Aggressive approach keys Basic win over Liberty

After watching his team score only 28 runs in a 2-5 start, Basic baseball coach Jeff Bondurant wanted to see his players change their approach at the plate.

He believed the Wolves had been waiting too patiently for a perfect pitch to hit while falling behind in the count.

On Wednesday, Basic made the adjustment for a season-high 13 hits on the way to a 12-5 Southeast League win over visiting Liberty.

“We came out and actually swung the bat on our first pitch instead of waiting to get behind in the count,” Bondurant said. “Instead of swinging at bad pitches, we were actually swinging at good pitches.”

Basic (3-5, 1-1) used a six-run third inning to climb out of a 4-2 deficit. The Wolves sent 10 batters to the plate in the third.

“Normally, we haven’t been that aggressive,” said Basic second baseman Mike Feher, who was 2-for-4 with a double and four RBIs. “We came out, the pitcher was leaving the ball over the plate, and everybody was being aggressive.”

Called up from the junior varsity team because of injuries to the Wolves’ roster, Basic left fielder Matt Dimbinski went 3-for-4 with an RBI double. Cody Clark was 2-for-4.

Basic starter Jacob Barr threw five innings to gain the win, allowing four runs on five hits and one walk with five strikeouts.

The win meant the Wolves avoided an 0-2 start in a rugged league that features three of last year’s four Class 4A Sunrise Region semifinalists — including Basic.

“It feels good to get one off our chest and get some confidence,” Feher said. “If you fall behind and lose three or four straight, you basically have no chance.”

Anthony Rush was 3-for-3 with two RBIs, a run and a stolen base to lead Liberty (5-4, 0-2). Seth Wieman was 2-for-3 with two doubles and two runs.

“I just don’t think we came to play,” Patriots coach Nick Didier said. “This is our second game in conference now and the second time we’ve come out flat. Our pitchers didn’t work ahead, and our hitters didn’t battle with two strikes.”