JACKSON — Saxony Lutheran put together a complete performance on both sides of the ball on March 31, rolling to a 17-0 win over East Prairie behind a dominant outing on the mound from Zach Roth and a deep, productive lineup.
Roth was in control from the outset, tossing a 5-inning no-hitter while striking out 10. He worked around 5 walks, including some early command issues, but never allowed East Prairie to generate offense.
“Zach’s throwing the ball well, but we’re still working on early-season command,” Saxony Lutheran coach Paul Sander said. “He struck out 10 and didn’t allow a hit, but he walked five in the first two innings. It’s just about finding the strike zone and not overthrowing.”
Saxony Lutheran backed its ace with steady offensive production, finishing with 17 runs on 13 hits. After a scoreless opening frame, the Crusaders broke the game open with a 6-run second inning and never looked back, adding a 7-run outburst later in the game.
“Well, the first inning or so was pretty tight, and then they gave us a couple openings in the second inning,” Sander said. “We got six in the second and started taking advantage of mistakes. In a game like that, it’s pretty hard to come back from.”
Baylor Wilson led the charge at the plate, going 3-for-3 with 3 runs scored. Walker Short added a 3-for-4 performance with 3 RBI, while Seth Stagge contributed 2 hits and 2 RBI.
Eli Rademann went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI, Kai McDowell finished 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored, and Tyler Lawrence added a hit and 2 RBI. James Hope and Layton Hoefener each drove in a run, while Dylan Johnson and Bennett Mueller also collected hits as Saxony Lutheran produced contributions throughout the lineup.
The Crusaders also stayed aggressive on the bases, swiping 3 stolen bases, including 2 from McDowell.
Sander said the team’s ability to capitalize when opportunities arise has been a key early in the season.
“We’re happy that we’re creating traffic on the bases and coming through with hits,” Sander said. “We had six in one inning and seven in another against a quality opponent. We’re finishing the job and taking advantage of mistakes right now.”
East Prairie, which entered the game with multiple wins on the season, was held hitless and struck out 10 times. The Eagles used three pitchers, with Jack Pearson taking the loss after allowing 6 runs — 5 earned — in 2 2/3 innings.
Saxony Lutheran’s offense was particularly effective with two outs, extending innings and putting pressure on the Eagles’ defense, which committed 5 errors.
Despite the lopsided result, Sander emphasized the importance of consistency moving forward.
“Baseball is baseball — every day is different,” he said. “Some days you won’t get those hits, and when that happens, you have to play good defense and pitch well. We’re happy with where we’re at early in the season, especially starting six or seven sophomores, and we just want to keep playing solid baseball.”
