THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Skiatook High School Athletics

SKIATOOK — Claremore baseball coach Jim Sherl just can’t seem to miss. No matter what player he lists as designated hitter in his lineup that player comes up big. The latest example came Tuesday afternoon when Brady Kropp blasted a two-run home run during the Zebras’ 8-1 victory over the Skiatook Bulldogs. The two teams were playing on consecutive days. Playing at home the first day the Zebras won 11-1 in four and a half innings. Kropp’s approximately 325-feet towering blow over the left field fence came in the sixth inning with his team already up 5-1. Still it highlighted a busy day for the senior back-up catcher. He had been hit by a pitch in the second inning, walked in the third, and put down a sacrifice bunt in the fifth before his home run. Despite the lead already, Kropp didn’t want to strand teammate Jeff Oxford waiting on second base with two outs. “I didn’t know it was out until I was almost to second (base) and saw the umpire with his arms in the air,” said Kropp. After watching his team improve to 14-6 for the season and 6-1 in district play, Coach Sherl was asked how he determines who fills the DH role. “We are fortunate to have several good hitters on our bench,” the coach said, “because our starting eight are doing what we need done, it is hard for the others to get playing time. We still need them to be ready when the opportunity comes. We are using the DH spot to get them some at-bats.” Lefthander Nathan Chase went the seven innings to gain the win. He struck out 10 batters and didn’t walk any as he spread out five base hits. Skiatook’s lone run came in the fifth after Mason Johnson led off with a single. He advanced to second base on a passed ball and then scored as Caden Ray singled up the middle. Claremore managed to add up a 3-0 lead despite having only one base hit. The first came on a throwing error that allowed Bryson Vanover to score in the second frame. He was on due to one of the eight walks issued by Skiatook pitchers. The next inning saw Dustin Weiesnbach claim the Zebras’ first hit, a single to center. Garrett Wood was next and he was safe on a throwing error, letting the runners to end up at third and second. Oxford’s high sacrifice fly ball to left-center allowed Weiesnbach to trot home without a throw. Vanover, hit by a pitch (his first of two), and Kropp’s base on balls loaded the bases. Koby Penny was next and he also walked to score Wood. Skiatook dropped to 8-12 and 3-2.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Skiatook High School Athletics

ZEBRAS BOUNCE BULLDOGS AGAIN

LARRY LARKIN

Claremore Progress | 4/12/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Skiatook Athletics