(Written & Contributed By Tim Buskirk)
The Chadron FNBO Junior Nationals dropped both of their opening games during a doubleheader against Rapid City Stevens High School on Sunday May 15th. The Junior Nats let both games slip away early and couldn’t come back against the strong pitching and hot hitting of the Raiders.
In the first game, the Raiders got off to a quick start and didn’t slow down, winning 17-3. Starter, Caden Buskirk, took the loss lasting only one inning, giving up six runs on five hits. Brady Daniels and Derreck Bissonette came on in relief but couldn’t slow down the hot hitting Rapid City team. At the plate, Daniels led the Nats going 2 for 3 with an RBI. Others getting hits in the first contest were Kobe Bissonette and Trey Williamson with one a piece.
In the second contest, the Raiders again got out to a quick lead, scoring four runs in the first and three in the second. Though their bats were hot, the story of the game was the Rapid City pitching and defense. The starter, Jackson Dial, threw a complete game, allowing just one hit and a walk along with 11 strikeouts in the contest.
Starter, Kobe Bissonette, took the loss for the Jr. Nats, giving up four runs to the hot bats of the Rapid City team. Creighton Ryan and Tobin Meyer came on in relief. Kobe Bissonette broke up Dial’s no-hitter with a bloop single to left field.
Coach Bubba Page said, “We ran into a much more experienced team today who has likely been playing since early April. It really showed in our pitching and defense. Though the scores didn’t show it, the team improved a lot as each game went on. I told the boys to keep their heads up and put this one behind us. We will be back and focused on the next team up!”
The Juniors will be on the road again to face the Twin Cities Express. Game time is 5 pm at Cleveland Field in Scottsbluff. The Seniors will follow at 7 pm. You can follow the Nats on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for updates throughout the season.