Grizzlies suffer sixth loss to Independence

ALTAMONT — Falling to 2-6 on the season, the Labette County Grizzlies lost to the Independence Bulldogs in SEK League baseball action, 9-2, on Wednesday.

While Independence and Labette County nearly matched each other in hits, with 11 and 9, respectively, the Bulldogs plated five unearned runs on four Labette County errors.

“We just gave them too many outs,” Labette County head coach Sam Schaper said. “We’ve been preaching about that. We’re a young team. If we give even a decent team extra outs over the course of a game, we’re going to get hurt. Against a good team like that, they’ll open it up.”

Kaden Blackledge ate the loss on the hill, tossing 3.2 frames while allowing four hits and four walks with six strikeouts.

“He gave us a good start. He didn’t have his best stuff, but his stuff kept us in the game,” Schaper said. “He pitched well enough and gave us a chance. A lot of those errors came early.”

Kamden Good pitched 2.1 innings in relief for the Grizzlies, allowing five hits with one walk and one strikeout.

“That’s the best he’s looked,” Schaper said. “He looked pretty sharp. He’s another young guy that’s coming along, still. We’re building up his arm strength and his pitch count.”

Kagan Bates, Cooper Leonard and Mason Morris each had two hits for Labette County.

Brady Palmer got the winning decision on the mount for Independence, tossing 5.2 innings with 10 strikeouts.

Jimmie Bunyard had three hits and as many runs, while Dylan Merrick had two hits and four RBIs.

Wednesday’s loss was Labette County’s fourth in a row.

“We’re trying to improve every day,” Schaper said. “That’s the key with a young club — getting better every day and focusing on what we can improve on. Guys are showing up early and staying after to get extra work in. I don’t think our record reflects how our team is coming along. We’ve had some close games and we’re learning a lot, including how to finish.”

Up next

Labette County plays back-to-back games against Chanute. The Grizzlies hosted the Blue Comets on Thursday before hitting the road to face them on Monday.

“Chanute traditionally is good. They know how to win and they play a tough schedule,” Schaper said. “With our bunch, we try not to over-scout teams. We’ve got to focus on ourselves. I’ve got confidence that we can compete with anybody.”