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Division 3 Team Of The Week: 6th Edition - Kalamazoo Christian

KALAMAZOO - Three wins over state-ranked teams highlighted the week for Kalamazoo Christian, the Prep Baseball Division 3 Team of the Week.

“Our pitching from top to bottom has been really good,” explained head coach Jim Deters, whose staff has a team ERA of 1.67.

After blanking Buchanan 10-0 and 12-0 on Monday, the Comets swept D-3 15th-rated Schoolcraft 3-1 and 6-1 on Tuesday. Then on Saturday, Kalamazoo Christian edged D-3 fifth-ranked Watervliet 6-5 before coming back for a 6-3 triumph over Galesburg to improve to 23-4 on the campaign.

Junior catcher Reed Jonkman hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth to break a 1-1 deadlock in the 3-1 win over Schoolcraft before following up with a home run in the nightcap.

“That was a huge moment for the team and for him individually,” noted Deters about the game-winning blast in the opener.

But it has been that kind of season for the Comets, with Deters pointing to a pair of big moments earlier in the year that stand out. Junior left-hander Ryan Rohrer fanned 17 and walked just one in a 3-0 win over Parchment and junior infielder Carter Manion hit a single up the middle with two outs in the top of the seventh versus Constantine to tie the game at 3-3, a contest KC went on to win 6-3 in eight innings.

“I was really interested in seeing how we would come out and play at the beginning of the year,” reflected Deters. “I knew we had depth but we don’t have a single senior on the roster. We played 11 sophomores and freshmen last year so we had experience, but not in the same roles that they were going to be asked to fill this year. What has stood out to me the most is their belief that they can win close ball games. There isn’t anybody panicking. Also, the guys just love playing baseball.”

Four juniors have been a huge part of the offense, with Patrick Vance batting .415 with seven doubles, 24 RBIs and 19 runs scored and Kaeden Rarick hitting .406 with 17 RBIs and 26 runs. JJ Cochran carries a .357 average with 25 RBIs and 18 runs while Manion is at .317, scoring 20 runs and driving home 19.

But it is on the mound where things have been even better according to Deters.

Mario Moralez and Manion are both 6-0, while Rohrer is 3-0 and sophomore Jackson Herder 4-1. Moralez has a 0.23 ERA, fanning 44 in 30 innings, Manion is at 0.45 with 33 Ks in 31 frames, Rohrer’s ERA is at 1.02 with 44 strikeouts in 27.1 innings and Herder has a 1.38 ERA with 15 Ks in 25.1 frames.

“Our pitching and defense has been the anchor,” Deters said. “I think we are a better defensive team than I thought coming into the season.”

The strong pitching and stellar D has helped bring a Southwest Athletic Conference Valley Division championship to the Comets this season with a 10-0 record

“The keys to continuing success are not looking ahead and playing the game in front of us,” Deters noted. “I think we need to enjoy each game and each moment and not try to do too much in each at-bat. We have depth through the lineup and on the mound and we need to trust that our teammates will get the job done when called upon.”

A big doubleheader is on tap tonight against Watervliet for Deters and company, currently rated third in the state in Division 3.

“We are playing good baseball, having fun and enjoying each other.” Deters concluded. “I couldn’t ask for better people as a coach. I'm excited to see how we finish the year and then we get everybody back and get to do it again next year. We are going to enjoy the ride.”

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