Neligh Pony Team Splits Regular Games; 2nd In Tourney

The Neligh Pony baseball team placed second in a weekend tournament after going 1-1 in their regular season outings last week.

Neligh earned runner up in the pool-play tournament held in Pierce on Saturday and Sunday. They defeated O'Neill on Saturday, but suffered losses to Pierce and Wakefield - the eventual champion.

Earlier last week, Neligh cruised to an 11-5 victory over Clearwater on Wednesday, but fell 19-9 to the O'Neill Outlaws the next day.

Strong hitting early in the game was the key to Neligh's win against Clearwater.

"An early, 7-run first inning allowed Neligh's Ponys to control Clearwater and move to a 7-1 record," Coach Matt Belitz said. "Neligh's defense will need to continue to improve."

Hunter Charf recorded a triple and a single; and Hunter Reestman and Beau Murray each hit a double and single. Austin Rice picked up a double as well. Getting base hits were Jayden Arehart (4), Kaleb Pofahl (2), and Cole Belitz and Tucker Knust (1).

Neligh suffered just its second loss of the year when they played O'Neill on Thursday.

"The team could not overcome a tight strike zone and several errors, despite starting the game with a 3-run first inning," Belitz said.

Singles were hit by Jayden Arehart and Hunter Charf with 3 each; and Hunter Reestman and Tucker Knust with one a piece.