February 12, 2025

Creston baseball wins at Red Oak

By JARED LARSON

Creston first baseman Avery Fuller waits for a ball to come to his glove during Friday's game against Red Oak while Brett Erickson tries to make it to base safely. Fuller had three put outs and an assist. (Charmla Carpenter)

RED OAK — Despite being tied 3-3 after one and being down 6-3 after two innings, the Panthers won 12-6 on Friday for their 23rd consecutive win in their series with Red Oak.

“It feels good to be 1-0 in the conference,” head coach Brandon Phipps said. “The league standings is a huge focus of ours and we understand that in league play we have to come ready each and every night.”

Sophomore pitcher Cael Turner replaced Kyle Strider, and, with 4 2/3 innings of play, Turner hurled 88 balls and struck out 10 Tigers.

Avery Fuller, in three at bats, drove in three runs and had a run of his own. Junior centerfielder Gannon Greenwalt earned three runs and had a trio of runs batted in.

“Cael Turner did an outstanding job on the mound,” Phipps said. “Fuller and Greenwalt, our three and four spot hitters, were able to come through for a few huge RBI moments.”

With Harlan coming to Creston tonight, coach Phipps is proud of how his team is coming along in regards to discipline at the plate five games into the season.

“I thought as a team we have progressed in the right direction at the plate,” Phipps said. “You can tell our guys are feeling much better at the plate and we will continue to keep battle one pitch at a time offensively and defensively.”

The Cyclones lead the series 22-1 since June 2009.

Creston’s lone victory since then was 5-2 on June 5, 2014.

Phipps had three at bats and had one of Creston’s six hits and earned one run.

Before that victory, Creston’s last victory over Harlan was in the 2007 substate final.