Early Challenges on the Diamond
The Big Rapids 18U American Legion Post 98 baseball squad opened its season with a modest 0-3-1 record, dropping three games before managing a 3-3 tie against Post 110.
Their first test came on June 12 in Lancaster, where a 4-0 defeat left the team searching for answers. Jake Woudwyk took the mound, throwing five innings and surrendering three runs on nine hits, while teammates Jonathan Losinski and Russell Toth each collected two hits.
Two days later the squad traveled to Blissfield and fell 7-0. Aidan Anderson delivered a solid outing, pitching 5 2/3 innings, striking out nine and walking three, but the offense could only muster a single hit each from Anderson, Quin Garrett, Losinski and Kurt Wilber.
The following day, Adrian dealt Post 98 a 10-4 loss. Gage Scott absorbed the pitching defeat, while Austin Gragg stepped up at the plate with two hits and two RBIs, providing a spark for the team.
Finding Momentum in a Tie
On June 13 the team faced Post 110 and settled for a 3-3 draw. Brendan Magnuson threw seven strong innings, allowing just three runs on seven hits, and Gragg contributed three hits of his own. Anderson, Gragg and Garrett each drove in a run, showing that the offense was beginning to click.
Throughout the early stretch the club remained error‑free, a testament to disciplined defense that could prove vital as the schedule progresses.