Sidney Juniors toss Morrill in home opener

Sidney's Legion junior baseball team played its home opener Wednesday night with indications of what it is capable of accomplishing.

Sidney jumped on Morrill with three runs in the bottom of the first inning, adding five more in the second on the way to a 12-4 win.

The outing was the second for the Juniors, who started the season Tuesday with a rain-shortened game against Gordon. The teams got in three and one-half innings before storms halted play with Sidney up 12-4.

So far, quick starts are one of Sidney's strengths and coaches are pleased with what they see.

"Tonight was awesome," team members were told by coach Caleb Sutton in a post-game team meeting. "You scored early and you played good defense."

As he addressed players, Head Coach Ray Witt said, "We've got the first two games done, and we know we'll see better games.

"Keep swinging the bat like you are and we'll be alright."

Interviewed after meeting with players, Witt said the quick starts will be important as the young Sidney team moves into the season.

Sidney fields just 13 players, and Witt said because of their youth the squad will depend heavily on pitching, where most of the team's experience lies.

Zach Means will carry a lot of the load, with teammate Arick Doty providing another experienced arm to anchor the Sidney rotation.

Witt said Sidney's defense has been solid and the things coaches saw in the first two games are minor.

"Overall, they've done a great job," Witt said. "We just need to keep working on the little things and we'll be okay."

Sidney's next outing will be participation in the Gering Senior Tournament this Friday and Saturday.

They return home for games against Gering and Hershey on June 1 and 2, respectively.