Baseball Recap: Burke Takes a Loss

The Burke Bengals came up short against the Avalon Black Knights on Tuesday and fell 8-5.

Max Gruber was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. He pitched four innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off two hits. He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing three bases while going 3-for-4.

In other batting news, Ray Whipple was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 1-for-3. Those stolen bases were his first of the season. Cole Ferguson was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one stolen base.

Burke has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 2-6-1 record this season. As for Avalon, the victory snapped their losing streak at six games and leaves them with a 3-10 record.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Burke will challenge Spencerville Adventist Academy at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. As for Avalon, they will square off against St. Anselm's Abbey at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The Black Knights' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Panthers have averaged an impressive 11.5 runs per game this season.