Messenger, offense leads Bay Port over Trojans

SUAMICO - Ben Messenger sent a message early to Green Bay Southwest runs were going to be hard to come by during Tuesday’s Fox River Classic Conference baseball game.

Messenger opened the game striking out five batters in the first two innings, blowing his fastball by batters with ease.

Meanwhile, the offense also stepped up by scoring four runs in the first two innings and the Pirates cruised from there. Bay Port avenged an earlier loss this season to Southwest, topping the Trojans, 11-2.

“We didn’t play well before our spring break,” Bay Port coach Mike Simoens said. “We’re just starting to gel. Offensively, we hit the ball a little bit and defensively we're playing well.”

Bay Port scores 11 again
Tuesday’s game marked the second game in a row Bay Port scored 11 runs. The Pirates matched the 11 runs with 11 hits and took advantage of four Trojans errors.

However, this hasn’t been an explosive offense all season. Last Saturday, Bay Port scored 11 runs in the second game of a doubleheader after being blanked 1-0 in nine innings of the opener.

In the game prior to Saturday’s twin bill, Bay Port scored three runs.

“We have a ways to go,” Simoens said. “Offensively, we’re not where we want to be at. We’re hot and cold. Last weekend, we went nine innings with Sheboygan North and couldn’t score a run. We busted out for 11 runs the next game. We’re looking for a little more offensive consistency.”

Messenger just too much
While the offense looks to find consistency, Bay Port has no issues with pitching and defense. In its last seven games, Bay Port has allowed a total of seven runs.

Messenger struck out 11 and walked one in six innings. He allowed three hits, including a two-run homer off the bat of Mike Pedersen. Messenger said the key to his success was simple.

“It starts out with starting out on top,” Messenger said. “When you throw strikes, it’s a big thing.”

Simoens said his left-handed ace, who throws a fastball in the mid-80s, is coming around.

“He’s been sharp the last couple games,” Simoens. “If we can score a few runs offensively with him on the mound, you start feeling pretty good; certainly got off to a good start.”

Messenger’s only mistake was leaving a curveball up in the zone against Pedersen. Messenger said once he got the four-run lead, it made his game easier.

“You can pitch for ground balls and you don’t have to be a strikeout pitcher,” Messenger said. “You can let your fielders field. Anything you do you know your defense has your back.”

Bay Port a serious contender
The Pirates once again are a serious contender for the FRCC title. Bay Port (9-2 in FRCC) entered Tuesday’s FRCC schedule tied with De Pere (10-2) in the loss column. De Pere played Green Bay Preble.

The Pirates have won eight of nine games, but feel they can get better.

“We’re playing really well,” Messenger said. “Offense has been alright and pitching and defense has been amazing, actually. Our defense is stellar.”

• Notes: Joey Calawerts, Bret Neuville, Andy Schroepfer and Ryan Grabig each had two hits for the Pirates, while Messenger drove in two runs. … Bay Port’s relief pitcher Hunter Kallin struck out two in the seventh, meaning 13 Trojans struck out. … After Southwest closed the gap to 4-2 in the fourth, Bay Port scored seven runs in the bottom of the fourth on five hits and two errors.
• Game ball: Messenger, who overwhelmed Southwest’s bats.
• Numbers game: 11 Strikeouts for Messenger and 11 runs for Bay Port.

BAY PORT 11, GREEN BAY SOUTHWEST 2
Green Bay Southwest…002 000 0 –   2   3  4
Bay Port……………….....220 700 x – 11 11 1

WP – Ben Messenger (6 IP, 11 K, 3 K, BB).
LP – Max Dalebroux (3 IP, 7 R, 8 H, K).

Records: GBSW 7-8, 6-6. Bay Port 9-2, 10-4.

Follow Doug Ritchay on Twitter @dougritchay

doug.ritchay@wluk.com