Tyler Miller dives back to first base.
Tyler Miller dives back to first base.
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The Pershing County Mustangs baseball team finished their season this past week. 

They played three non-league games. Tuesday the Mustangs beat the visiting Hawthorne Serpents (8-4). 

On Wednesday, May 4, the Mustangs traveled to Lowry High School and lost 5-1 to the Buckaroo JV. They wrapped up the season at home on Friday, losing to Truckee (14-3). Pershing County ended the year at 3-23 overall, and 1-17 in the Northern 2A. 

Hawthorne scored on a single, a triple and a groundout in the first inning of Tuesday’s game. However, Lovelock tied up the score at three after a groundout by Wyatt Diaz. 

In the second inning, Aaron Kienbaum doubled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring two runs and breaking the tie. 

In the fourth inning, Lovelock scored three runs off an RBI single by Travis Donaldson. Hawthorne was unable to catch up.

Kienbaum handled the pitching for Lovelock. He allowed eight hits and four runs over seven innings. He struck out seven and walked one. Kienbaum led Pershing County with two hits in three at bats.

The rest of the week was tougher. The Mustangs fell behind early against Lowry JV and Truckee. They each put up a high-powered defense.

Pershing County hosted Lowry JV last month and beat them 11-10.

Wyatt Diaz pitched against Lowry JV, allowing one hit and three runs over three innings. 

He gave up only one earned run and struck out six. Wyatt Hughes took the loss against Truckee, allowing six hits and seven runs while striking out three and walking one.

Friday was senior day for the Mustangs. The only senior on the roster, Nick Flores, didn’t get to play due to an injury.

“However, we were grateful to have Nick as part of the program,” said Jared Jensen. 

The team found another senior to honor – Shelby Fitzpatrick, their scorekeeper. 

“She kept score like a boss and kept her brother in line,” according to a family member. Landon Fitzpatrick was a freshman catcher and infielder.

“The thing that motivates these kids is that they’’ll all be back next year,” said Jensen. “We have a lot of talented athletes on this ball squad and hope to master our fundamentals so we’re one of the top four teams next year.”

Several of the Mustangs will play adult softball at Mcdougal Field beginning next month. Jensen runs the program. 

“We got more wins than last year and competed with teams that we haven’t competed with in a few years,” added Jenson. “We have a bright future ahead of us and I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully next year we can make a push to get to zone.”