Kyle Pace’s first scheduled start for the OHS JV baseball team came on the second-last game of the season. Pace was limited to three appearances in relief because of a knee injury.

OHS beat Eureka on May 9 after a strong outing by Pace (10) and a save by Matt Furrer (10). Going into the 7th inning, the score was tied 3-3, but the Tigers pulled ahead for a 6-3 win.

“We kept battling at the plate, got some runs late, and [it] helped us win the game,” head coach Trent Sauer said. “I’m proud of the way our team keeps fighting towards the end of the season; it’s easy to shut it down, but they’re continuing to work as a team and keep fighting.”

Pace worked effectively, throwing only 75 pitches in 6 ⅔ innings. He allowed runs in only two innings and struck out four.

“It felt good to get the start,” Pace said. “I had good control of my fastball.”

Right fielder Jake Stegmann (10) and catcher Tony Rask (9) both had extra-base hits, and Josh Kuntze (10) went 3 for 4 with two runs scored.

“[Pace] gave us a chance to win. We lost last time to Eureka 2-0, so obviously Kyle pitching well in this game helped give us a great chance. Our hitting the last inning won us the game. The team just played tough and played smart in the end down the stretch and helped us win the game.”