Cougars nab first win

Another busy week concluded for the Niwot baseball team which secured its first win of the season on May 12 at Northridge. Niwot wasn't able to keep the momentum going and fell to Mountain View on May 13 and Frederick on May 15.

The Cougars now sit at 1-5 and have just 10 games remaining to make up some ground in the 4A/3A Longs Peak League.

Senior Dylan Olson toed the rubber at Darryl Kile Field in Greeley against Northridge. He allowed two unearned runs in three and two-thirds innings and was pulled in the fourth with the score tied at two.

Niwot's offense exploded in the fourth inning to score four runs and take its ultimate lead. Senior Josh Strid led the Cougars with two hits and junior Jack Brooker tallied a triple and three RBIs. Out of the bullpen, sophomore Jed Kilpatrick and senior Liam Wood helped preserve an 8-5 win.

"It was a battle, they had to compete all seven innings," said Head Coach Adam Strah. "Our pitching was good, and (we) had some timely hits. It was good to finally put together what felt like more of a complete seven innings."

Niwot returned home on May 13 for an eight-inning thriller against Mountain View. Despite scoring a season-high in runs, the Cougars committed eight errors and fell, 14-13.

A five-run first inning by the Cougars was quickly erased as the Mountain Lions fought back to take an 8-7 lead in the fourth. Brooker lasted just two innings on the hill while struggling with command. Senior Hayden Morford entered in the third but received little help behind him.

The Cougars trailed and came back a total of three times, including a two-run bottom of the seventh to bring the contest to extra innings. Mountain View took control in the top of the eighth with one run and Niwot couldn't answer. Strah was still proud of his offense for rallying several times.

"Unfortunately, we came up on the short end but I think It was one of those games that they'll probably remember forever with the back and forth, a big crowd and all the late life," Strah said. "It's one of those games where it's why you play the game."

It was a particularly memorable game for senior Micah Sheats who ended with a career-high four hits in six at-bats. Freshman Brooks Barber, who started at second base, joined the party as well with two doubles and three RBIs.

"(Barber is) impressive for his age," Strah said. "The older (players) are loving having him around. It's always fun to have a young guy like that that can contribute."

Sheats turned his attention to the mound on May 15 when Niwot took on Frederick. He proved his ability as a two-way player by striking out seven in six innings. Strah said that Sheats' strong outing after a rocky beginning was much-needed for the pitching staff.

"By far the longest, best performance that he's had," Strah said. "He was able to survive a five-run first inning and continue the rest of the way."

But once again, Niwot's defense was shaky and allowed three unearned runs to aid a 6-2 Frederick win.

Strah agreed with Assistant Coach Jake Anderson who preached that the hardest part of a team sport is often becoming a team. The Cougars have swallowed a few tough losses this season but have kept a strong attitude in Strah's eyes.

"Even though the record is not what they want it to be, it's still good to see them having fun on the field and being able to support each other no matter what the win-loss record is," Strah said.

Niwot will host two league contests up next with Fort Morgan on May 18 and Severance on May 20.