West Allis NATIONALS Baseball

The West Allis Nationals had two opportunties late Saturday to steal game two and sweep the Sheboygan A's, but came up short, settling for a split at Wildwood Park in Sheboyan.

The Nats took game one due in large part to the mound work of Curt Pryal.   Pryal scattered 7 hits and walked none in shutting out the A's 2-0.

Pryal's efforts were backed by the offense of Andy Kovarik.  Kovarik singled home Brian Huntzinger in the first and hit a solo homer in the third to provide the offense.   Matt Richer also offered up two hits.

The Nats fell behind early in the nightcap with the A's scoring twice in the second inning on an RBI triple by Taylor Schwartz and an RBI single by Justin Hunt.   The Nationals, the home team for game 2, responded with a run of their own in that frame.  Mike Merritt led off with a double and scored on a ground out by Nate Martin.

The A's added another tally in the third and their starter, West Allis native Dillion Engle settled in.   Engle went 5 strong innings before being lifted in the sixth when the Nats mounted their first of two late game rallies.  Colby Gee led off the frame with a double and moved to third on a single by Mike Merrit.   Gee scored when Nate Martin reached on a fielder's choice to bring the score back to 3-2.   However, after a Josh Jesko single loaded the bases with none out, the A's reliever locked in to induce a pop to short and two strikeouts.

The Nats had a final opportunity in the bottom of the seventh.   Andy Kovarik reached on an error with one out and Colby Gee followed with a single.   Unfortunately both were left stranded as the A's reliever again locked in to strike out the final two batters of the game.

Next up are the Racine Kiwanis on Tuesday night.  The road tested Nationals will finally play host at Zirkel Field in West Allis.   First pitch is set for 7:30pm.