Story by Parker Cassidy
The United Red Storm baseball team wrapped up a spectacular season, finishing with a record of 30 wins and 5 losses, breaking the previous United Baseball win record by nine games. The Red Storm’s year came to a close in the Regional Championship in Stronghurst last Saturday, where they fell to the Abingdon-Avon Tornadoes, 4-0. Despite out-hitting the Tornadoes four to two, United was unable to capitalize on several late-inning opportunities. Ian Leffler took his first loss on the mound this season, pitching all seven innings. He allowed just two hits and three earned runs while striking out 13 batters. Offensively, four different Red Storm players recorded hits. This marks the third consecutive year United has lost in the Regional Championship, having fallen to Illini Bluffs and their outstanding pitcher, Josh Vaughn, the previous two seasons. The Red Storm finish the season with an impressive .361 team batting average and a school-record 17 home runs. On the mound, they posted a 2.70 ERA and recorded 337 strikeouts. United Baseball Head Coach Ryan Molek shared his thoughts on a season that included several individual and team records that were broken along the way.
The Red Storm will lose 4 seniors in Lance Baker, Tanner Rodgers, Elliot Copeland and Zeke Clark but they will return a plethora of key position players.
For the full interview with Coach Molek, go to the SPORTS PODCAST section.
