Brandon’s baseball team was not intimidated by the big-name reputation of the Clarkston Wolves.
The visiting Wolves have two players ? Sam Palace and Aaron Powell ? who have already accepted scholarships to play college baseball next season.
However, it was the host Blackhawks that won a pair of close games on April 21, sweeping a doubleheader against the Wolves. Brandon won the opener 12-10 and the nightcap 5-4.
With the two wins, the Blackhawks improved their season record to 8-3.
Junior Derek Foyt provided the spark in the opener for the Blackhawks, going 4-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI. Junior Mark Butzu chipped in with a 3-for-4 effort and three RBI, while senior Jacob Cinader hit a solo home run.
Clarkston’s Palace and Powell showed why they are highly regarded, as Palace hit a solo homer and scored three runs, and Powell also homered.
In the nightcap, senior Eric Muzzarelli hit an RBI single, while Foyt had a pinch-hit single and scored the winning run in the fifth inning.
The Blackhawks had a tougher time at the hands of visiting Orchard Lake St. Mary’s April 19. The Eaglets swept a doubleheader from the Blackhawks, winning the opener 6-2 and the nightcap 9-4.
While their classmates were on Easter break, the Blackhawks earned a doubleheader win against visiting Berkley April 15, taking the opener 5-3 and the nightcap 14-8.
Senior Roy Reynolds had a very productive outing in the first game of the twin bill, striking out four batters and allowing six hits. He also went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer. Foyt contributed a solo homer and went 3-for-4 with two runs scored.
In the nightcap, Andrew Harding went 4-for-5 with two doubles, two singles and three RBI, and Travis Spry went 3-for-5 with two RBI.
The Blackhawks ran wild in the second game, stealing 18 bases. Spry alone stole six bases in the second game, and seven combined in the twin bill. Foyt and Harding each added three stolen bases in the nightcap.