Cloud Run Of Success Rolls On

"Hands on the hardware" Some WC players show more excitement for the trophy than the camera

Conference sweep, tourney title and the streak hits 8

Photos by Bobbie Cruzan

N3 Note: A bit over a week ago the baseball team wearing White Cloud uniforms took a bus ride to Holton where they would look to improve on a 3-9 record. Like other teams in the area, their progress had been hampered by a late arriving Spring season as cancellations mingled with games played in the type of weather usually reserved for mid March. 
Behind a pair of tough pitching performances and some timely hitting they swept the Red Devils, then a few days later put together a pair of dramatic wins over age-old rival Morley.
And now the run has reached 8 following their title-taking sweep in Custer on Saturday.
The White Cloud squad seems to have captured that elusive  magic that happens when a team begins to believe in themselves and their teammates.
Enjoy the ride guys.


Friday, May 13th in Lakeview.
 
The Indians take the twinbill from the Wildcats 9-1 and 7-2.
 
In Game #1 - The Indians were led on the hill by Taylor Bode.  Bode struck out 9, walked 2, and gave up only 2 hits, in 6 2/3 innings.  A lone unearned run was scored late in the 7th inning when the game was already decided.  
On the offensive side, the Indians took a 2 run lead in the 4th inning, aided by a big 2 out smash by Jacob Francis.  Then in the 5th inning, the flood gates opened when Landyn McGowen whalloped a stand up triple to the right centerfield fence driving in 2 runs, the Indians would plate 5 runs in the inning.  Christian Ringler would finish off the scoring in the 6th inning by clubbing a line shot to right to drive in another 2 runs. KJ Strait and Alex Cruzan both added 2 hits each.
Christian Ringler turned in a defensive gem, by driving to catch a fast sinking pop fly.
 
In Game #2 - Jayson Ruether came on in relief in the 2nd inning to throw 5 2/3 innings, allowing 3 hits, walking 2 and striking out 1 to get the win.  The Indians defense shined while committing only 1 error for the game.  KJ Strait made a great defensive play at shortstop, fielding a sure base hit from behind 2nd base and threw a strike to first for the out.  Mason Cruzan also picked up the team  by digging out a bad throw in the dirt at first base.
On the offensive side, Taylor Bode led the team with 2 hits and 2 RBI's, KJ Strait also had 2 hits, including a long double, 6 other players collected a hit a piece. 
The Indians evened their over record to 9-9, and look to improve on that with a trip to Mason County Eastern on Saturday for a tournament.

#4 Jacob Francis lining up a pop fly with #8 Mason Cruzan, #3 KJ Strait, and #22 Alex Cruzan

#2 Jayson Ruether delivering a pitch, with #44 Landyn McGowen getting ready to make a play

Saturday, May 14th 
 The White Cloud Varsity Baseball Team traveled to Mason County Eastern on Saturday for the MCE Tournament.
 White Cloud won their first game of the day against Manistee Catholic Central by the score of 16-1 in the 3 inning contest.  
Offensively, KJ Strait started the first inning off with a double to left field, Alex Cruzan was hit by a pitch, Landyn McGowen followed with an RBI single, and Taylor Bode blasted a 2 run double, to put the Indians up 3 at the end of the first inning.  The Indians added another 8 runs in the 2nd inning, with the big hit coming from Bode, who knocked in 2 more runs with a single. Bode led the team with 3 hits of which 2 were doubles, along with 5 RBI's.  McGowen and Strait, both had 2 hits each.
On the mound, McGowen picked up the win, giving up 1 hit and walking none.
 In the Championship Game, White Cloud bested Mason County Eastern by the score of 16-4.  
Alex Cruzan took the hill and gave up 3 hits, 2 walks and struck out 6 in 3 2/3 innings in the win.  Mason Cruzan pitched the final 1 1/3 innings, giving up 2 hits, and 1 earned run.
Offensively, the team was led by Alex Cruzan with 3 hits, 3 runs scored and 2 RBI's.  Christian Ringler and Mason Cruzan each had 2 hits and 3 RBI's in the game.  
​The Indians record now stands at 11-9, and  on an 8 game winning streak.  Their next games will be on Tuesday against Kent City at Davenport University.

Christian Ringler - attempting to lay down a bunt