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Hirt, Jacks stop Grand Rapids

By Bemidji Pioneer, 04/11/12, 10:46PM CDT

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Sophomore pitcher Ryan Hirt showed improvement in his second start of the season to guide the Bemidji High School baseball team to a 8-4 win over Grand Rapids Tuesday.

Sophomore pitcher Ryan Hirt showed improvement in his second start of the season to guide the Bemidji High School baseball team to a 8-4 win over Grand Rapids Tuesday.

“He threw the ball much better today,” Bemidji head coach Mike Fogelson said. “He had control over the whole game, and our guys played well behind him.”

After surrendering the first run of the game in the bottom of the first inning, Bemidji bounced back to score one in the second. Cody Jenkins provided the offense in the third inning with a two-run home run to grab a 3-1 lead.

After scoring twice in the fifth, the Lumberjacks added three more runs in the sixth to take a commanding 8-1 lead. Mitch Hendricks and Cody Rutledge each had a hit and a run scored in the inning.

Nick Hovila picked up an RBI single in the inning and finished with two hits in the game.

Rutledge led the Bemidji offense with four hits, including a triple.

“We hoped that we would play like it was normal conditions,” Fogelson said of his offense and the weather. “Sometimes in cold weather, guys tend to get stiff at the plate, so this was an encouraging sign.”

The Thunderhawks were able to rally for three runs in the sixth, but Hirt and the Lumberjacks defense were able to hold on for the win.

“It is another win against a big rival,” Fogelson said. “It is good momentum for us moving forward.”

Hirt allowed the four runs on four hits. He struck out six and walked six.

Avery Peterson started for Grand Rapids and went just two innings. Reed Bender pitched the next five innings in relief.

Bemidji (2-0) returns to action Friday when it hosts a doubleheader with Moorhead beginning at 4 p.m.

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