Cougar baseball improves to 6-4

With four games coming up during the week of April 17, the Niwot High School Cougars will have their hands full after a 6-4 win over Severance High School April 13.

Weather and a shortage of umpires have combined to put the Cougars in the position of playing Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, which will test the Niwot pitching staff given the pitch count limits now in effect.

The victory over Severance came courtesy of the Kilpatrick brothers. Sophomore Jagger Kilpatrick went six strong innings on the mound, giving up only one earned run, while senior Jed Kilpatrick closed out the game with one inning of relief and contributed three hits, scoring twice and driving in a run. "Jagger has been lights-out for us," head coach Ken Rosales said. "He pitched a lot last summer. Jed has been very solid at shortstop, and has picked up a couple of saves. When we need six outs, he can come in and give us that."

Senior catcher Diego Castro drove in two runs, junior Brock Rothstain scored twice, and sophomore right fielder Charlie Shaw had the team's only extra-base hit, a triple. Hayden Shaw, who has seen action at third base and behind the plate, and junior Sergio Pimentel also each drove in a run.

"Charlie Shaw has been hitting the ball really well," Rosales said. "And Diego has been phenomenal."

While the Kilpatrick brothers have been solid, junior Brock Rothstein has also earned his coach's praise. Rothstein, who is the ace of the Cougar pitching staff, "has been good on and off the mound," Rosales said. Rothstein plays center field when he's not pitching.

Rosales has also been impressed with the play of Pimentel, who primarily plays left field. "We've moved him all over," Rosales said. "You can put him anywhere. We've had him play center field and shortstop as well."

Senior Jaedyn Adler has seen time at second base and in the outfield after a late start due to a starring role in "Beauty and the Beast." Freshman Henry Noblin has also seen varsity action on the mound and at second base.

The injury bug has caught up with the Cougars recently as senior first baseman Julian Lettow, a multi-sport athlete, suffered a bone bruise and will be out for some time. Sophomore Drew Stapp, who has been limited due to an arm injury, will take over at first base. Sophomore outfielder Arlo Richards also suffered an ankle injury, which will put him on the shelf for the next 10 days.