Neosho County sweeps Yates Center

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Sports

June 22, 2017 - 12:00 AM

YATES CENTER — Neosho County has had its share of growing pains this season as it competes as an American Legion Triple-A team despite being an extremely young group.
On Wednesday, they had a chance to smile though when they rolled to a sweep of Yates Center by beating the Wildcats 11-0 in game one and 8-1 in game two.
“The boys needed that, the coaches needed that and the fans needed that,” Neosho County coach Cody Lassman said. “We had a spell of struggles, but I am really glad to see the boys show up to the ballpark ready to play.”
Adam Albertini — from St. Paul High School — pitched the first game for Neosho County and was strong with a complete-game shutout in the five-inning run-ruled game.
“He pitched all five innings and did a phenomenal job on the mound for us,” Lassman said.
Neosho County had several strong performances at the plate with Josh Vanatta, Jackson Aikens, Wyatt Seufert and Albertini each having a two-hit game. Albertini was perfect at the plate with the two hits, a walk and three runs scored.
Neosho County went with the pitcher-by-committee approach in the second game and threw Jash Vanatta the first two innings followed by Garrett McGuire — from Erie High School — for the third and fourth innings and Jackson Aikens closed the 8-1 win out in the fifth inning.
“Josh pitched well,” Lassman said. “I want to make sure everyone was getting some work and try to get them some experience.”
Aikens was the team’s top performer at the plate after moving up into the second spot in the lineup for the doubleheader — he had been hitting ninth previously.
Aikens had three hits and three runs scored in the victory.
Vanatta showed off some patience in game two, drawing three walks.

UP NEXT
Neosho County will now have a break before the team takes the field again.
Their next game is  on Monday, July 3, against a familiar opponent with Yates Center traveling to Humboldt.

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