Last week, two of the top starting pitchers in Southeast Missouri proved what kind of dominance they’re capable of on the mound in their wins for their respective teams.
First was Saxony Lutheran (5-3) senior pitcher Drew Hahs, who will play college baseball at John Wood Community College, in a 10-2 win over Bloomfield last Wednesday at home.
Hahs had nothing short of a game to remember as he recorded a career-high 16 strikeouts through six innings. Drew ended up allowing five hits, but he finished with no earned runs, and he also drove in one of Saxony’s 10 runs at the plate.
This was Hahs’ third start of the season as he’s 3-0 as the Crusaders ace pitcher. Along with that, Drew has recorded double-digit strike-outs (12 Ks in a 9-1 win over Crystal City; 10 Ks in a 5-1 victory against Kelly) for each of his three starts while only allowing one earned run and walking just one batter.
The next SEMO pitcher to have a notable day on the mound was Jackson (15-5) junior John Paul Sauer, who led the Indians to a 5-1 win over Edwardsville (Illinois) Sunday at Busch Stadium. Sauer, who is currently 4-0, recorded his fifth start without allowing an earned run.
Sauer also struck out nine of Edwardsville’s batters while allowing a season-high three hits as he’s thrown a total of three no-hitters this spring. His season-high strikeout total was 10 versus Vianney in a 2-1 road loss.
Sauer is currently the Indians leader in strikeouts with a total of 40 Ks, which is five more than his teammate and Missouri State signee senior Caden Bogenpohl, who has 35 strikeouts and is also 4-0 on the mound.
Jackson junior Carson McDaniel had a perfect game in a 13-0 win over Notre Dame with seven Ks April 4.
