Manhattan High Baseball Splits Doubleheader with Junction City: Spiegel’s Stellar Pitching Leads Indians to Victory
Manhattan High baseball split its doubleheader against Junction City on Tuesday night, showcasing a rollercoaster of emotions for the Indians. The team was led by star pitching from junior Sam Spiegel in their 9-0 second game win after a heartbreaking 9-8 loss in the opening game.
In the second game, Spiegel delivered a flawless performance, tossing 6 1/3 innings of perfect baseball. Not a single run, hit, walk, or error occurred during his dominant outing. The righty credited his teammates for their support on the field and highlighted the effectiveness of his curveball that night.
Despite coming tantalizingly close to a perfect game, head coach Don Hess made the tough decision to pull Spiegel at 74 pitches to ensure his availability for Saturday’s matchups as per KSHSAA rules. Hess praised Spiegel’s remarkable performance, expressing regret at having to take him out but emphasizing the team’s long-term interests.
The Indians’ record in Centennial League play now stands at 2-2, while the Bluejays hold a 1-3 mark in the conference after the doubleheader split. In the first game, Manhattan struggled with seven errors, ultimately falling short despite a valiant comeback effort led by Jackson Goos on the mound.
However, roles reversed in the second game as Manhattan’s offense exploded early, allowing Spiegel to settle in and dominate on the mound. The team’s strong performance in game two highlighted their resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity.
Looking ahead, the Indians are gearing up for a quad with Junction City, Dodge City, and Garden City on Saturday. Spiegel expressed his excitement for the upcoming games, eager to continue contributing to his team’s success on the field.
Overall, Manhattan High’s doubleheader against Junction City was a testament to the team’s resilience, talent, and determination to overcome challenges. With Spiegel leading the way, the Indians are poised for continued success as they navigate the rest of their season.