Sports
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Bown and Prewitt form battery that powers Eagles win by John Unrein On a day that was intended to give Riley Bown a day off at third base, the designated hitter was called upon to pitch in relief during the top of the second inning. The senior would go on to hurl five scoreless innings, racking up four strikeouts along the way. This has become a knack for Bown. Grain Valley’s 18-7 overall record has been aided by Bown’s ability to come in and throw strikes. Behind the dish for Bown’s strong effort during the Eagles 14-4 win against the visiting Truman Patriots on May 3rd was catcher Blake Prewitt. The sophomore knows to put the sign down in a hurry when Bown is on the mound. Hitters do not have the chance to get comfortable in the batter’s box due to the pace at which the duo work. Prewitt also helped the Eagles win with his defense and bat against the Patriots. A strong throw by Prewitt to second base during the top of the second inning squashed a steal attempt. A play that drew praise from the Grain Valley dugout. A bases loaded single in the top of the third inning produced two runs batted in for Prewitt as well. Prewitt would an additional RBI in the top of the fourth inning on a sac fly that would expand Grain Valley’s lead. The battery of Bown and Prewitt offered praise for one another during their postgame comments. “I know the routine by this point. It is the same thing every time. I come in and throw it where Blake (Prewitt) wants it
and I let my defense make plays behind me. I do not mind if they hit the ball,” Bown said. “This win today was great. We are not nervous when we get behind. It may take a few innings for our bats to come alive, but it usually works out for us. We display good confidence.” Prewitt added, “I picked up today that Truman was trying to run on me when I went to one knee to receive. I knew that I could get the runner at second base (during the top of the second inning) if I threw it hard enough.” “I saw the ball well today at the plate. I was able to get deep into some counts. The single came on a curveball that I was able to hit hard.” “Riley (Bown) works fast on the mound and I love it. The batter struggles to get comfortable at the plate or think about what the next pitch might be.” Another strong contributor for the Eagles was shortstop Parker Bosserman. The senior would rack up 3 total RBIs on a single and a triple. Bosserman only knows one speed on the basepaths as his helmet typically leaves his head from the hustle exerted. The Eagles leading hitter by batting average so far this season is Bosserman, who is joined by teammates Bown, Cole Arndorfer, Cole Keller, Parker Stone, and Jacob Grasher in adorning the bleacher fences with their senior banners. Among those pleased with the senior leadership on the Grain Valley squad is head coach Brian Driskell. The Eagles
Reliever Riley Bown warms up in between innings. Photo credit: Valley News staff skipper encouraged his team to look at the scoreboard following the game. The request was to take notice that Truman did not get a hit after the first inning. The message continued with encouragement to stay in every game by fighting through every at bat and maintaining focus. “It was the same story, but a different day with Riley (Bown). We were laughing about it today in the locker room prior to the game. He has been battling through some small nagging injuries here and there. I told him we are going to have to get you healthy because we need you on the mound,” Driskell said. “I am not really sure why people do
not get hits off Bown. It befuddles him as well. The results have been good for us though. He is as cool as a cucumber on the mound.” “We give him a hard time about the face he makes when he delivers the ball home. Something is funky though because opponents do not pick up his delivery well.” The Eagles finish out the week with games against Belton and Fort Osage on May 5th and 7th, respectively. Grain Valley will look to add to their perfect 7-0 Suburban Conference record during those matchups.
Left: Shortstop Parker Bosserman looks the baseball in at the plate. Right: Catcher Blake Prewitt awaits the pitch at the plate. Photo credit: Valley News staff
