Fossler propels Seniors to win

A strong pitching performance by starter Dane Fossler helped propel the Beatrice American Legion Seniors to a victory over visiting Nebraska City.

Beatrice defeated Nebraska City, 4-0, Tuesday night at Christenson Field.

“Pitching-wise, Dane did a really nice job,” Beatrice coach Paul Valentine said. “He threw really well.”

Valentine said Fossler only threw about 80 pitches in seven innings, showing a good command from the mound.

Fossler did a good job of working ahead of hitters in the game, Valentine said.

“We talked about being aggressive and throwing a lot of strikes,” Valentine said. “We wanted to throw a lot of fastballs and then mixed it up once we got through the line-up.”

In earning the shutout win, Fossler struck out eight.

The Beatrice defense did a good job of supporting Fossler, Valentine said, making plays when it had the opportunity.

Offensively, Valentine said Beatrice's players are hitting the ball well.

“We're hitting the ball well, but we're still hitting a lot of balls right at them (the opponents),” Valentine said. “We were just a couple hits away from opening up the game.”

Valentine said the team has hit well in all three of its games so far this season.

Andrew Haake provided the big bat offensively for Beatrice. He finished 2-for-2 with two doubles.

“Andrew hit the ball really well,” Valentine said.

Valentine said Haake can “hit for power,” but also does a nice job of just putting the ball in play.

Beatrice scored its first run in the third inning.

Ryan Stevens hit a one-out single, advanced to second on an errant pickoff attempt and took third on a groundout by Fossler.

After Hartman took first after being hit by a pitch, Stevens scored as Nebraska City tried unsuccessfully to throw out Hartman stealing second.

In the fourth inning, Beatrice scored a pair of runs.

Busboom led off with a single.

Matt Benson, in to run for Busboom, stole second.

After back-to-back walks to Brent Menke and Stevens, both Benson and Menke scored on a double by Fossler.

In the fifth inning, Haake doubled and scored on a single by Jackson.

Hitting for Beatrice in the game, aside from Haake, was Fossler with a double and Stevens, Busboom and Jackson with a single each.

Beatrice's Seniors opened their season last Friday night by splitting a twinbill at Hastings.

In the opener, Beatrice lost 7-6.

Busboom took the loss, allowing five hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out 10.

Diekman threw in relief of Busboom, allowing two hits.

Offensively, Beatrice had four players with two hits each.

Haake and Jackson each had a triple and single, while Fossler and Busboom had two singles each.

Also hitting for Beatrice was Stevens with a double.

In the nightcap, Jackson threw a complete-game 6-1 win for Beatrice.

Jackson allowed one run on two hits and four walks, while striking out eight.

Haake led the attack at the plate with three singles, while Fossler added two singles.

Hartman had a double and Jackson and Busboom each singled.

Next action for the Beatrice Seniors, 2-1, will be tonight (Wednesday) at Seward.