By DAVID WOOD, for The Democrat
Heading into their game against Trinity Lutheran April 2, Brown County’s baseball team stood at a tipping point. At 1-1, any potential win or lose could set the tone for the remainder of the season.
Unfazed, Ryan Wilcoxen and crew handed Trinity Lutheran their first loss, 10-4, and moved to 2-1 overall.
“Our kids got down 0-2 early tonight, but we were able to string together some good offensive and defensive innings. We had consistency across the board,” Wilcoxen said.
“This is the best start as far as camaraderie and offensive production for sure.”
Trinity batters put up two runs in the first inning, but Brown County bounced back with four in the second.
The Cougars responded with two of their own to tie it up in the third. However, senior Branden Leslie stepped up and cracked a drive into right field with two outs, bringing two runs home and putting his team up on the scoreboard.
Trinity Lutheran wouldn’t recover, as Eli Snider and the defense shut down any hope of a comeback.
“We did really well tonight and I think we’ve improved in the three games we’ve played. We played pretty solid defensively and Eli set the tone pitching tonight,” Wilcoxen said.
Snider’s pitching in the first five innings earned him the signed dugout card, a callback to Wilcoxen’s time as a player.
“It was something my college coach did for players who got their first win or had a moment that earned it. He’d give them the dugout card and signed it. That’s something we started my first year here, and so we give it after wins,” he said.
“Eli received it because he set the tone, and he’s been through a lot for us in three years. He’s pitched every big game and sometimes doesn’t get the win, but pitches really well and keeps us in it. … I was proud of his effort on the mound tonight, too.”
Snider mostly commented on his team’s positive performance, but personally felt as if it had room for improvement.
“We did really well as a team. Personally, I felt like I could have done better, but the guys pulled it out for the win. We had the defense behind us and the offense did really well too,” he said.
Camaraderie has been a focus for the squad this season. “We’re working on playing together as a team, and our chemistry. We’re focusing on getting along with each other and playing for the team, not just as individuals,” Snider said.
“We go out as a team three or four night a week and we get along really well. We’re like a family.”
Snider still has his own goals for the season. As a junior, he’d like to stay above .500 overall while breaking his previous strikeout record and ERA (earned run average).
Though, with the level of play he’s seeing, sectionals are also on the table.
“I think with the way the team works, we could go all the way this year. I really feel like sectionals look really good,” he said.
