STERLING The Comets used a pair of big innings to capture an 11-1, five-inning victory over Dakota in the first game of a nonconference doubleheader Saturday morning in Sterling.

The second game was played as more of a glorified scrimmage.

Dakota started the opener almost picture perfect, as its first two hitters reached base with singles to grab momentum. The Indians kept up the pressure, as Newman (14-8) couldnt turn a double play on a grounder to shortstop, settling for one out and runners on the corners.

Trouble was avoided thanks to the Comets steadfast pitcher, Quincy Coomes, who proceeded to strike out the next two Dakota batters to get out of the jam.

I always struggle pitching at home, going out there first, said Coomes. I like being able to watch my guys bat and get some runs in before I go out there. I struggled a little bit, but came back from it.

The bottom half of the first was one of the big innings for the Comets, as they sent 11 batters to the plate and scored five runs on five hits and a couple of errors.

Nate Olson drove in a pair of runs in the inning, and seniors Michael Ely and A.J. Sharp also had one each.

We worked our way out of a pretty tough spot in the first, Newman coach Tom Wilson said. We scored five runs, and then we were complacent, and we didnt hit the ball well. We have a solid lineup, and have been helping each other out all year. One game, some guys hit the ball well, the next game they dont.

But everyone picks each other up, so its nice having hitting 1 through 9.

Coomes settled down in in the second, and set the Indians down in order. In the third, Dakotas Drew Wenger led off with a single, and scored two batters later by Drew Zellmer to score the Indians lone run.

Read more from the original source:

Newman bats support starter in nonconference rout