Good balance has Van Buren playing well early

Good balance, sharp pitching, and steady defense have helped the Van Buren Pointers to a 3-0 record. Ethan Rauser's grand slam and his seven RBIs lead the team. But there is plenty of other players contributing. Leadoff hitter Landry Wilkerson is hitting .500 (6-for-12) with three RBIs. Bryson Patrick, Ethan Holmes, Evan Jones and Conner Catron have three RBIs as well. Catron's go-ahead RBI single helped the Pointers edge Northside Tuesday, 2-1. Holmes earned his second victory, striking out seven and allowing four hits over 6 2/3 innings. "Right now we're playing pretty well," Van Buren coach David Loyd. "It's been a good start to our season; the kids are excited about playing. They get along well, and that carries over to the field. Hopefully that will continue." It's early, but a number of players are hitting .364 or higher, with Patrick (.625) leading the way. Wilkerson (.500), Chase Moore (.455), Trevor Johnson (.375) and Holmes (.364) are locked in. Dalton Reeves leads the pitching staff with with an 0.84 earned run average, striking out 15 hitters and allowing just three hits in 8 1/3 innings. "We've pitched well and scrapped around and scored some runs, but I'm really happy with our defense," Loyd said. "Right now the kids are making plays." The Pointers host Wister today.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Van Buren High School Athletics

GOOD BALANCE HAS VAN BUREN PLAYING WELL EARLY

KEVIN TAYLOR

Times Record | 3/9/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Van Buren High School Athletics