Cyclones eliminated by Rams

Monday night at home, the HCHS varsity baseball team hosted the Glenwood Rams in their second playoff game. Braydon Ernst got the ball for the Cyclones, struck out four batters, but it wasn’t enough as they lost 5-4 and ended their season.

“They’re outstanding kids who devote a lot of time and basically give up their whole summer to commit to this, so I’m very proud of everything they’ve done,” said HCHS Head Baseball Coach Heath Stein.

Throughout the night, the Cyclones offense produced three hits against the Rams starting pitcher, senior Jayme Fritts.

“This is big because they took us twice earlier in the year,” said Rams Head Baseball Coach Kurt Schulz. “They’re a good team, they’re well coached.”

While a majority of the team plans to return next season, three players who won’t return are seniors Alex Monson, Joey Moser and Luke Musich.

“They’ve been outstanding players, people and leaders,” Coach Stein said. “Everything you could want out of high school athletes.”

The Cyclones won 24 games, which included two 6-game win streaks, winning their final regular season game and beating the Carroll Tigers in the first round of the playoffs. Despite an early exit from the playoffs, Stein spoke on what he’s most proud of.

“How coachable and how fun the kids are to be around,” he said. “They came to work everyday. This game is a game of highs and lows. You battle consistency; you battle yourself.”