After coming off a disastrous doubleheader last week against Trinidad (Colo.) and in weather not conducive for hitting and scoring runs, the Dodge City Community College Conquistador baseball team grabbed two wins Sunday in Great Bend to open Jayhawk Conference play.
Until Sunday's doubleheader sweep, the Conqs (5-6, 2-0 Jayhawk Conference) had not beaten the Barton County CC Cougars in Great Bend under coach Phil Stephenson. Dodge won both games 8-6 and scored four runs in the bottom of both seventh innings.
"It's good to get that monkey off," Stephenson said. "I was just pleased with the way we came back. We had to fight back hard in the last inning of each game, and we were able to get runs when we needed them."
Stephen Leddy got his third win of the season in game one, going six-and-one-third innings and giving up all six of the Cougars runs (two earned). The Cougars scored all six of their runs in the first three innings before Leddy and the Conq defense got control of the game.
Conq shortstop Jorden Johnson hit a two-out two-RBI single in the top of the seventh with the score tied 6-6 to put Dodge ahead. Designated hitter Rudy Krist and third baseman Mike Schnedar each had two hits and two RBIs in game one.
Krist and Schnedar drive in key runs in the top of the seventh as well.
Johnson came away with a big hit in a big spot again in game two with his two-out three-run homer in the top of the sixth that put the Conqs up 4-2 at the time. After falling behind again in the bottom of the sixth by giving up three runs, Krist tied the game in the seventh on an RBI single, and Johnson drove in a run with a bases-loaded walk to put the Conqs in front for good.
Johnson had four RBIs in game two, and catcher Ethan Gee went 4-for-4 and drive in three more. Schnedar had two hits and two runs for the Conqs as well in the win.
Matt Vonfeldt got his first win of the season in relief. David Saiz recorded saves in both games.
The Conqs travel back to Great Bend today for a make-up doubleheader against the Cougars. Saturday's doubleheader was postponed due to weather.
"It's always great to get two wins in one day," Stephenson said. "Now we've got to go back there and do it again. That's what these conference weekends are all about."
Cruz Sedillo will start game one for Dodge City, and Joaquin Montano, still on the mend from arm surgery, will start game two on a pitch count.
GREAT BEND —
