By Ryan McCosky
Associate Writer

In a game with OK Black conference championship implications Kenowa Hills scored two runs in the ninth inning to oust Mona Shores 11-9.  This game had it all good defense, bad defense, timely hitting and extra innings.

Mona Shores scored six runs in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game and send it to extras. However the feisty Kenowa Hills squad scored two in the top of the ninth and held on to get the win.

The win puts Kenowa one game ahead of Mona Shores in the league. Both teams face off again Thursday. A win for Shores gets them a share of the title, while a win for Kenowa gives them the league title outright.  

Cody Ritsema, RHP/IF, 2013, started on the mound for Kenowa Hills and threw six innings scattering seven hits allowing three runs. Ritsema has an athletic build and stands around 6-foot.  His fastball ranged from 78-80 and touched 82mph. Ritsema also threw a lot of breaking balls most of which were 11/5 style showing glimpses of a quality pitch. Cody also hit in the three hole for Kenowa knocking two hits and showed some pop flying out to the warning track in left.  Ritsema plans to attend Aquinas College.

Across the diamond was Muskegon CC commit Kyle Lawson 6-foot-3, RHP/SS, 2013. Lawson fell victim to the shaky defense behind him but battled and threw 6 innings commanding the fastball with a smooth delivery.  He topped out at 86mph but worked comfortably around 82-85. Lawson also had good feel for his 12/6 breaking ball which he used to keep hitters off balance. He showed a change-up but needs to continue to develop it for the next level.  Lawson also hit third doubled to right center field driving in a run.  Lawson has a good swing with power and looks most comfortable driving opposite field gap. His hips tend to slide when he gets pull happy.   When he does not pitch he plays shortstop but probably a corner guy at the next level.

Other Notables:

+Tyler Trovinger, SS/3B, Mona Shores, 2016- Tyler played short and 3B and carried himself well in the infield. As he continues to fill out he will be a player to keep your eye on.   He made plays to his right and left with ease and showed a good first step.  Trovinger had two hits on the day as well.

+Zach Zobro, RHP, Kenowa Hills, 2015- Zach finished the game on the mound for Kenowa Hills and struck out the side in the bottom of the ninth. Zobro was 82-83mph topping at 84. Max effort type delivery but threw a lot of strikes