In an early season matchup of top ranked teams, No. 13 Parkway South powered their way to a 9-4 win over No. 4 Westminster on a blustery afternoon at Parkway South. Senior centerfielder Danny Holst (ranked No. 10 in the Class of 2012 and committed to Texas A&M), led the Patriots offense going two for four with and home run and four RBIs. Left fielder Jake Berentz also contributed with a long two run home run over the right field scoreboard.

Parkway South took the lead 2-0 in the bottom of the first after four consecutive singles by Holst, second baseman Anthony Duke, starting pitcher Michael Patterson, and an RBI single by Jake Berentz, scoring Holst, and a ground out by Bettendorf scored Duke. 

After catcher Brett Bond put Westminster on the board with a RBI triple in the top of the second to cut the lead to 2-1, the Patriots responded by tacking on two runs and a 4-1 lead in the bottom of the second, and lead that they would not give up.

Parkway South blew the game open in the bottom of the fourth with the homeruns of Holst and Berentz.

“I was looking for a fastball, a good pitch I could drive, and got one right down the middle and was able to take it out,” said Holst on his blast the broke open the game.

On the Parkway South team for this season, Holst had to say, “I expect us to come out here and practice and play hard every day, and that is what we do as a baseball team.”

Michael Patterson went the distance, allowing nine hits, striking out eight and not issuing any walks to pick up his first win of the season.

“We bring back eight strong, and they expect to hit and play hard”, said head coach Adam Stahl on his squad setting the tone for this game and the Patriots this season.

For Westminster, Luke Turner turned in a three for three day at the plate with two runs scored, and Tate Matheny blasted a two run opposite field homerun to lead the Westminster offense.

In other action around the state:

Clever Right off the Bat Tourney

Clever 14 beat up on Spokane in first round action of the Clever Right off the Bat Tourney. David Pennewell threw a complete game 3 hitter, striking out 8.  Phil Valence paced the Clever offense with a triple and three RBIs. Clever had 9 players with a hit.

Mt Vernon shut out Reeds Spring 15-0 in first round action.

For a complete schedule of the Clever Right off the Bat Tourney, click here.

Francis Howell knocked off Parkway Central 9 to 5. The offense was led by Jake Henson’s two doubles and Ryan Howard’s homerun.

Pacific shut out Wright City 13-0. Josh Moore went four strong innings, striking out eight and surrendering one hit. Hank Vandiver set the pace for the offense, with a three for four day at the plate and four RBIs, three runs scored, and two stoles bases.

In Troy Tournament action, Seckman pull off the upset, defeating CBC 8 to 6. Mark Rogers led the Seckman attack going two for three with two homeruns, five RBIs, and two runs scored. Collin Edwards contributed with a three for three day and two runs scored.

In the Lindbergh-Mehlville Tournament, Webster Groves out slugged host Lindbergh 16-10.

Kennett defeated Cape Central 8 to 4. Adam Grantham led the Kennett attack going two for three with two doubles and four RBIs.

Saxony Lutheran came from behind a 3-0 deficit to defeat East Prairie 6 to 4.  Luke LeGrand collected two RBIs in the winning effort. Trent Stefens picked up the win in relief for Saxony Lutheran, hurling three and one-thirds innings allowing one hit and one run