Neligh Seniors Move To 7-0 With Victory In Valentine

Friday night marked yet another big win for the Neligh Seniors as they moved to a perfect 7-0 on a long road trip to Valentine.

The Seniors wasted little time as they went through the lineup in the first inning, connecting for five runs to put the host team in a hole before they even batted. Cole Belitz hit a single to start the run and crossed the plate soon after thanks to an RBI double from his brother, Tyson Belitz, who later scored. Austin Rice and Austin Miller each hit singles, and Andrew Herley connected for an RBI single. The trio scored to complete the five-run inning. 

Valentine's Lyle Cate took his lead-off batter slot seriously and hit a double. He later scored, but the run was the lone time his squad cross the plate all night as strong pitching and defense kept Valentine playing from behind. Neligh pitcher Jayden Arehart finished off the first inning with a pair of strikes before going 1-2-3 in the second inning to strikeout all three batters he faced. Neligh's hot pitching continued with 10 strikeouts for the game. 

With a 5-1 lead after the first inning, Neligh added three more runs in the second. Cole and Tyson Belitz both walked to first to start the inning. Rice and Miller both walked as well as Valentine struggled from the mound. The Belitz brothers and Rice both scored.

Neligh added two more runs in the fourth thanks to a two-RBI single from Hunter Reestman, scoring Jayden Arehart and Rice, who score three runs in the game. In the fifth and final inning, Neligh's Tyson Belitz connected for a single and later scored. 

The Seniors will be back in action on Monday as they host Ord in a Juniors/Seniors doubleheader. Opening pitch is set for 6:15 p.m. in Riverside Park with the Seniors following in the nightcap. 

Neligh 530 21 - 11
Valentine 100 00 - 1
WP: Jayden Arehart.