New London wins big in season opener

WEST BURLINGTON — The fourth rated New London Tigers baseball team rolled to 15-1 victory over West Burlington on Monday night to open its season.

Despite the 15 runs scored by the Tigers, they only tallied six hits in the game.

“You’re always in for a game down here,” New London head coach Brad Helmerson said. “Their always gonna give it to you. I’m happy with the way we came out.”

West Burlington was shaky on the mound.

Thanks to nine walks, six hit by pitch’s and a plethora of wild pitches, the Tigers cruised to victory.

Defensively, the Tigers shined.

Dereck Santiago opened the game for New London and did what he needed to do.

Santiago pitched three innings, struck out five batters, while giving up just one hit and two walks.

Brenden Richey and Kooper Schulte each threw for an inning. Richey struck out one and Schulte closed with three straight strikeouts.

“Right now we’re feeling pretty good,” senior Kooper Schulte said. “We got the first win of the year so far. We were missing some key guys from practice early, but they came in Friday night and we got the right mindset right now.”

The Tiger’s infield and outfield was pretty stout as well, accumulating just one error.

Seth Bailey, Camden Kasel and Santiago all had two RBI’s in the game, with Santiago’s two coming from a two-run homer at the end of the game.

Tucker Gibbar also drove in one run.

New London opens the season at 1-0 and will take on Mediapolis (1-0) on the road Wednesday.