(Written & Contributed By Tim Buskirk)
The season started off with a bang for the Chadron Nationals’ Seniors this weekend. The Nats took both games in convincing fashion against the Douglas, SD Patriots.
In the first game, Jordan Bissonette didn’t allow a single run against Patriots, throwing a complete game shutout and leading Chadron FNBO Nationals Seniors 18U to a 10-0 victory. Bissonette fanned seven while allowing just one hit and one walk.
Caden Buskirk led the team at the plate, going three for three at the plate and driving in five runs. Buskirk drove in runs on a double in the first, a single in the fourth, and a single in the fifth. As a team, the Nats had ten hits in the game. Buskirk, Dawson Dunbar, Drew Milburn, and Jordan Bissonette all collected multiple hits for Chadron. The defense was also solid, not committing a single error.
In the second game, the Nats started out shaky, but steadied the ship to cruse to a 14-4 win. Noah Brown had the nod on the hill and after the first inning he and his defense settled in. Brown allowed just 1 earned run and struck out 7 in the run-rule shorted game.
The Nationals pulled away for good in the third inning, collecting 4 runs to go ahead 5-4. They put the nail in the coffin, notching seven runs in the fifth inning. The big inning was thanks to singles by Milburn, Kobi Bissonette, Buskirk, Cody Hall, and a big triple by Dunbar. Kobi Bissonette went 3-4 at the plate leading the team in hits and also collecting a stolen base.
Coach Kyle Sanders said “We got off to a good start of the season! It was nice to play a game after all of the offseason work. I thought our pitchers threw very well and limiting mistakes. Anytime you play good defense, limit walks and free bases, you put yourself in good position to compete. I’m looking forward to carrying this momentum into next week.
The Seniors get back into action Friday, May 20th at 7 pm at Cleveland Field in Scottsbluff. The game will follow the Juniors game starting at 5. You can follow the Nats on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for updates throughout the season.