Berkner Game 1 – 4/11/23
Looking to continue district success, hunting for the district championship, the Rangers took on the Rams in a Tuesday night game at Wright Field.
Sophomore Dillon Brandt took the mound for the Rangers and found success as he has in all of his district starts. Brandt tossed five innings, allowing only three hits, and striking out eight batters. The Jesuit offense really came alive this game, as the Rangers tallied fifteen total hits.
Freshmen Braxton Barber, James Jorgensen, and Junior Tristen Bird all had a multi-hit game. Tristen Bird racked up 6 RBIs on the night, going two for two with a double, tying Kyle Muller for the RBIs in a single game since 2016.
“It is a honor being mentioned with a stat similar to Kyle Muller’s. I just made the most of my opportunities with guys in scoring position and stuff just went my way.” – Tristen Bird ’24
The Rangers put up eighteen runs in a five innings blow out, winning 18-1.
Berkner Game 2 – 4/14/23
After a convincing win early in the week, the Rangers looked to build on their success. Senior Luke Isett took the bump for the Rangers and proved once again why he is the ace. Isett went the distance, throwing a shutout seven innings, striking out five, and only allowing three baserunners the whole game.
The Rangers jumped out ahead early putting up seven runs in the first two innings, led by a two for four, three RBI performance from Freshman James Jorgensen. The Rangers couldn’t tack on any more runs but the early runs and great pitching proved enough in a 7-0 victory to complete the Berkner sweep. James Jorgensen attributes his success to
“not overthinking about the situation, just believing in yourself and ability.”
Irving Nimitz Game 1 – 4/15/23
After a victory the previous night, the Rangers woke up early on Saturday to catch a 11 A.M. game at Nimitz. Freshman James Jorgenson started the Rangers off, pitching two innings, allowing three hits, issuing 2 walks, striking out four, and allowing an early run for the Vikings. Then Junior Joe Allen, pitched one inning, coming back from an injury that has kept him out since his JJ Pearce start. Allen struck out one, walked one, allowed two hits, and also an earned run. Then Senior Jack Barr took over, shoving three innings, giving up two runs, walks, and hits and striking out two batters. Then Tuesday night starter Dillon Brandt came in relief to get his first save, inheriting bases loaded, no outs in the bottom of the seventh. Brandt came in clutch, striking out two of the three outs and getting the save.
“It was my first time coming in relief. The energy you get running on the field and taking the mound in such a big situation is unparalleled.” – Dillon Brandt ’25
The Rangers offense tallied up the hits, with thirteen hits on the day, but couldn’t bring guys in, only scoring five runs. Four Rangers put up multi-hit days including Freshman Braxton and Senior Nick Barber, Senior Dominic Migliore, and Junior Tristen Bird. Bird led the team with a three for four day with a triple and an RBI. The scrappy hitting proven enough for the win, as the Rangers pulled it out 5-4.
Irving Nimitz Game 2 – 4/18/23
Back in the action on Tuesday as the Rangers face off again against a pesky Nimitz team that played a close game. Sophomore Dillon Brandt made his start this game after coming in to close out game one on Saturday and picked up right where he started. Brandt went four innings, only allowing two hits, walking three, and striking out six.
Sophomore Jake Fults came in to end the game pitching a clean last inning allowing no hits. These two pitchers combined for the shutout. Again, Jesuit offense had early success, scoring eleven runs in the first two innings. These runs were fueled by two bombs dropped by Senior Jack Strong and Sophomore James Jorgensen.
Both players had incredible games, Strong going two for three with five RBIs and James going three for three with three RBIs. Senior Nick Barber and Sophomore Jake Fults also complimented them with two hits each of their own. The Rangers again complete the sweep with a 12-0 win.
“I hit it and I knew it was gone, so I tried my best to take in the moment. It is one of the best feelings you can have on a baseball field.” -Jack Strong ’23
The Rangers take on MacArthur High School at home on Friday, April 21th for Senior Night. Stay tuned for The Roundup‘s weekly baseball reports and other sports news!
