Baseball Recap: Buckley Comes Up Short

Buckley extended their losing streak to four on Thursday, dropping their season record down to 5-9 in the process. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost an 11-10 heartbreaker at the hands of the Traverse City Christian Sabres. Even if the Bears couldn't come away with the victory, the high-scoring effort was a great turnaround for their hitters, which had struggled int the games prior.

Landon Kulawiak

Runs

04/29/25 @ Brethren	3
04/12/25 vs Mesick	3
05/08/25 @ Traverse City Christian	2
04/29/25 @ Brethren	2
05/08/25 @ Traverse City Christian	1
+ 4 more games

Landon Kulawiak put in work no matter where he played. He tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in six consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and two runs. He has become a key player for Buckley: the team is 3-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 2-8 otherwise.

In other batting news, Jud Rath was cooking despite his team's loss, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs and one double. Jaxon Jerrett also deserves some recognition as he scored his first runs of the season.

As for Traverse City Christian, they are on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four games. That's provided a nice bump to their 5-3 record this season. The win made it back-to-back victories for they.

Like Buckley, Traverse City Christian also got a great game from a two-way player: Kellen Manthei. On the mound, he pitched 2.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off one hit. Manthei was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.

In other batting news, Isaiah Willis was a standout: he got on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Nixon Diemer was another key player, going 1-for-2 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Buckley will face off against Ellsworth at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Traverse City Christian, they will square off against Harbor Light Christian at 4:30 p.m. on Monday.