By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
DE PERE – Behind a four-run sixth inning and the strong pitching of Ethan Susa, the West De Pere baseball team recorded a victory May 17.
Susa pitched a complete-game four-hitter, striking out nine and walking three in the Phantoms’ 6-1 nonconference win over Wausau West at Westwood Elementary School.
Leading 2-1 entering the bottom of the sixth, West De Pere blew the game open with the four runs in winning its third consecutive game.
“This was my best outing of the season,” the senior Susa said. “I was able to locate, mix in some different pitches and let my defense work behind me.”
Susa throws four-seam and two-seam fastballs, a curve and a changeup.
“Today, my four-seamer and curveball were working,” he said.
Susa said college baseball isn’t in his future, so he wants to make the best of his last season.
“It’s my last hurrah, so we all want to go out winners,” he said. “Everyone is getting used to their spots and roles. We’re getting more comfortable as the season has gone along.”
Wausau West’s only run came in the top of the sixth inning.
The Phantoms also scored single runs in the first and fifth innings.
Thomas Walder and Ethan Neuens each had a pair of hits for West De Pere, while Benjamin Hencke, Jason Lehman and Jonah Bouchard each added one.
Walder had two RBI, while Neuens, Duke Shovald and Ryker Crooks each had one.
West De Pere Head Coach Joe Rukamp said his squad seems to be righting the ship.
“Early in the season, like many other teams, we couldn’t get into a consistent rhythm,” he said. “Now, with the warmer weather, we’re doing a better job. We had some big guys to replace from last year, but this year’s group of kids is a great bunch. It took us a bit of time to gel. It was great to see a great effort from Ethan, too.”