JACKSON — At the midway point of the season, Saxony Lutheran has proven itself as one of the area’s most complete teams.
The Crusaders improved to 12-2 with a dominant 15-0 victory over Bell City on April 23, showcasing the same balanced approach that has fueled their strong start — pitching, defense and timely hitting.
“We’re 12-2,” Saxony Lutheran coach Paul Sander said. “To be that good so far when we are a little more than halfway through the season, we’ve had to do everything well — pitching, defense, offense — and it’s come together in most games.”
Against Bell City, everything clicked.
Saxony Lutheran scored 4 runs in the first inning, added 2 more in the second and third, then broke the game open with a 7-run fourth inning to end it early. The Crusaders finished with 15 runs on 14 hits.
Kai McDowell led the way at the plate, going 3-for-3 with 3 runs and 2 RBI. Eli Raddemann added a strong all-around performance with 2 hits, 2 runs and 1 RBI, while also earning the win on the mound.
Zach Roth scored 3 runs and drove in 2, while Layton Hoehne and Walker Short each collected 2 hits and 2 RBI. Dylan Johnson, Cole Roth and Seth Stageberg also contributed RBI as Saxony Lutheran’s lineup produced up and down the order.
Sander said the fast start was key — and something he continues to emphasize.
“When you have a 4-run first, it’s 4-0, then if you get them out in the second, you’ve kind of got the bonus lit up when you’re at home and you want to add on,” Sander said. “I’m a big believer in adding on. … All that does is put more and more pressure on the other team.”
That philosophy was evident as the Crusaders continued to tack on runs each inning, never allowing Bell City to settle in.
On the mound, Raddemann and Tyler Lawrence combined to limit Bell City to just 1 hit over 4 innings while striking out 3. The defense backed them up with a clean performance behind the pitching staff.
The offensive outburst is a sign of growth for a team that, just two weeks earlier, had to grind out low-scoring games.
“We went through a stretch where we didn’t hit it as well, but we continued to pitch it well and play defense well, so we were able to scratch out some close wins,” Sander said. “Now this week we’ve started to hit it again and everything’s going well right now.”
That recent surge includes 3 straight wins and 38 total runs scored, a stretch that has helped Saxony Lutheran build momentum heading into the second half of the season.
Another key to the Crusaders’ success has been contributions from throughout the roster.
“It’s been a combination of good things from a combination of people — seniors, a junior and a whole bunch of sophomores and a couple freshmen,” Sander said. “Those younger guys have progressed quicker than we expected and are playing at a higher level.”
With a 12-2 record and confidence building, Saxony Lutheran now turns its attention to a challenging upcoming slate, including games against St. Pius X, Advance and a road doubleheader at New Athens, Illinois.
If the Crusaders continue to get production on the mound, in the field and at the plate, they appear well-positioned to remain a contender down the stretch.
Saxony Lutheran 13, Oak Ridge 1
JACKSON — Saxony Lutheran continued its strong stretch April 22, rolling to a 13-1 victory over Oak Ridge.
The Crusaders (13 hits) broke things open with a 5-run third inning and never looked back, adding 4 more runs in the fourth and finishing with 13 runs on 13 hits.
Kai McDowell led the offense, going 3-for-3 with 2 runs and 1 RBI, while Eli Raddemann added 3 hits, 2 runs and 1 RBI. James Hope contributed 2 hits, 2 runs and 2 RBI, and Dylan Johnson finished 2-for-2 with 2 runs.
Cole Roth and Walker Short each drove in 2 runs, while Baylor Wilson added an RBI as Saxony Lutheran produced throughout the lineup.
On the mound, Hope earned the win, tossing a complete-game 6-inning effort. He allowed just 1 run on 3 hits while striking out 7 and walking 3.
Oak Ridge managed just 3 hits in the game, with Landon Burnett accounting for 1 hit and the lone RBI.
Saxony Lutheran 10, Oran 4
ORAN — Saxony Lutheran used a big middle inning to pull away April 21, defeating Oran 10-4.
The Crusaders scored 2 runs in the first inning, then broke the game open with a 4-run fourth inning and added 4 more runs late to secure the win. Saxony Lutheran finished with 10 runs on 8 hits.
Kai McDowell went 1-for-4 with 2 runs and 1 RBI, while Eli Raddemann added 2 hits and scored once. Zach Roth had 2 hits and an RBI, and Cole Roth delivered a big performance with 2 hits and 4 RBI.
Layton Hoehne and Walker Short each drove in runs, while the Crusaders capitalized on Oran miscues, drawing 9 walks and swiping 5 bases.
Zach Roth earned the win on the mound, pitching 4.2 innings and allowing 4 runs on 3 hits while striking out 7. Layton Hoehne and Cole Roth combined in relief to close it out.
Oran was led by Tyler Brashear, who had 2 hits and 1 RBI, while Rowan Roberts and Ayden Ertin each drove in a run. The Eagles finished with 5 hits but were limited by Saxony Lutheran’s pitching and defense.
