Seniors Sweep Randolph, Extend Win Streak To Three Straight

The Neligh Seniors scored 36 runs in the last two nights, sprinting into a three-game win streak mid-way through the season.

Friday's doubleheader at home ended early in both games thanks to the mercy rule as Neligh swept Randolph 12-0 in the opener and 9-1 in the nightcap. Neligh topped Plainview on the road the night before, winning 15-8. 

"We're still not where we need to be, but we're doing much better," said coach Dan Murray. "We did a better job of swinging at the pitches we could get and do something with as opposed to the high pitches."

Murray said he was pleased with pitchers Conor Ramold and Hunter Charf. Ramold had two strikeouts and took down Randolph in the third and fourth before being replaced by Andrew Jacobsen, who picked up a pair of strikeouts in the final inning of the second game.

In the opener, Charf finished with five strikeouts. Second baseman Brock Kester connected with Jacobsen at first base on three of the first four batters, making quick work of Randolph.

"They did a really a good job of putting the balls in play and letting the defense do the work for them," Murray said. "There were a lot less walks, and we need to do that to keep them off the bases."

Offensively, Neligh hit the gas early with back-to-back singles from Beau Murray and Cole Belitz to start the game. Both players — and Brock Kester — scored at the top of the order for the early 3-0 lead. 

Neligh went through the lineup in the third inning, adding nine runs to put the game out of reach. Neligh had two two outs early in the inning but was unstoppable. Arehart was the first to score after singling to center. Rice and Charf followed up with singles before Brandon Evans was walked. 

At the top of the order, Murray hit a two RBI single before Belitz and Kester both added RBIs. Hunter Reestman scored as well, before Arehart crossed the plate for the second time in the inning.

"Everybody played really well," Murray said. "Some players hadn't seen as many at-bats. Jesse Green hit the ball; Brock Kester had a really, really good night. There were a lot of players who hit the ball, got on base and gained experience."

The second game saw more of the same from Neligh. Rice had a two RBI triple in the final inning  while Belitz added in a two RBI double in the second inning. Arehart hit a triple in the fourth inning, and Jesse Green added a double in the fifth. Neligh was walked seven times in the second game game.

Murray said by having so few games, only three of his starters were getting repetition on the mound — Belitz, Arehart and Beau Murray. But Charf and Ramold but saw quality action this week as starters, which will help their consistency come district time. 

Murray said he was happy to see so many players get experience the last few games, which has been difficult with so few of games. Between the weather, less teams in the area and more players out due to sports camps, rescheduling games has been frustrating.

Murray said Neligh may have a game Monday night at home, but that is uncertain at this time. The Seniors will definitely be back in action Tuesday on the road against the O'Neill Irish. 

The Seniors are now 5-3 on the season with its only losses coming to the Knox County teams of Crofton and Creighton/Bloomfield.

Neligh will enter districts in three weeks with only about 13 games under its belt, as opposed to the usual 20 or more. But Murray said he feels confident his team will be ready for the post season.

"We're getting there. I wish we had more games before districts to get there, but we'll be ready. This is a good team," Murray said. 

Friday Game 1
Randolph 000 01 - 1
Neligh 050 22 - 9
WP: Conor Ramold.

Friday Game 2
Randolph 000 00 - 0
Neligh 309 0 - 12
WP: Hunter Charf.

Thursday vs. Plainview
Neligh 412 330 2 - 15
Plainview 004 022 0 - 8
​WP: Jayden Arehart.