. Coming up for the Crusaders in the top of the third will be Aiden LeFavor, Nathan Gaswent, and Dylan Knapp. Very efficient inning for Aiden that inning. He threw six pitches. So he's up unofficially at 17 for the game.

SPEAKER_11 35:35

Really in sync with Peyton. Um, I mean inside outside. You know, they were they were right on the same page. They set they set the they set the last batter up just perfectly. Uh got him reaching, came back with two inside pitches, you know, and and one of them being a strike and then finished with that outside slider. You know, just just beautiful pitch in there.

SPEAKER_04 35:56

Yeah, his ball really moving nice for him tonight, and he's comfortable and confident out there. He's gonna step in here and got that first hit last night.

SPEAKER_11 36:13

Up to bat, number 18, Aiden. Yeah, this guy's got to come in aggressive. He's coming right at the belt, outside corner, every every pitch, really. I mean, he's only come inside a couple times.

SPEAKER_04 36:25

Markowski in the wind up, and here's the pitch. Ball bounces in there for ball one. One ball, no strikes.

SPEAKER_11 36:32

And right when I say that, then he throws an over-the-top curveball that gets about 40 feet, you know, and bounces.

SPEAKER_04 36:40

So and the pitch. On that outside corner for strike one. One ball, one strike. And the pitch by Markowski.

SPEAKER_11 36:55

There, nice.

SPEAKER_04 36:57

Hit out the left field, left fielder comes in, makes the catch. Didn't think he saw it. For out number one. Yeah, I don't think he saw it at first. No. Gaswent will step in. Had a big hit in that first game last night.

SPEAKER_11 37:11

Up next, number 25. Well, you're starting to make contact, Mike, and you know as well as I do. Once you start making contact, good things happen.

SPEAKER_04 37:20

Markowski with a wind up. Here's the pitch. Pitch on the outside corner for strike one. No balls, one strike. Pitch on the outside corner again for strike two. No balls, two strikes. Markowski doesn't waste a lot of time between pitches. He he gets on there and starts his windup and a pitch. That's on the outside corner for strike three. Nathan got caught looking on that one. That'll be the second out of the inning. That'll bring up Dylan Knapp.

SPEAKER_11 37:56

You know, I know Nathan didn't like that pitch, Mike, but that's he's calling that. All three pitches in the same spot. Dylan Knapp, you know, very good.

SPEAKER_04 38:03

Every pitch at that abat was in the exact same spot.

SPEAKER_11 38:06

We got to maybe step up, step up a little closer to the pla a little closer to the plate.

SPEAKER_04 38:11

First pitch bounces in there for ball one, one ball, no strikes.

SPEAKER_11 38:16

You know, if he's gonna call that pitch, you know, we gotta adjust a little bit, come in a little bit.

SPEAKER_04 38:22

And the pitch to Dylan. Nice, nice pitch. Hit hard back up, back through the middle, off the pitcher's glove. Second baseman's not able to make a play. Dylan on with the single. That'll bring JJ Hope to the plate.

SPEAKER_11 38:36

Good hitting by Dylan, right up the middle. And you know, kept that head down and looked like maybe, you know, uh he's been working on that, Mike. I didn't see him pull that head at all on that pitch. Good job by Dylan.

SPEAKER_04 38:49

We'll see if Healan decides to put Dylan in motion here within the first couple pitches. Markowski checks snap at first base. Throws over to first. Dylan back in plenty of time.

SPEAKER_11 39:05

Yeah, Markowski's quick. He's got a quick uh move over to first base, and he's got a quick release to home, which really helps catcher.

SPEAKER_04 39:14

Dylan dancing around over there at first base trying to distract Markowski. That wasn't good. Sorry about that, folks. First pitch in there, first strike.

SPEAKER_11 39:28

Now there's that outside corner.

SPEAKER_04 39:32

One ball, one strike. Nap takes off. Able to steal ball gets past the second baseman. Dillon's heading for third. They are not gonna make a throw.

SPEAKER_11 39:50

I don't know how, but I think he called that a strike, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 39:54

Yes, he did.

SPEAKER_11 39:56

That ball was up by JJ's shoulders.

SPEAKER_04 40:00

Yeah. No balls, two strikes to hope. Struck out looking his first time up.

SPEAKER_11 40:05

And we have a really good view of it here, so we're we're ground high.

SPEAKER_04 40:08

That was a JJ with an opportunity to drive in a run here. That ball gets away from the catcher. Here comes Dylan. Dylan's gonna score easily.

SPEAKER_11 40:18

Good job, Dylan.

SPEAKER_04 40:20

Gives Healing their first run.

SPEAKER_11 40:22

You talked about it last night, did the same thing. Got on, got the second, got the third on his own, and came home on his own. Yep. Same shout out to his uh mom and dad, Leah and Cole Knapp. Uh just wonderful people. And Mary and Chuck Hogan, the grandparents, like to give them a shout out.

SPEAKER_04 40:42

Markowski from the full wind up here. JJ caught looking again for strike three. That'll be the third out. Healan is able to push a run across. We'll go to the bottom of the third. The Crusaders lead one to nothing. We'll be back in 30 seconds.

SPEAKER_06 40:59

Heinman Family Dentistry produces great smiles that win every time, and our clinic is here to help. Josh is a proud graduate and supporter of Bishop Healan, and Dr. Heiman and his team offer everything from cleanings and fillings to crowns and implants, all at their convenient morningside location. Trust Heinemann Family Dentistry for care that keeps your smile in the game. Go Crusaders. Heyman Family Dentistry is a proud supporter of Siouxland Catholic Radio and Bishop Healan Athletics.

SPEAKER_19 41:30

And now back to your Crusaders.

SPEAKER_04 42:06

And uh moving this game along really quickly, both pitchers are.

SPEAKER_11 43:43

And not a lot of time uh between pitches in either one of these guys.

SPEAKER_04 43:52

Here's the wind up by Lefebvre and the pitch. Just missed on the inside corner for ball one. One ball, no strikes. He deals. Swing and a miss for strike one. One ball, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 44:09

He's hitting spots, and you know, I mean nothing's down the middle. It's either inside, outside, and Peyton's doing a great job.

SPEAKER_04 44:16

Just frame on the nice piece of that ball lined over Shayner's head at third base for a single. Joy on first. That'll bring the top of the order up and Markowski.

SPEAKER_11 44:35

Peyton Markowski. Infield uh sitting normal, and uh hopefully we can turn a double player, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 44:43

Yeah, we got a couple of those last night. Had had some line drives into double plays and even completed one the conventional way, 6'4-3. Lefaver, first pitch. Runner takes off from first. Throw down, he's in there safely. Joy gets down to second.

SPEAKER_11 45:05

Yeah, we had a little confusion, I think, there on who was covering the bag. Uh he squared the bunt, and uh JJ went over to third when the third baseman came in, so uh Beck was just a little slow getting over to the base.

SPEAKER_04 45:19

Markowski is in there from the left side. Lefaver deals. Pitches in there for a strike. No balls, two strikes. Peyton's not having to do a lot of framing tonight. No. Aiden is is hitting that glove wherever Peyton is putting it.

SPEAKER_11 45:43

Yeah, he's oh that's a Yeah, I thought he got him on a ball. Yep.

SPEAKER_04 45:57

Lefaver will throw from the full wind up as Joy advances to third on the balk. Here's the wind up in the pitch.

SPEAKER_11 46:14

Not a bad pitch. Not a bad pitch. I don't mind that at all. Around the zone, but but just just far enough out. Yeah, hope's coming in a little bit. He's playing right at the grass.

SPEAKER_04 46:35

Lafaver looks in. Here's the pitch. That ball lined sharply out the center field for a single. That will score Joy to tie the game at one-to-one here in the bottom of the third. Markowski on first.

SPEAKER_11 46:51

Up next for the Wolverine. That'll bring Barker to the plate. I think what they see something here with Caleb on his uh when he's coming home, they're getting some good jumps here. So I'd like to see him maybe speed that up just a little bit.

SPEAKER_04 47:10

Markowski takes off on the first pitch. Ball bunted back to Aiden. It throws over to Blatchford at first.

SPEAKER_11 47:18

Good job fielding your position by Aiden.

SPEAKER_04 47:23

Very nice job there. That'll bring Frazy to the plate. Markowski advances to second on the sacrifice.

SPEAKER_11 47:29

Some small ball by West. Up next for the Mowerings. Number nine, Colin Frazy. Putting the guy in some scoring position. Boy, they're not afraid to take off, are they, Mike?

SPEAKER_04 47:37

No, it Markowski was going right away. He's got a sizable lead out there at second base, as it is right now. Here's the pitch from LeFavre. Nice pitch. John, I think to say that had some break on it would be an understatement.

SPEAKER_11 47:55

That had a lot of break. Well, he, you know, and he kind of came down with that thing from a little low angle, which was even even made it worse.

SPEAKER_04 48:04

No balls, one strike to Frazy. LaFaver looks back to second. Deals. Just outside for ball one. One ball, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 48:14

You know, he got Frazy last time really going after that outside low corner pitch. Let's see what Peyton dials up here.

unknown 48:24

No one, no one, no one.

SPEAKER_11 48:28

He's coming in on him, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 48:30

Favor with the pitch. That ball lined out to Dylan Knapp at center field. Markowski scores from second. And Frazy heads to second on the throw home. West High leads two to one here in the bottom of the third. And that will bring Washburn to the plate.

SPEAKER_11 48:55

Up next for the Wilbur is number 22, Katie Washburn. I don't know if I don't think Dylan thought he would go home on that. He came on came up uncharacteristically and then kind of at the last second made that throw.

SPEAKER_04 49:13

Aiden looks in. That pitch in there for strike one.

SPEAKER_11 49:20

That's where he's calling it.

SPEAKER_04 49:21

So no balls, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 49:26

Yeah, you hear some chirping. Trying to get the uh young man rattled here.

SPEAKER_04 49:33

Here's the pitch by Aiden. That pitch fouled off for strike two. No balls, two strikes. Yeah, the North dugout was very good at chirping last night. They they were all over every healing pitcher that was out there.

SPEAKER_11 49:46

Oh yeah. You know that's part of it, as long as it doesn't cross the line, right, Mike?

SPEAKER_04 49:52

Absolutely. Aiden deals to the plate. That ball popped out to JJ Hope. It's short. That will end the inning. West is able to push two runs across. And they lead two to nothing or two to one as we head to the top of the fourth. We'll be back in 30.

SPEAKER_02 50:13

Since 1960, Meyer Brothers funeral homes have been helping Siouxland families through difficult times in their lives. They care about the needs and desires of the families they serve and treat them as if they were part of their own family. Their purpose is to serve you in a dignified and professional manner while providing you with a choice of services and merchandise that is affordable. The staff at Meyer Brothers promises to continue to assist you in an open, fair, and honest manner while giving the best service possible. For more information, please contact Meyer Brothers at 712-255-0131.

SPEAKER_19 50:49

And now back to your Crusader Sports on your Catholic radio station.

SPEAKER_04 50:56

We are back at West High. We're heading to the top of the fort. The Wolverines lead the Crusaders 2-1. Healan will send Peyton Erickson, Caleb Lefaber, and Brody Shayner to the plate.

SPEAKER_11 51:06

Some of our underwriters and sponsors are Catholic Radio and Vic Apeelin Baseball, Central Bank to City Storm Lake, Christy Smith Funeral Home, Cenote, Dr. Ryan Me, Council Oak Supply Company LLC, baseball season only, Culligan, Cybercloak Technology LLC, and Dave Pepin Real Estate, LLC. Thank you for sponsoring Catholic Radio and Dishapheal and Baseball.

SPEAKER_04 51:37

Markowski finishes his warmups. Erickson getting ready to step in to try to get things started for the Crusaders here in the top of the fourth.

SPEAKER_11 51:48

Peyton Erickson. You know, this is exactly what Coach was a little worried about, Mike. Coming in here a little laxadaisical and maybe necessarily playing down to the opponent's record.

SPEAKER_04 52:04

First pitch to Peyton is high for ball one. One ball, no strikes.

SPEAKER_11 52:07

And I'm sure he had a few words for him in between innings here. Let's get up, let's get aggressive. You're gonna get a pitch to hit.

SPEAKER_04 52:14

Delivery by Markowski. That ball in there for strike one. One ball, one strike. Markowski deals. Pitch on the outside corner for strike two. One ball, two strikes. Markowski with five strikeouts already. Here's the pitch. Peyton hits that out to the second baseman. Fields it. Throws over to first for the first out.

SPEAKER_11 52:48

That ball's just dying when it hits the grass. I mean that was a sharp hit and turned into a routine hop for the second baseman.

SPEAKER_04 52:55

Yep, that'll bring up Caleb LeFaver who flew out to the center fielder his first time up. And they're backing up with Caleb up.

SPEAKER_11 53:07

Yeah, Markowski's throwing a nice game. I mean, he's throwing it on that outside corner, and we're not swinging, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 53:16

Pitch by Markowski. Outside for ball one, one ball, no strikes. Yeah, if Caleb can hit a looper over the infield here, he could probably get a double out of it. They are playing that deep. And the pitch. In there for a strike. One ball, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 53:33

Doesn't throw that curveball very often, but uh that was effective on that one. I don't think Caleb was looking for it.

SPEAKER_04 53:41

Markowski again working quickly. Here's the pitch. Outside for ball two, two balls, one strike. Wind up in the pitch. Pitch on the outside corner for strike two. Two balls, two strikes. And the pitch. That pitch is high and outside for ball three. Brings a count full. Three balls, two strikes. We're in the top of the fourth. The Wolverines lead the Crusaders two to one.

SPEAKER_11 54:19

Gotta get something going here, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 54:23

Here's the pitch by Markowski. Outside for ball four.

SPEAKER_11 54:28

Yeah, good eye.

SPEAKER_04 54:30

Caleb will head down to first with the walk. That'll bring up Shaner. He'll be followed by Carroll.

SPEAKER_11 54:34

Yeah, he thought about that, but that thing was just a little bit outside.

SPEAKER_04 54:39

I was afraid that AC was gonna ring him up there.

SPEAKER_11 54:43

Yeah. Yeah, he's uh he's liking that outside corner and he and he likes it both high.

SPEAKER_04 54:55

So Markowski from the stretch. There's the pitch. Shaner pops it up to the infield. Second baseman settles under it for out number two.

SPEAKER_11 55:07

Here we go. Let's make something happen with two outs here, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 55:11

That will bring Tommy Carroll to the plate.

SPEAKER_11 55:15

Up next, number eight, Tommy Carroll. Yeah, the outfielders are playing extremely shallow. You know, got a little bit of wind coming in.

SPEAKER_04 55:27

Yeah, if you're gonna hit one very far tonight, you're gonna have to hit it. Marchkowski throws over to first. They've got Caleb.

SPEAKER_11 55:35

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 55:36

Caleb is able to get in there. Ball gets away from the second baseman, heads out to left field. Caleb wisely stays at second.

SPEAKER_11 55:44

Yeah, pitcher had him picked.

SPEAKER_04 55:46

So now we've got a runner in scoring position. Parents providing their encouragement from behind us here.

SPEAKER_11 55:53

Yeah, pitcher had him picked, and uh you know, and the first baseman couldn't gather the ball and kind of made a bad throw to second, almost had him at third.

SPEAKER_04 56:03

Parents commenting on Caleb's speed there. Here's a pitch by Markowski.

SPEAKER_11 56:09

That's trouble.

unknown 56:10

Hurry, hurry!

SPEAKER_04 56:13

First baseman just able to get it and toss it to the pitcher covering first base for the third out. So LaFaver will be stranded at second. We'll head to the bottom of the fourth. Wolverine's two, Healen one. We'll be back in 30.

SPEAKER_06 56:29

Falk Brothers Plumbing and Heating has provided top quality plumbing and home improvement services in the Sioux City and the surrounding communities. We are a fourth generation family-owned and operated company that has been very fortunate to help our community. I'm proud to say that we have served thousands of happy customers. For more information, please call 258-3388 and we will get started on making your dreams become a reality. Fox Brothers Plumbing Competing is a proud supporter of Bishop Heal and Athletics and Catholic Radio. Change your station, change your life.

SPEAKER_19 57:00

And now back to your Crusader Sports on your Catholic Radio Station.

SPEAKER_04 57:06

We are back at West Tide. West was able to push two runs across in the bottom of the third. They'd lead this one two to one. They will send Ball, Artiega, and Wolf to the plate here in the bottom of the fourth.

SPEAKER_11 57:28

FM Health Management, Matt Lawler, Rep, Folk Brothers, Greenville Pharmacy, Greg and Krista Yochum, and Gretlin Family, Gretkin Family ICare. Thank you so much for being underwriters and sponsoring Healam Baseball.

SPEAKER_04 57:49

And allowing John and I to do these games as painful as we might be sometimes. We appreciate you guys welcoming us into your car, your home, or sitting out here at the ballpark listening to us. First pitch in there for a strike. DeVall. No balls, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 58:10

Yeah, good pitch on the outside corner there.

SPEAKER_04 58:12

Caleb's still very efficient through three innings. He was unofficially at 31 pitches. Here's a second pitch. Just high for ball one. One ball, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 58:21

Well that's that's that pitch. He's given their their guy right there. That's that's a strike so far.

SPEAKER_04 58:30

Pitch by Aiden. Foul down the first baseline. Bladford gives Chase, not able to catch up to it. One ball, two strikes. Good breaking ball there for the first out. Struck him out. That will bring Artiega to the plate.

SPEAKER_06 59:03

He'll be followed by Wolf.

SPEAKER_04 59:14

LaFaver looks in. Here's the pitch. Bounces in there for ball one. One ball, no strikes.

SPEAKER_11 59:24

Not a bad pitch. Not a bad pitch, you know.

SPEAKER_04 59:33

That ball fouled over toward the West Hide, dugout for a strike. One ball, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 59:39

Yeah, Eaton kind of on that on that curveball. You know, he's got kind of two angles with that thing, a little slider. I'm sure it's some one's a slider, one's a curve.

SPEAKER_04 59:50

That pitch high for ball two, two balls, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 59:53

Very effective when he brings that elbow down a little bit. Throws that thing.

SPEAKER_04 1:00:01

Pitch by Lefavre. Hit back up the middle. Hope slides over to his left. Throws to Blatchford at first base for the out. That'll be out number two. And that will bring up Wolf. Wolf struck out his first time up.

SPEAKER_06 1:00:21

Up next for the Wolverines. Number six, Braxton, Wolf.

SPEAKER_11 1:00:25

Yeah, you got him on uh on two outside corner sliders that he uh caught him chasing on.

SPEAKER_04 1:00:33

Aiden deals quickly. Here's the pitch. That ball fouled off. Catches the umpire just a little bit. No balls, one strike. Umpire's letting everybody know he's okay. Great concern by both dugouts. Aiden's got a little smile on his face out there. Wind up in the pitch by LeFavre.

SPEAKER_16 1:01:05

There you go.

SPEAKER_04 1:01:06

That pitch is in there for strike two. Don't know what the batter was thinking on that one. He leaned way back, and that pitch was right in there.

SPEAKER_11 1:01:12

Yep, bell tie.

SPEAKER_04 1:01:21

Swing and a miss for strike three.

SPEAKER_11 1:01:24

That's the exact same pitch. You got him looking at caught him on the last time, Mike. That that slider on the outside corner, low.

SPEAKER_04 1:01:31

Yeah, we'll we'll keep it here between innings. We're gonna head to the top of the fifth. Healing will send Blatchford, Aiden Lefaver. Gas went to the plate. Uh, yeah. Again, Aiden very efficient. I've unofficially have him through four innings as throwing 42 pitches.

SPEAKER_11 1:01:51

Yeah, he's he's throwing a really good game and and equally is throwing a good game as Markowski. I mean, gets a good athlete. Uh, you know what? He doesn't have overpowering velocity, but he's got enough velocity, works quick, and he's hitting his spots, Mike. He's hitting that outside corner. We're not swinging at it, and you know, and the umpire's calling it. So, you know, until they until we adjust, he's just gonna keep coming at that spot.

SPEAKER_04 1:02:20

Yeah, it's we're gonna have to go up and start swinging at that pitch because this umpire's not going away from it. He's gonna call that a strike. Markowski's finishing his warmups here. Blatchford will lead off for the Crusaders.

SPEAKER_11 1:02:39

Yeah, we gotta we gotta we gotta manufacture a run here. We gotta get aggressive and manufacture a run. And in you know, any way we can, whether it's uh button them down, sacrifice, you know, we gotta do some things that you know, you gotta get creative. Blatchford. And the main thing is we've got to get aggressive with Markowski here.

SPEAKER_04 1:03:00

Yeah, Healens got nine outs left to try to tie this game and take the lead. Here's a first pitch to Blatchford. Run, run, you're on grounds it first baseman who bobbles it. Able to toss it over to the pitcher, covering for the first out.

unknown 1:03:16

So Aiden.

SPEAKER_04 1:03:18

That will bring Aiden LeFavre to the plate. He flew out to the left fielder his first time up, made good contact, just hit it right at him. Also known as Markowski looks in. Pitch to Lefavre. That's on that outside corner for strike one. No balls, one strike. Again, we're in the top of the fifth. Healing trails two to one.

SPEAKER_11 1:03:49

Yeah, Aiden's got a chance to help myself out here.

SPEAKER_04 1:03:53

That pitch way outside for ball one. One ball, one strike. Mom Kathy providing a lot of encouragement to our left here. To Aiden, not to us. That pitch in there for strike two. One ball, two strikes. Markowski deals.

SPEAKER_11 1:04:17

Nice. Oh yes.

SPEAKER_04 1:04:19

Lefaver lines that between first and second base for a single. He'll stop at first. And that will bring Gasland to the plate with one out. Nathan caught looking his first time up, struck out.

SPEAKER_11 1:04:33

Up next. Good piece of hitting by Aiden. Took that fastball on the outside corner. We've been talking about it all night. He went with it. Nice shot right down, uh, you know, in between second and first out to right field, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 1:04:46

We are gonna have a Jackson Vickery is out to pinch run for Aiden Lefaver.

SPEAKER_01 1:04:56

They go two five.

SPEAKER_11 1:04:58

Gaswin knows what's coming. He got three of them last time.

SPEAKER_04 1:05:03

Here's the pitch by Markowski. Low and outside for ball one. One ball, no strikes. Healan trails two to one. They've got victory at first base. Pinch running for Aiden Lefaver, who singled out to right field. Markowski deals to Gaswent. That pitch is on the outside corner for strike one. One ball, one strike. Mr. Consistency.

SPEAKER_11 1:05:27

Yeah, he really is.

SPEAKER_04 1:05:28

Pitcher and umpire.

SPEAKER_11 1:05:30

Guys just need to take a step toward the plate.

SPEAKER_04 1:05:32

Markowski checks Vickery at first. Throws over to first. Vickery able to get back.

SPEAKER_11 1:05:39

He's got a quick move over there, so keeping those guys honest.

SPEAKER_04 1:05:49

Here's the pitch. That pitch is outside for ball two. Two balls, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 1:06:00

Yeah, Markowski has a tendency to be a little low and out when he's on the when he's on that on the hill and he's coming from a stretch. He has a tendency, it just it tails a little bit on him to the outside corner.

SPEAKER_04 1:06:16

That pitch to Nathan was a ball. Three balls, one strike. Dylan Knapp would be next. Nathan hits that down to third baseman. Goes to second for the the out. Nathan is able to reach safely. So Vickery out at second on the force.

SPEAKER_11 1:06:37

Yeah, good job by the catcher from West preventing uh Nathan from getting to second base, backing up that. Throw went all the way to the fence.

SPEAKER_04 1:06:46

Gaswent gets on on fielder's choice.

SPEAKER_11 1:06:49

Up next. That'll bring Dylan Knapp to the plate. Had a nice stroke up the middle last time a bat. Good piece of hitting. Holy see that bird? That turkey just came out onto the field.

SPEAKER_04 1:07:03

Oh yeah, there's there's a big turkey out in left field, folks.

SPEAKER_11 1:07:06

Yeah. And we're not talking about us.

SPEAKER_04 1:07:11

Throw over to first. Gas when able to get back. Now the umpire sees it. Yeah. This is gonna be fun, folks.

SPEAKER_11 1:07:18

That thing is it just there he goes.

SPEAKER_04 1:07:21

Left fielder chases him. I have I have a feeling either that turkey may be back at some point.

SPEAKER_11 1:07:28

Oh, I've watched a lot of baseball games, Mike. I have never seen a turkey on the field. Never seen that one. Let's hope he comes back with friends. That's interesting. Oh man.

SPEAKER_04 1:07:43

Markowski comes set. Throws it over to first again. Gaswin able to get back. We're in the top of the fifth. Healing trails this one two to one. Gas went on first, two outs. Dylan nap at the plate. Markowski deals to the plate. That pitch is high for ball one. One ball, no strikes. Markowski checks. Gas went over at first. That pitch low for ball two. Two balls, no strikes.

SPEAKER_11 1:08:18

Here we go. I mean, he's it's gonna give him something good. You know, be patient, Dylan. Sit in there, concentrate.

SPEAKER_04 1:08:27

Markowski deals. That pitch on the outside corner for strike one. Two balls, one strike. Markowski checks Gaswin at first base. Deals to the plate. Knapp hits that sharply out to right field. Right fielder in just the right spot to end the inning.

SPEAKER_11 1:08:52

Absolutely smoke that ball.

SPEAKER_04 1:08:54

Healan leaves one stranded. We'll head to the bottom of the fifth and we'll be back in 30.

SPEAKER_20 1:09:01

People's Bank knows that game day is always exciting. One thing that all of our Crusader teams have learned is the importance of teamwork. That's a key success in banking, too. People's Bank employees work with you to make it a team effort toward your financial goals. You can stop at our Sioux City Morningside or North Sioux City locations. Here's wishing you the best from a team at People's Bank. Go Crusaders. People's Bank, where values matter. Member FBIC.

SPEAKER_19 1:09:31

And now back to your Crusader Sports on your Catholic radio station.

SPEAKER_04 1:09:38

We are back at West Type Wolverine Baseball Field. Heading to the bottom of the fifth. Healing Trails 2-1. West will send Coyle, Joy, and then the top of the order Markowski. Up to the plate this inning, and both pitchers working quickly and efficiently. Again, I have Aiden unofficially with 42 pitches so far through four innings.

SPEAKER_11 1:09:59

Yeah, let's go back to that last at bat by Dylan Knapp, and what's really encouraging, Mike, is you know, for Dylan, the last two at bats, he's hit the ball extremely hard. And he's taking it to right field, which to me tells me keeping that head in and he's driving the ball. That's encouraging, and that's good news for Coach Wesselman and the Crusaders at the bottom of the order.

SPEAKER_04 1:10:20

Yeah, that's huge. You know, the first couple games when we watched him, it looked like he was pulling his head out and looking down the left field line. And uh either he made the correction or somebody made the correction for him, but uh he's really on the ball these last couple games and and making good contact and sending it out there. So that's got to be a good sign for this healing batting order.

SPEAKER_11 1:10:39

Yeah, let's get to one, two, three here and let's get back in and do some damage.

SPEAKER_04 1:10:44

Lefaver delivers. That ball grounded to JJ Hope at short, fields it, throws over to Blatchford at first for the first out. One pitch, one out.

SPEAKER_11 1:10:53

Like I said last game, Mikey's getting smoother and smoother every game, and he's just made three wonderful plays tonight over there.

SPEAKER_04 1:11:00

Yeah, he's done a great job. He made some good plays last night, had to go way to his right to make some stops to keep the ball on the infield. Wasn't able to get the out, but uh he saved probably an extra base hit two or three times.

SPEAKER_11 1:11:12

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 1:11:13

Joy will step in. He singled and scored his last time up. West leads two to nothing in the bottom of the fifth. LaFavor deals first pitch strike, no balls, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 1:11:25

Yeah, Aiden's really got command of his pitches tonight. I mean, he's really hitting the spots. Peyton's doing a great job, you know, working inside, working outside.

SPEAKER_04 1:11:35

LaFavor deals. That ball fouled off weekly toward you and I, John. No balls, two strikes.

SPEAKER_11 1:11:41

You know, that pitch was was just perfect, just below the knees on the outside corner. And I mean, almost an impossible pitch to hit. And uh good spot by Aiden. To see him come back, he's going to the same spot, looks like.

SPEAKER_04 1:11:56

LaFavor delivers. Yeah. That ball fouled off. Count remains, no balls, two strikes.

SPEAKER_11 1:12:02

He's throwing him two two fastballs there on the outside corner, Mike. I'd like to see him change it up, throw that slider in the same spot.

SPEAKER_04 1:12:10

Markowski does up next. LeFaver looks in, gets the okay from the umpire. Here's a delivery. That pitch just high for ball one. One ball, two strikes.

SPEAKER_11 1:12:23

Yeah, didn't miss much. That's the same pitch that he's given those guys, so he didn't miss much.

SPEAKER_04 1:12:28

Nope. And batter wanted to offer at it.

SPEAKER_11 1:12:31

Yep.

SPEAKER_04 1:12:33

Here's LeFavre with the pitch. Outside. Ball two, two balls, two strikes.

SPEAKER_11 1:12:41

A little low on the outside corner, but I don't mind that pitch. He was chasing he chased it twice, so see if he comes back with it.

SPEAKER_04 1:12:51

LeFaver looks in and deals. Here's a pitch. That pitch outside for ball three. Three balls, two strikes. Steps back on the rubber and the windup, and here's the pitch. Outside for ball four. Joy draws the walk. That'll bring Markowski to the plate. He unassisted to the first baseman his first time up and singled and scored the second run for the Wolverines in the bottom of the third. Joy at first base, one out.

SPEAKER_11 1:13:36

Let's see if he's last time we had this situation. They took off on the first pitch, Mike. There you go.

SPEAKER_04 1:13:45

LaFaver throws over. Joy dives back in safely.

SPEAKER_11 1:13:49

Good job by Aiden. You know, keep him honest over there. Keep him, keep him close to the bag.

SPEAKER_04 1:13:57

Here's the pitch by Lefaver. Runner goes. Ball bunted. LaFaver scoops it up. Not able to get Markowski at first. Markowski on with the bunt single. And Joy advances to second. So West has runners at first and second with one out.

SPEAKER_11 1:14:18

We talked about that. That just being that thick, Mike. He laid that bunt down perfect. And it just died in between the third baseman and the pitcher. That's a tough play.

SPEAKER_04 1:14:28

Yeah, it is a tough play. As tall as this grass is, that was bunded perfectly. Yep. Aiden made a good play on it. Wasn't quite there quick enough. Here's the pitch by Aiden. Another bunt. Popped up. Lefavre fields that for the second out. So West runners at first and second, two outs. That'll bring Frazy to the plate. Wolverine's lead this one two to one. We're in the bottom of the fifth inning.

SPEAKER_11 1:15:09

Frazy struggled on that outside corner curve ball last time. Actually, the last two of bats. See if he comes back at the at that outside with this pitch.

SPEAKER_04 1:15:22

The favor deals to the plate. Just outside for ball one. One ball, no strikes. Aiden takes his time stepping on the rubber. Looks in for the sign. Steps off, looks back at second. Aiden comes set. That ball hit to JJ Hope at short. Makes makes a great play. Over to Blatchford for the third out. What a play by JJ Hope. Save to run there, folks. We're gonna go to the top of the sixth inning.

SPEAKER_11 1:16:11

Let's just hold on here, Mike, before we uh they're gonna challenge this. Uh they're saying he stepped off first base.

SPEAKER_04 1:16:17

And they are saying that Blatchford was off first base on that one.

SPEAKER_11 1:16:26

First, the umpire out in the field didn't see it, but Blatchford uh clearly had his foot pulled, and the home plate umpire here, he isn't gonna make that, he isn't gonna overrule them unless he's asked.

SPEAKER_04 1:16:37

Well, to be honest with you, John, I saw his foot off the bag too, but I was gonna take it and get away with it there. So now West has the bases loaded. Washburn steps in, he struck out his first time up, flew out to JJ Hope his last time up. He delivers.

SPEAKER_11 1:16:58

Nice pitch.

SPEAKER_04 1:17:00

That pitch in there for strike one, no balls, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 1:17:04

Yeah, Peyton threatening to throw down to third. That guy had quite a lead over there, keeping him honest.

SPEAKER_04 1:17:17

Peyton signaling Aiden to step off the rubber there.

SPEAKER_11 1:17:21

Take a deep breath. Gather yourself here.

SPEAKER_04 1:17:25

He's definitely got the defense behind him. Here's a pitch. That ball lined out to Dylan Knapp in center field. He runs over to his right, makes the play. So now I can tell you folks, the fifth inning comes to an end. We will take a 30-second break and we'll be back for the top of the sixth inning.

SPEAKER_05 1:17:45

The Sioux Lane community has been incredibly blessed to have the Trinity Heights Quin a piece in its presence for over 30 years. It's 16 acres of the most faith-based monuments and planks that a prayerful person could ever appreciate. Inside the Marion Center bookstore and gift shop, you'll discover rosaries, religious books, crucifixes, and statues to purchase daily. We're building a new chapel, and you can join us in creating this destination spot with your generous donation. Any investment will include a personal recognition to ensure your legacy to future generations. Located at 2509-33rd Street in Sioux City.

SPEAKER_19 1:18:18

And now back to your Crusader Sports on your Catholic radio station.

SPEAKER_04 1:18:25

I'm Mike Skaggs, joined by John Tritz. We are out at West High. We're heading to the top of the sixth inning. The Wolverines lead the Crusaders 2-1, and Healan will have the top of the order coming up. It'll be Hope, Erickson, and LeFaver. Caleb LeFavor. So looking for JJ to be productive here at this at bat and get on base and try to manufacture a run and tie this game. Hopefully, Healan can get the lead and go to the bottom of the seventh inning to try to close it out.

SPEAKER_11 1:19:27

Yeah, let's see where the third baseman's playing and playing him right on the grass, Mike. So I'm I'm sure they they've seen him before, obviously, over the last couple years.

SPEAKER_04 1:19:37

Markowski deals. JJ tries to bunt it, fouls it off. JJ off himself, actually. No balls, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 1:19:48

Well, I like that. Yeah, we've been talking about him doing that.

SPEAKER_04 1:19:52

Yeah, I can tell you with his speed that third baseman's not anywhere close enough to making a play.

SPEAKER_11 1:19:56

No, no, no. I mean Markowski would have to make that play from the pitcher.

SPEAKER_04 1:20:01

He's gonna push it down the third baseline. If he can get it halfway there, he's gonna be running very easily into first base. Here's the pitch. Outside for ball one, one ball, one strike. Well, at least this weather is a little bit nicer than the last couple nights we've been out, John.

SPEAKER_11 1:20:23

Yeah, it uh the wind came up and it kind of cooled off a little bit.

SPEAKER_04 1:20:26

Pitch to JJ. He hits that trouble, hits that to the shortstop, shortstop scoops it up. JJ Hope fast enough. No chance to make a play on that one.

SPEAKER_11 1:20:36

Here we go.

SPEAKER_04 1:20:38

Got JJ at first base with one out. Brings up Peyton Erickson. He walked his first time up and grounded out second to first, his second time up.

SPEAKER_11 1:20:50

Here we go. Situation baseball, Mike. I mean, you've got somebody like JJ on and uh Erickson who makes great contact. I mean, I'd like to see a hit and run personally, but uh, I mean, any way we can get JJ down there, you know, without uh creating an out.

SPEAKER_04 1:21:08

Yeah, get it get runners in motion and and get West to throw the ball around the ballpark. Throw over to first, JJ able to get back in.

SPEAKER_11 1:21:18

Markowski knows he's faced, he's seen JJ enough. He's gonna keep him close. He's got a quick move over there.

SPEAKER_04 1:21:29

I think that was also an attempt to see what Ericsson was gonna do if he was gonna square. Correct. Here's the pitch. Erickson squares, pulls back, pitch in there for a strike, no balls, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 1:21:40

Yeah, Peyton. Peyton's having a couple a couple words with the ump there, and and uh saying uh where was that uh uh sir, and I'd like the same pitch.

SPEAKER_04 1:21:55

Markowski deals. JJ Hope goes. Ball goes out into center field. JJ wisely stays at second base. Hope with the stolen base.

SPEAKER_11 1:22:12

Well, he called that a strike, you know.

SPEAKER_04 1:22:14

And yes, that was called a strike a little so a little surprisingly, not really, but so Erickson in there with two strikes. JJ Hope down at second base. Healing looking to make something happen here. There we go. Erickson flies out to center field, hope goes back to tag up, starts for third, decides not to go.

SPEAKER_11 1:22:35

Yeah, it's too shallow. That wind just holding it up, you know. I mean, that wind's coming across uh right field to left, kind of kind of in. The only place you're gonna get some carry on it is if you hit it down the left field line, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 1:22:49

Yep. Wise decision there, not try to take third base with Caleb and Brody coming up next. Healan's got a good chance to push one across here. Caleb hits that back up the middle. Oh, gets away from the shortstop. JJ Hopes gonna score from second base. We've got a tie game, folks.

SPEAKER_11 1:23:14

Good piece of hitting, good piece of hitting by Caleb and uh better piece of running by JJ.

SPEAKER_04 1:23:21

Yeah, JJ JJ was not gonna stop. He was rounding, he was rounding third and heading home.

SPEAKER_11 1:23:28

You know, that's the uh coach Neiman from West. That was his concern early, you know, when when they field the ball clean, they're in the games, and and then you have something like that. So I mean it just opens the game up here. Now we've got a brand new ball game.

SPEAKER_04 1:23:42

Shayner steps in, he flew out center field his first time up, walked his last time up, throw over to first. Caleb able to get back in. We're in the top of the sixth. Healing has tied this up with a run here in the sixth inning. It's now two to two. Looking to do more damage. Here's the pitch by Markowski. That pitch is high to Shaner for ball one. You know, it's one ball, no strikes.

SPEAKER_11 1:24:09

Shayner can lift that ball down the line, left field line. That thing's gonna go.

SPEAKER_04 1:24:14

And we know he can do it. Yeah, we know he can do it. He sent one out at Bishop Mueller last week that was a no-doubter. There's the pitch. Just like you can do it. And that's just like you said, John. And that is a home run, but it's foul, folks. One ball, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 1:24:29

That's the only spot you're gonna get it over the fence today, is that left field.

SPEAKER_04 1:24:33

It's 320 down the left field line.

SPEAKER_11 1:24:35

Yeah, and that wind's blowing straight across. Well, he he tagged that one.

SPEAKER_04 1:24:45

Markowski comes set, delivers to the plate. That ball hit to the shortstop. That's gonna be a tough one.

unknown 1:24:52

Hurry, hurry, hurry.

SPEAKER_04 1:24:55

Don't try for LeFaver at second, so he's in there. Schayner's sacrifice.

SPEAKER_11 1:25:01

Two outs. Do some damage with two outs. You know, we've been talking about this, Mike. Up next.

SPEAKER_04 1:25:08

Yeah, here's our chance to do it. It's been done to us a couple times. Now it's our turn. Yeah. Tommy Carroll steps in. Caleb LeFavor down at second base. Second baseman slides over to cover the bag. Here's a pitch to Carroll. Oh that pitch was a high strike. No balls, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 1:25:29

Now we know it's coming. And uh as Tommy do here's the pitch to Carroll.

SPEAKER_04 1:25:34

That's in there for strike two. No balls, two strikes.

SPEAKER_11 1:25:37

Nope. He called the ball.

SPEAKER_04 1:25:39

Called a ball. No pitch there, folks. So Lefaver heads down to third base.

SPEAKER_11 1:25:46

Yeah, Mikowski didn't come to a complete pause.

SPEAKER_04 1:25:49

Counts no ball, one strike to Carroll. That pitches outside for ball one. One ball, one strike. Top of the sixth. Two to two. Bishop Healan trying to score another one.

SPEAKER_11 1:26:02

Now let's manufacture one here.

SPEAKER_04 1:26:04

Here's the pitch to Carroll. That pitch on the outside corner for strike two. One ball, two strikes. Pass ball here would be really nice.

SPEAKER_11 1:26:12

Yeah, anything. You know, I I I wonder if he'll even try to attempt that curve ball.

SPEAKER_04 1:26:18

Here's the pitch to Carroll. Low and outside. Two balls, two strikes. My favorite third. He would be the go-ahead run if he's able to do so.

SPEAKER_11 1:26:30

Yeah, he's just got a battle here.

SPEAKER_04 1:26:32

Here's the pitch. That ball bounces in there. Three balls, two strikes. Looks like Alex Rodriguez will pinch hit for Blatchford if he gets the opportunity here in the sixth inning. Hopefully A-Rod can hit like A-Rod.

SPEAKER_11 1:26:48

Yeah. Well, I think he's just looking for some contact here.

SPEAKER_04 1:26:52

Here's the pitch mark for Markowski. That ball's on the outside corner. Carroll caught looking for strike three. However, Healing is able to score a run here in the bottom of the sixth. Or top of the sixth. We will go to the bottom of the sixth. We are tied two to two. We'll be back in 30 seconds.

SPEAKER_10 1:27:09

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Catholic Charities believes everyone deserves access to the best care. Cost should never be a barrier. Our compassionate professional counselors provide mental health and substance use disorder outpatient treatment. Take the first step today. Visit CATHCHAR.com to schedule an appointment or learn more. Because your mental health matters.

SPEAKER_19 1:27:40

And now back to your Crusader Sports on your Catholic radio station.

SPEAKER_04 1:27:46

We are back at West High. We're heading to the bottom of the sixth inning. It is Bishop Healing 2. The West High Wolverines 2. Healing able to push a run across in the top of the sixth to tie this game. They will send ball. Arteaga and Wolf to the plate or to the plate this inning. And it'll be interesting to see that a little bit of a long inning there for Aiden to sit in the dugout. So it'll be interesting to see how he comes back out. I still I have him unofficially at 54 pitches for the game, so he's been very efficient.

SPEAKER_11 1:28:16

Way underneath his count. So yeah, right around the zone. Let's uh let's talk a few about a few more of our underwriters, Mike. Um give them uh uh the dues that it that they have for sponsoring uh Catholic Radio and Bishop Healan Baseball, Gretkin Family ICare, Heideman Law Firm, Heinman Family Dentistry, I'm on Communications, and J and J Coins and Collectibles. Thank you for sponsoring Bishop Healan Baseball.

SPEAKER_04 1:28:45

Ball steps in LaFaver takes a long look in. That ball hit out to JJ at short. He bobbles it. Ball is able to beat that out. Uncharacteristic of JJ there. He had to come a long way. He fielded that right behind the pitcher's mount on that.

SPEAKER_11 1:29:09

Yeah, that would have been a tough play. Almost wonder if if a bear hand would have been better, but uh would have to be a quick bang banger, and uh that's a tough play.

SPEAKER_04 1:29:20

Yeah, it would have been close. So ball leads off with the single. That'll bring Ardiaga up. He grounded out pitcher to first his first time up, and short to first his second time up. Lefaver throws over. West hasn't been afraid to run tonight, so we'll see if they put somebody in motion to try to get somebody in scoring position.

SPEAKER_11 1:29:43

I mean, he's gonna try to get him down one way or the other, whether he bunt. I'd be shocked if he didn't square here.

SPEAKER_04 1:29:49

Ball not a very big lead. That ball hit sharply to JJ at second. Over to Beck. Double play, folks. 6-4-3.

SPEAKER_11 1:30:00

Well, that was just a smooth transition between short and second. Looked like they'd done that a few times, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 1:30:07

Yep, we got to see that beauty last night, and we get to see it again tonight. So that's two outs for the Wolverines here in the bottom of the six.

SPEAKER_11 1:30:14

That'll bring up Wolf. Number six, Braxton Wolf. You know, I'd throw this kid slider, slider, slider. He he hasn't even come close to it. I'd I'd come right back at him.

SPEAKER_04 1:30:25

Struck out both times up. Hits that back up the middle. Busy inning for JJ Hope.

SPEAKER_11 1:30:29

Yep.

SPEAKER_04 1:30:30

Fields that behind the second base bag over to Bladford at first for the third out. We're gonna head to the top of the seventh. Score remains tied three to three. We will be back in 30.

SPEAKER_06 1:30:42

McClintock Insurance has been an insurance staple in Iowa for over 60 years. During this time, we have continuously provided our customers with highly competitive rates. We believe that your insurance should provide you with superior protection without forcing you to make sacrifices to afford it. When you work with one of our insurance agents, they will work closely with you to find a policy that fits your needs. LinTalk Insurance is a proud supporter of Bishop Healing Athletics and Select Catholic Radio. Change your station. Change your life.

SPEAKER_19 1:31:13

And now back to your Crusader Sports on your Catholic Radio Station.

SPEAKER_04 1:31:22

Welcome back to West High. We're heading to the top of the seventh inning. Bishop Healin 2, the West High Wolverines 2. Healing will send Alex Rodriguez to pinch hit for Blatchford. Then we'll have Aiden LeFaver and Nathan Gaswin.

SPEAKER_11 1:31:41

Sounds like runs to me, Mike. You know, we've got that bottom of the line up starting to connect and starting to click, and uh let's see if we can manufacture a run. Go into that bottom of the seven.

SPEAKER_04 1:31:54

Yeah, we'll take that. Uh LeFaver will be up second, and he's done a great job tonight. He flew out to the left fielder first time up. Uh hit a nice single second time up. So excited to see A-Rod here at bat. Hasn't had too many, if any, opportunities so far.

SPEAKER_11 1:32:17

You know, he's been sitting in there and he's been seeing what Markowski comes with. So and he's got a you know, quick wrist, you know, and and makes contact. So that's really all he needs to do. Let's make some contact, let's make their infielders make a play on us.

SPEAKER_04 1:32:33

Have to wonder if maybe he's in there to to bunt and try to get on. Here's the first pitch.

SPEAKER_11 1:32:38

Nice cut.

SPEAKER_04 1:32:39

Good cut at that first pitch. Fouls it off for strike one. No ball is one strike.

SPEAKER_11 1:32:43

Yeah, really nice cut.

SPEAKER_04 1:32:55

Markowski quickly into the windup. Here's the pitch. Boy, that's trouble. A-rod hits that way out the left field. It's over the left fielder's head. Rodriguez heading for second base. Rodriguez in there safely with the double.

SPEAKER_11 1:33:09

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_04 1:33:09

Smoke that great leadoff double, folks. He smoked that. That was that was like the big A-rod. That was a Mike was a great shot out there.

SPEAKER_11 1:33:20

We talked about the one spot. You get the ball in the air and it's gonna go, and that thing went all the way to the fence.

SPEAKER_04 1:33:26

Yep. Absolutely. He's out there at second base. Got a little hop in his step after that great hit.

SPEAKER_11 1:33:32

You know what he did, Mike? He did what you and I've been talking about all game. This guy's gonna throw that pitch on the outside corner. He's consistent. Come up and be aggressive and swing at that. You know, don't get wasted on those first pitches. We you know, don't be looking and getting yourself in a hole in an 0-2, 1-2.

SPEAKER_04 1:33:50

Absolutely. A-Rod leads off second base. LeFavre steps in. Good night at the plate making contact. That first pitch is in there for a strike. No balls one strike. We are tied two to two in the top of the seventh. Healing looking to push a run across and at least one.

SPEAKER_11 1:34:07

We need to find a way to get him over to third. We need to make some contact, put the ball in play.

SPEAKER_04 1:34:12

Long look down by LeFavre to the third base coach. Markowski deals. That pitch outside for on the outside corner for strike two. No balls, two strikes.

SPEAKER_11 1:34:25

Yeah, anything gets him over there. Nice.

SPEAKER_04 1:34:30

Rodriguez with the lead. Here's a pitch LeFavor. He fouls that pitch. Out of play behind us. Count remains. No balls, two strikes.

SPEAKER_11 1:34:41

You know, I like small ball, Mike. You and I talk about small ball. I wouldn't have minded seeing a bunt there, but it's gonna have to manufacture it another way.

SPEAKER_04 1:34:48

Here's the pitch to Aiden. He hits that to the shortstop. Rodriguez takes off for third base. The throw hits him on the way to third base. He's in there safely.

SPEAKER_11 1:34:59

We dodged one there. They had him.

SPEAKER_04 1:35:02

He was dead, folks. If that was a good throw, he was out.

SPEAKER_11 1:35:05

That's all right.

SPEAKER_04 1:35:06

So we got Aiden at first. Rodriguez at third.

SPEAKER_11 1:35:09

Put the ball in play, Mike, and make things happen. And this is what happens. You know, and and all you got to do is put it in play.

SPEAKER_04 1:35:17

Yep. Zach Harpenaugh will pinch hit for Nathan Gaswent here. So runners at first and third, no outs for the Crusaders here in the top of the seventh.

SPEAKER_11 1:35:33

All right. You know, Zach's made contact. Again, just like A-rod, he's been sitting in there and he's seen what Markowski can come with. So get up there, be aggressive, you know, make the most of it. You're at bat.

SPEAKER_04 1:35:46

Infield draw and end to try to cut the run down at the plate.

SPEAKER_11 1:35:48

There you go.

SPEAKER_04 1:35:50

He hits that ball sharply to the pitcher.

SPEAKER_11 1:35:52

There we go.

SPEAKER_04 1:35:53

Bounces up off the mound. Rodriguez is able to score from third to make the score three to two.

SPEAKER_11 1:35:58

Great piece of hitting by Zach Harp, and that's exactly what you needed out of him. Came in there. Him and A-Rod both been sitting in there seeing this pitcher throw those. They know they were going to get a strike. Put it in play.

SPEAKER_04 1:36:10

Yep. That'll bring Dylan Knapp to the plate, and I would not at all be surprised if Dylan's up to bunt here.

SPEAKER_11 1:36:15

Well, the way he's been hitting the ball, though.

SPEAKER_04 1:36:19

And he doesn't square. That pitch is outside for ball one. One ball, no strikes.

SPEAKER_11 1:36:23

Yeah, he's made great contact. His first two at bats, obviously, the one ready.

SPEAKER_04 1:36:28

Here in the top of the seventh. Healing leads this one three to two, looking to do more damage. Here's the pitch. He hits that way out to the right fielder. Foul territory. I didn't see right fielder unable to make the play. Brings the count to one ball, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 1:36:53

It's the one spot on the field, Mike, you and I can't see. Absolutely. Down the line on the fence down there. Yeah, let's get some more runs. One I don't like just having one.

SPEAKER_04 1:37:14

Dylan steps in. Pitch in there to Dylan for strike two. One ball, two strikes. JJ Hope would be up next.

SPEAKER_11 1:37:22

Just a little slow hanger on the outside corner there.

SPEAKER_04 1:37:30

Here's the pitch. Dows that over into the healing dugout. Dylan singled his first time up, flew out to the right fielder his last time up. Count remains one ball, two strikes.

SPEAKER_11 1:37:42

Yeah, he's really sitting back and taking everything. Looks like he's he's really focusing on taking things to right field, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 1:37:51

Markowski steps off the rubber and kind of stumbles down the back of the mound there. Markowski takes a long look in. Looks back, here's the pitch. Pitch outside for ball two. Two balls, two strikes.

SPEAKER_11 1:38:10

Well, that's a tough one to lay off, especially the way he's been calling this game, mate, on that outside corner.

SPEAKER_04 1:38:15

Markowski has really slowed his approach and delivery down here. Delivers the nap.

SPEAKER_11 1:38:24

Yep, yep, yep, yep. I was just gonna call it. Yep, he didn't come set and uh Markowski did not come set on that. There we go. I mean, situation ball right here. You know, this changes this changes your whole outlook. Now you just put the ball in play and you got that guy in.

SPEAKER_04 1:38:51

Two balls, two strikes to Dylan. Here's the pitch. That pitch outside gets away from the catcher, but not far enough for the runner to advance. Healing leads us in three to two. We're in the top of the seventh inning. There's one out. Healing with an opportunity to push another run across here. Here's the pitch to Dylan. There we go. High gets away from the catcher. That run will score.

SPEAKER_16 1:39:20

There we go.

SPEAKER_11 1:39:25

Oh, smart. Good piece of running by Dylan.

SPEAKER_04 1:39:31

Everybody kind of fell asleep on that. Dylan was able to take second.

SPEAKER_11 1:39:36

Yeah, great piece of running by Dylan. Just awareness. Up next to the chapter. I mean, that's just being aware. And he took her look back, these guys were lollygagging around a little bit, and he took off for second.

SPEAKER_04 1:39:49

Yeah, the West defense was focused on the runner scoring and forgot that they had a free pass to Dylan Knapp, and he took advantage of it, headed down to second. That'll bring JJ Hope up. Struck out looking his first two times and singled his last time up, scored the tying run for the Crusaders in the top of the sixth. And he's in a position here to help push another run across. Markowski's gonna stay out there.

SPEAKER_11 1:40:21

Good job by the coach coming out, calming his team down. Coach from West can't say enough about the job that Markowski's doing for West. I mean, he's doing exactly what the umps given him. He's he's stayed right around that outside zone, and he's had us for most of the game. So he's throwing a good game, and and in all likelihood, there might probably should have been out of there with you know if he would have got Rodriguez at third base.

SPEAKER_04 1:40:46

Yeah, absolutely. Healing very fortunate that that throw hit Rodriguez in the back.

SPEAKER_11 1:40:51

But I'll tell you what, high school ball, you put the ball in play, make them make plays, and good things happen.

SPEAKER_04 1:40:57

First base and playing back. JJ Hope squares. Markowski steps off, and another balk. And that will send Dylan Knapp to third base. Dylan has become the king of producing his own runs here.

SPEAKER_11 1:41:11

He really has.

SPEAKER_04 1:41:12

I mean, I know he had nothing to do with the balk, but you know, here he is. And I don't know if him dancing around out there had anything to do with it, or JJ squaring around a bunt, but I mean Markowski looks in, deals to hope. That pitch way outside for ball one. One ball, no strikes.

SPEAKER_11 1:41:28

I'd like to see JJ just just tag one right here. I mean, he knows what's coming. Take that thing to right field.

SPEAKER_04 1:41:38

Here's the pitch by Markowski on that outside corner for strike one. One ball, one strike. I'll have a conversation with the parents between games and see if that is has actually been a strike or if it's just something he settled in on. You know what he's calling it.

SPEAKER_11 1:41:54

And we have to adjust.

SPEAKER_13 1:42:03

Oh!

SPEAKER_04 1:42:04

Oh. They say JJ grounded to short. He was thrown out at first. Dylan tried to score on that. And they called him out. Our angle was a little bit different, but well, umpire. We don't get to make the final decision. We're gonna keep it here, folks. We're going to the bottom of the seventh inning. Healing leads this one four to two.

SPEAKER_11 1:42:29

I think the umpire got caught. That was such a bang banger, Mike, that he didn't have time to come around and actually get in front of the plate where he could have seen that a little better. He's made that call from behind, so he's actually blocked by the catcher. So if Dylan's hand did get underneath it, he really wasn't in position to see that.

SPEAKER_04 1:42:46

Yeah, absolutely. From our angle, my angle, it looked like he got under it, but yeah, umpire saw it differently. Right. West is gonna send Coyle, Joy, and the top of the order Markowski to the plate here. Markowski's been very effective all night long at the plate, so it's gonna be very important.

SPEAKER_11 1:43:06

Let's talk about a few more of our sponsors here, Mike. Uh Catholic Radio and Bishop Heel and Baseball Jimmy John, Keller Williams Real Estate Agent Tammy Bertram, Cruz Financial Group, Lawler Fixtures, Liberty National Bank, Lightform, Modern Day Parrish, McClintock Insurance, and Meyer Brothers Funeral Home. Thank you so much for being a sponsored Catholic Radio and Bishop Keelan.

SPEAKER_04 1:43:34

We're gonna take a quick station ID, and we'll be right back.

SPEAKER_18 1:43:40

You're listening to FM 88.1, KFHC, Ponka Sioux City, and K O I A, Storm Lake, Siouxland Catholic Radio.

SPEAKER_19 1:43:54

And now back to your Crusader Sports on your Catholic Radio Station.

SPEAKER_04 1:44:06

Been very efficient all game long. He's got a 4-2 lead here in the bottom of the seventh, looking to finish this out and get a complete game win. Here's that first pitch in there for a strike. No balls, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 1:44:18

Yeah, he's he's earned this. He gets this. Yeah, he's thrown a heck of a game, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 1:44:23

Done a really good job, moved the ball around well, kept it right in the zone. That pitch just outside for ball one. One ball, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 1:44:30

Yeah, not a bad pitch. I don't mind that. Uh nice breaker on the outside corner. Try to get him chasing.

SPEAKER_04 1:44:37

Aiden deals. Yeah.

unknown 1:44:39

Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_04 1:44:40

That ball popped up, foul out of play.

SPEAKER_11 1:44:43

Yeah, Peyton's thinking the same thing I am. He's gone outside, outside here, and the kid's kind of leaning. Come back on the inside corner. Let's see what Peyton does.

SPEAKER_04 1:44:52

One ball, two strikes to Coyle.

SPEAKER_11 1:44:55

He's going back on that outside corner, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 1:44:57

Here's the pitch. That ball hit the hope out at shortstop. Fields it. Throws it to Blatford at first for the first out. JJ's had a busy day, hadn't he? JJ's been very busy tonight. That will bring Joy to the plate. He singled his first time up, walked his last time up. Bottom of the seventh, four to two, Healan leads.

SPEAKER_11 1:45:26

Yeah, this kid's tough. This would be a big out for him. He's got some good athleticism and good speed.

SPEAKER_04 1:45:33

Aiden delivers. That pitch on that outside corner for strike one. No balls, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 1:45:39

Yeah, Peyton's really in sync with him right now.

SPEAKER_04 1:45:46

Wind up in the pitch by Aiden. Just outside for ball one. One ball, one strike. A favor into the wind up. Deals to the plate. That ball dropped in there for strike two. One ball, two strikes.

SPEAKER_11 1:46:09

Okay, that's the best curve ball I think I've seen him throw in his two starts, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 1:46:14

He has definitely got that working tonight. Hayden. Oh, throws him on that one, folks, for out number two.

SPEAKER_11 1:46:26

You know, he comes down, that elbow comes down, and he's got an over-the-top curve, and which is more of a slider. And then he comes down with that elbow, and that thing actually goes up and then comes back down. It's really that's a tough pitch to hit.

SPEAKER_04 1:46:41

Yeah, it's a very tough pitch to hit. Markowski will step in. Had a good night at the plate, done a good job on the mound. Fouls that first pitch off for strike one. No balls, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 1:46:53

Yeah, he's played a good game. And uh I'm sure he'd like to keep it going here, too.

SPEAKER_04 1:47:01

Payton working quickly here. Here's the pitch. Outside gets away from Peyton for ball one. One ball, one strike.

SPEAKER_11 1:47:09

Yeah, you're top of the order. Top of their order, the the West High batting. This is I mean, here we go.

SPEAKER_04 1:47:19

Markowski fouls that over the West High bullpen. Brings the count to one ball, two strikes. Again, Healing leads four to two. Two outs here in the bottom of the seventh inning for the Wolverines in this one on a strikeout, young man. Here's the pitch. Nice swing and a miss for strike three.

SPEAKER_11 1:47:37

A beautiful pitch.

SPEAKER_04 1:47:39

One, two, three inning for Aiden LeFaver and the Healing Crusaders. They win game one, four to two. John.

SPEAKER_11 1:47:46

Look at him go. There's a happy young man right there. Look at him.

SPEAKER_04 1:47:49

Yep. I'm guessing he's gonna keep that game ball.

SPEAKER_11 1:47:53

Good for him. Great job, Aiden LeFaver.

SPEAKER_04 1:47:56

Great job. We are gonna send it back to Grace in the studio.

SPEAKER_11 1:47:59

We have uh Pat Herbst, the Healing soccer coach, coming up. We'll take uh five minutes, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 1:48:04

Yep, we'll take a five-minute break, and then we'll be back with uh between game conversations, and one of those will include the Healan boys soccer coach Pat Herbst. Again, Healan wins his first game four to two. Uh first pitch of the next game probably be in 25-30 minutes. So we'll be back.

SPEAKER_06 1:48:23

McClintock Insurance has been an insurance staple in Iowa for over 60 years. During this time, we have continuously provided our customers with highly competitive rates. We believe that your insurance should provide you with superior protection without forcing you to make sacrifices to afford it. When you work with one of our insurance agents, they will work closely with you to find a policy that fits your needs. Change your station, change your life.

SPEAKER_08 1:48:55

For years, Prime Bank has been paying you for your everyday banking. And now we've made our UPIC banking account even better. Choose between a UPIC points account and earn points to redeem for merchandise, gift cards, and more. Or a UPIC Cashback account that pays you for everyday banking. And now at Prime Bank, it's even easier to earn a higher annual percentage yield on larger balances with our UPIC interest account. At Prime Bank, you can earn even more your way, member FDIC.

SPEAKER_07 1:49:24

At Tri-State Dental Care, you'll be part of our family. For four generations serving the Tri-State area, Dr. Amber Wisner and Dr. Robert Marks. Tri-State Dental Care care for the health and beauty of your smile. Contact our Dakota Dunes Dental Office to schedule your complimentary consultation. You can call 605 242 7123.

SPEAKER_06 1:49:53

At Myra Favor State Farm Agency in South Sioux City, our bilingual team strives to provide support, understanding, Planning and guidance. Helping you select dependable auto, home, renters, business, or life insurance means a lot to us. Our reach covers Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. For more information, you can reach Myra at 402-494-6465. Myra Favors State Farm is a proud supporter of Siouxland Catholic Radio and Bishop Healing Athletics. Lightform Technologies originated in Siouxland in 1986 and has been changing the way to build ever since. As energy prices continue to rise, builders and owners choose Lightform every day. Lightform Technologies provides a strong, energy efficient, and wind and fire resistant building envelope, perfect for home, school, commercial, or other new construction. Learn more by visiting our website or by contacting our office. Lightform Technologies, the best way to build. Lightform is a proud supporter of Soulan Catholic Radio and Bishop Healing Athletics.

SPEAKER_05 1:50:54

At Central Bank, we believe banking should be personal because your life isn't one size fits all. Whether you're buying a home, building your business, or simply saving for the future, our team is right here with you, ready to make it happen. We're proud to be rooted in your community, offering modern banking tools with a hometown feel. Visit www.mycentral.bank or stop by your local branch. Central Bank, member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.

SPEAKER_06 1:51:25

Culligan of Sioux City has been serving the area since 1939 and is currently owned by third generation Culligan expert Mark Coffey. Culligan of Sioux City's team specializes in water softeners, reverse osmosis drinking water systems, water coolers, bottled water, and salt delivery for your home or business. We also offer certified water testing to determine if contaminants are present in your water and customized treatment solutions to handle any problems that may be found. Culligan of Sioux City is a proud supporter of Catholic Radio and Bishop Healing Athletics. We're here and there with convenience services for you. Our garment cleaning assistance goes far beyond the prompt free pickup and delivery service. Bush Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services are retained daily by thousands of people throughout the Siouxland region. Take a look at our here and there. Bush Dry Cleaners provides dry cleaning and laundry convenience for busy people everywhere. Free pickup and delivery, serving our home or workplace. You can call Bush Dry Cleaners and set up a schedule that suits you. 712-276-3412.

SPEAKER_15 1:52:27

Hi, Christy and Dave here from Sneakies. Having friends over to watch the big game, you're gonna need some serious munchies. Just call Sneaky's Carryout at 252-0522 to make it a great tailgate with delicious chicken, ribs, hot wings, fresh-made salads, and homemade dressings.

SPEAKER_12 1:52:43

Sneaky's is perfect. Give the fans our carryout number again.

SPEAKER_15 1:52:46

252-0522. Call 15 minutes ahead, and Sneaky's Carryout will have your game day grub ready to go when you arrive.

SPEAKER_12 1:52:54

Friends, football, and great food from Sneaky's for the win.

SPEAKER_05 1:52:58

Take the stress and anxiety of home buying away when you contact Dave at Dave Peppen Real Estate. He's worked with over 700 families, including many Sioux Land Catholic radio listeners. He's been consistently one of Siouxland's top real estate agents because he's always prepared and has thorough consultations with his clients to ensure he's meeting their wishes. Dave Pepin will guide you into a great new phase of your life. You can learn more and see featured properties at DavePapin.com or by calling 712-635-5945.

SPEAKER_19 1:53:29

And now back to your Crusader Sports on your Catholic radio station.

SPEAKER_11 1:53:39

Welcome back. Welcome back here to uh West High School uh Bishop Healing Baseball. Crusaders just won a 4-2 ball game over the West in the first game. Uh just wonderful pitching by the young eighth grader Aiden uh Aiden LaFlavor. Uh just a beautiful game, complete game, got his uh got the win today, and just a happy young fella. We're very honored here to have uh with us tonight um the Bishop Healan uh boys soccer coach Pat Herbs. Uh Bishop Healan boys last night beat Green County five to one to advance to the substate finals in in soccer. And uh got Pat here and I want to ask him a few questions, and we're gonna give him an opportunity here to talk about the team, what's coming up, and just uh an overview of the year so far. First of all, Pat, welcome and thank you for coming. Yeah, thank you. Um first thing, tell us a little bit about yourself, about your connection to Bishop Healing High School, your family, and you know, the kids that you've had come through here a little bit.

SPEAKER_17 1:54:41

So, yeah, I uh came back to Sioux City in uh 2006 to coach a Briar Cliff, and uh in doing so we enrolled our oldest Brooke in the Healing system. Uh she must have been about a fifth grader at that time. Um so Brooke made it through the Healing system, was a uh soccer kid. Um so she'd played four years uh in the girls' soccer program, and then Claire came behind her and uh was a track and soccer kid as well, and then Dom, our son, um graduated three years ago now and he uh was a golfer, did basketball as a freshman, and uh played soccer as well.

SPEAKER_11 1:55:17

And like his dad, isn't he coaching a little junior high uh soccer?

SPEAKER_17 1:55:21

He did uh he needed some help at the uh seventh grade level this year, so he got uh roped into it by his dad to help coach the seventh graders this year.

SPEAKER_11 1:55:29

And you and I have kind of intertwined a little bit with the soccer. Your oldest and my youngest kind of connected a little bit, the beginning of her high school career.

SPEAKER_17 1:55:37

Yeah, I think it was freshman and senior year for those two, yeah.

SPEAKER_11 1:55:41

Yeah, so I mean we've been been involved, uh obviously I've been involved with soccer go way back uh with the girls' side of it, and you with both the girls and the boys. This year's team. Not a lot of people well, the two soccer fans in Sioux City would know that the success that you've had the last few years and the talent that you've had at Bishop Keelan with the soccer program. Talk a little bit about this team, the youth, and and what it took in the offseason and actually throughout the season to get that team groomed and and ready to go for this year.

SPEAKER_17 1:56:15

Yeah, it uh we lost a lot of really good seniors last year. Um we we've had a good run with that group of kids from their freshman year on, and uh we had a lot of holes to fill. Um some of it's happened kind of internally with some of the uh returning players that didn't get a lot of minutes over the last few years just due to a a nine-player senior class that was all really, really good players, you know, and they that group led us to you know three state finals and a state championship in there. So you you lost a lot. Um we just it it takes time, you know, and and we've been preaching to the boys all year that we're gonna lose some and we're gonna win some. Um, and our expectations don't change, but we also have to be realistic about it. You know, we we want to be a state tournament team every year. Um and this year it's taken a little more work from the coaches and and some different uh things from the players to get us one game from that goal again. And you you know, we've had a lot of young guys step up and play. We have, I don't know, three or four freshmen in the starting lineup, depending on which group we put out there, and a couple others that have played some regular minutes off the bench. So we the freshmen have helped. Um, and we have we have you know two really good senior leaders in Chris Pena and Taylor Billings, and uh those guys are easy to follow just because their attitude and their work rates and and their ability to play the game, and you know, um sophomores in in Cal and Diego and Axel, who are probably three of the better players in the city at their position, and uh, you know, those guys make it really easy to uh to coach because they they're they're really good players, but they're also they jump right in line behind the seniors in a leadership standpoint, and that's allowed us to kind of bring these freshmen along slowly and still see some success this year.

SPEAKER_11 1:58:04

Yeah, I think if you if you really look at the season, I mean you you really did see some ups and downs. And just to give you a little background, I have a grandson that plays for Pat, uh, and he's one of those freshmen that he's talking about, so I've got to see the team throughout the year and have seen the growth and the maturity. Um if I'm looking at the season and and and and maybe tell me if I'm wrong here, but it looked like toward the end that that North game was was a huge game, maybe in the maturity and the confidence of the kids at this point.

SPEAKER_17 1:58:34

Yeah, exactly. We we've we've had some games like that where we're playing quality opponents. Um North is a really good team, and uh they've some great players, good coaches that have been there a long time, and that game for us was a game where we were not the better team. Um I think North was the better team, but we took our opportunities, um, scored the goals when we had the chances to, and everybody just did their job, and you know, it allowed us to uh to walk out of that one with a 2-0 victory. It allowed us to really start to build confidence that we can play and can compete with the better teams, and I think we saw that kind of down the stretch in like the Lewis Central game as well. Uh, you know, a team ranked in a class ahead of us and uh a team that we've struggled with over over time, even when we had our really good teams, we couldn't uh I think we got one win with that group, you know, that was quality teams. We were one and three. So for us to get a tie in that Lewis Central game as well, I think the North game really started to build that and and I think they realize that there are teams that are gonna be really good and we have to uh uh be better than we are to step up to be able to play at that level too.

SPEAKER_11 1:59:41

And even going down to Gilbert, I know uh the score ended up three to nothing, but it'd be very competitive against the number one ranked team in the state.

SPEAKER_17 1:59:48

Yeah, we uh you know we have to schedule a couple of games like that on purpose. Um the Gilbert coaches and our staff, I mean, we've competed with each other, we've knocked each other out of the state tournament the last four years. Um, and it looks like there's probably a another collision path this year, hopefully with them again. But uh they're good. And you know, we knew that the state tournament was first round quarterfinals or at Gilbert, so we purposefully scheduled a game there so that we could get there, so that we could travel the day of, we could play the game, and basically simulate what a quarterfinal game might look like for us. Um so we were thinking ahead on that end, and it wasn't the game we wanted, but we were able to be a little more competitive than the score, and I I think at the end of the day, that experience will help us if we can get through tomorrow night.

SPEAKER_11 2:00:37

I'm gonna talk about a few players and some of the some of the things that they've done this year and maybe comment a little bit it, and then I I want to I want to circle back to your two seniors. Uh, first of all, let's talk about Cal Geese going into last night. He had 18 goals, obviously had a tremendous game scoring for the speed. I I'm sure the baseball team out here would love to have that speed that he has on the baseball.

SPEAKER_17 2:00:59

Yeah, Cal will be out on the baseball field here. Uh we're we're hoping to prolong that for another week. Um but uh Cal will be out on the baseball field as soon as that's done, and uh you know, um his speed is is great, but you know, the one thing I'll say about Cal is he went from being in a a role player to being uh being one of our better players, and you know, he made it to that level because Cal put in a lot of work on his own in the offseason. Just his ability to read the game, to see the game, and and his skill sets um have improved drastically from his freshman year to his sophomore year, and that's allowed him to be successful because he is a marked man now.

SPEAKER_11 2:01:38

Yeah, yeah, you can tell. They're they're bumping him constantly, putting big kids on him and constantly trying to take him out of the game. Let's go down to Axel Gonzalez. Uh, you know, a lot of a lot of the, you know, I know Cal gets a lot of the goals, but Axel's not too far behind with 14, but he's got 11 assists.

SPEAKER_17 2:01:55

Yeah, Axel Axel's uh Axel's one of the best players, not only in the city, but in our conference and uh is is on pace to probably be an all-state player as well. He's just got uh a different skill set than most kids do. It's something that um as coaches, we can't teach it. We just have to uh try to take it and and get everybody else to understand how good he is and and what things he brings to the table and then how they can play off of it. But uh, you know, when Axel's on, he's gonna be one of the best players, if not the best player on the field every day.

SPEAKER_11 2:02:26

Yeah, you you can't underestimate, you know, soccer IQ when we talk about that. I mean, there's good athletes, there's good soccer players, and then there's the kid that just he just got the IQ.

SPEAKER_17 2:02:35

Correct, and he sees the field better than anybody um on our team currently, and uh he he just is he plays the game at a slower speed. Um it it just slows down for him and it just may allows him to be really successful.

SPEAKER_11 2:02:50

Let's get to the goalie. I mean, you hit you hit one of the areas that you had a lot of inexperience at uh and you and you put in a sophomore in Aaron. Uh talk about his job this year at the goal and his maturity.

SPEAKER_17 2:03:02

Yeah, Aaron's done a good job. I mean, he sat last year on the bench behind Landon, and you know, Landon was a four-year starter, so as a freshman, you all we can hope for is that they learn from that guy who's ahead of them that is you know, there's no question as to who should be playing, and that was the case last year. But Aaron's done a good job of holding his own. Um Aaron's got a different skill set than Landon did, so we have to play a little bit differently. You know, he's a little bit smaller. Um Landon was really good in the air. Aaron is really good with the ball on the ground, and and you know, they they have different skill sets, so we it's just making sure that you take advantage of the skill sets that he has and uh you know remind your defenders of where his weaknesses are so that they can kind of help bail him out when necessary. And I think we've done a good job of that.

SPEAKER_11 2:03:47

Yeah, you really have. And then let's circle back a little bit. I had a chance to talk to the young man last night and Taylor Billings. Um the job that he's done as a leader, there's a lot of things that you don't see on the stat sheet, and I'm sure as a coach you know that you don't, you know, the guys that are doing the groundwork, the dirty work, and and Taylor Billings always just seems to be in the middle of a play. And tell me about his leadership and what it brings to the team.

SPEAKER_17 2:04:14

You know, we were talking to Taylor at at uh senior night, um, and when Taylor was a freshman, um, if you told me he would have the impact he did in our program, I would have laughed at you. Taylor was dealing with some health issues. He was dealing, he was a small kid, he wasn't competitive. Um but but a lot of it was back to these health issues that he had, and he got those things figured out, and now Taylor is uh like you said, he's the unsung guy. He's the guy that nobody really pays attention to because he's not in the stat sheet. He's not uh you know, he but he does everything that we need from not only a leadership standpoint, but from a work rate standpoint. And you you know, if you ever need motivation to uh to get out there and and fight, um all you got to do is watch that kid play for about three minutes and you realize that uh he's gonna leave everything on the field, and at the end of the day, he uh he's one of the hardest working kids we have in the program and you know a great leader, a a good teammate, and somebody that's just easy to follow because his attitude is phenomenal.

SPEAKER_11 2:05:12

Especially with all those freshmen and I mean he's just been huge for my grandson. I can't say enough about just the role model that he's been for him and in bringing him along. And and the same for Christopher Pena, another senior.

SPEAKER_17 2:05:24

Yeah, Chris is uh you know, Chris and Taylor lead in different ways, but they're both uh you know, they're both great kids. They're both good to our our team, um, and and they both do a really good job. And and we don't want to forget a couple of the seniors that come off the bench, and Isaiah Galan has uh had a little bit of a tough year this year, not not quite what he expected, but Isaiah, you know, is uh um he he's filled the role that we've asked him to and he's embraced it these last few games and we've definitely gotten better because of it. And and then we also have uh Tony Sanchez who's a senior. Um we had higher expectations for Tony, and Tony had higher expectations for himself this year, and unfortunately he uh ended up with a concussion real early in the season and just didn't get to find the groove, and then some of these other younger guys have been able to step up and fill roles, and and Tony's been phenomenal because he's he's taken it um like an adult and he's there and he's supportive and he still works hard and he's got a great attitude, even though he knows that some of these younger guys are doing what he was hoping to do pre-that concussion time.

SPEAKER_11 2:06:29

Yeah, it's that just you you really gotta admire a guy like that that you know that and he stays with it and and and helps the kids that that are coming up, and even though that they might have taken his spot or or what have you, you really have to admire a kid like that.

SPEAKER_17 2:06:41

Yeah, you do. You you know he uh he could have easily probably walked away and just said, Hey, I graduated enough is enough, and he stuck it out and continued to to practice hard, and you know, we got him a few minutes last night in the game, and and uh I think he showed some glimpses of possibly where what the senior year could have been. It's just unfortunate that other guys stepped up and have done really well.

SPEAKER_11 2:07:01

Tell us a little bit about tomorrow night opponent and what we're gonna see.

SPEAKER_17 2:07:05

So we'll uh we'll get Perry tomorrow night. Um Perry is uh Perry's an extremely uh they're gonna be a difficult opponent for us. Uh just their style of play. Um it's an extremely possession-based style of play. Uh they're really hard-nosed kids, um, real skillful. So it's gonna be a fun game tomorrow night. I I think that it's a it's a good matchup for us. Um, but I would guess that they're gonna say the same thing. You know, we're both running about the exact same record, and if you can compare some like opponents, um we both had mixed results in a couple of those games. Like they're they're the only team who's beat Gilbert all year, so um, you know, we we have to respect that. If you beat the number one team, obviously you have something in the tank, and and uh, you know, I think our guys will be ready to play, but uh they're gonna be a good opponent.

SPEAKER_11 2:07:52

Awesome. Well, I appreciate you coming in and giving us the time tonight, uh Pat. Uh, for those of you that I mean we have the baseball game tomorrow afternoon at four o'clock. After the game is over, rush down to Memorial Field. Let's get a huge crowd down there tomorrow night, seven o'clock. Am I correct?

SPEAKER_17 2:08:09

Yeah, seven o'clock kickoff tomorrow night. So it should be uh should be a good game, and it looks like the weather's gonna be pretty good too. Not quite as hot as it's been uh the last few days, so it should be a good day to to get some people out to watch us play.

SPEAKER_11 2:08:20

Well, thank you so much for coming and joining us. We really appreciate it. Good luck tomorrow night, and uh hopefully we get down to the state tournament.

SPEAKER_17 2:08:27

Yeah, thank you. We're looking forward to tomorrow and uh we're hoping for a state tournament as well. Thank you, Pat. Thanks.

SPEAKER_11 2:08:34

We'll take it uh grace you take us to a two minute uh break, and we'll be back in two minutes.

SPEAKER_05 2:08:42

And Central Bank, we believe