By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor

ASHWAUBENON – It was a Fox River Classic Conference (FRCC) pitcher’s duel at Capital Credit Union Park April 29.

Ashwaubenon’s Eason Hurd and Green Bay Preble’s Austin Renard gave the good-sized crowd something to cheer about in the Jaguars’ 1-0 victory.

The two hurlers allowed only nine hits combined in a game that lasted less than 90 minutes.

Hurd gave up five hits and struck out seven in his seven innings of work, while Renard surrendered four hits and struck out three in his six innings.

“This was only my second varsity start ever,” Hurd said. “It was good to be out there and perform like I did. We got the one run, and that’s all  we needed.”

In the bottom of the third inning, Hurd helped his own cause by reaching on a two-out single.

One batter later, catcher Boone Kirst knocked in Hurd with a double and the only run of the game.

Ashwaubenon, which usually plays its home games at Ashwaubomay Park, played at Capital Credit Union Park, the home of the Green Bay Rockers, for the month of April.

“It’s a nice atmosphere and a nice field,” Hurd said. “There are not many places where you can play in a facility like this, so it’s been awesome. The crowd got into it – it makes it seem more real.”

The Hornets’ best chance to score was in the top of the sixth inning.

With Jake Petasek on third and two outs, Hurd struck out Renard to end the threat.

Kirst had two hits for the Jaguars, while Ian Johnson had two for Preble.

“It’s been a blessing to play our games (at Capital Credit Union Park), especially with the weather,” Ashwaubenon Head Coach Jay Krueger said. “It’s been a great asset for us.”

The Jaguars are off to a 6-2 overall start and improved to 5-1 in the FRCC.

“We’ve been playing some good ball,” Krueger said. “The team is coming together, and it’s a great group of players. We’ve been getting some great pitching so far.”

With the loss, Preble dropped to 7-2 overall and 7-1 in the FRCC.