Cyclone BB Hangs On for Win Over the Monarchs, 6-5

Harlan Community's Colton Schneider (6-11-24)

Cyclone BB Hangs On for Win Over the Monarchs, 6-5 -

(6-11-24) – It wasn’t always pretty… but it was a win.

Harlan Community jumped out to an early lead, only to see it evaporate down to a single run, but Colton Schneider closed the door on a 6-5 win over Denison-Schleswig Tuesday.

“I was all over (during) the 7th inning,” Schneider told KNOD Sports. “But then I kind of locked in more and (was) trying to just throw it right down the middle.”

Schneider worked himself in and out of trouble. After striking out the first batter of the inning, he then allowed the next three batters to reach base with a hit batsman and a pair of walks. Schneider struck out the next batter before walking in a run to cut the deficit to one. He then got Owen Galvin to swing and miss at a 2-2 pitch to strike out the side and earn his 4th save of the season.

Schneider uses a simple technique to relax and focus… breathing.

“Basically, I just try and breathe. That’s what really helps me.”

Schneider came in relief of Weston Reisz, who was terrific in 5-plus innings of work. He allowed 4 runs (2 earned) and struck out 4 to get the victory.

The Cyclones jumped out to a 6-0 lead. Gavin Bruck had another timely knock when he singled home 2 runs in the 2nd. Then a controversial balk in the 3rd started a 4-run inning for Harlan Community. Schneider would have an RBI single in the frame.

Schneider now has 6 hits and 6 RBI in his three games this week. Simplifying his approached has kept him hot at the plate.

“Really, I've been trying to stay on top of the ball and really just try and hit the left center field.”

Camdyn Nemitz for the Monarchs was able to settle down after the 3rd. He didn’t allow another run the rest of the way and only got in trouble in the 7th when he hit batters back-to-back with one out. Jake Fink would walk the first batter he face but then got the next two to retire the side and send Denison-Schleswig in to the bottom of the frame down by 2.

But the Cyclones would hold on to split the regular season series at a game apiece.

Schneider, meanwhile, says he’s enjoying his time with the varsity team this season after not being able to participate last year due to injury.

“It's a lot more fun. I mean, there's a lot of great guys, older guys that have helped me really get better over the year.”

Harlan Community will next face Hawkeye 10 rival Kuemper Catholic on Thursday.

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