Cougars cripple Eagles in five-inning win

North Putnam junior Jordan Nauert takes aim at a pitch during the fourth inning against South Putnam on Monday.

ROACHDALE -- North Putnam senior Kyler Badten struck out nine batters in a complete game win over visiting South Putnam on Monday, 11-0 in five innings.

The Cougars (7-1-1, 4-0 WCC) had an eight-run second inning to help put the game away.

Junior Jordan Nauert was 2-for-3 with a two RBIs for NPHS and senior Michael Herrmann's two-run home run in the fourth inning gave the Cougars the insurance they needed to end the game in five innings.

Kaleb Belcher had two RBIs.

Badten (2-0) allowed just two hits on Monday and now has a 1.94 ERA and a 27-to-7 strikeout-to-walk ratio for the season.

Senior Nick Scott got the start for the Eagles, lasting 1.2 innings. He struck out two and walked five.

The Eagles (2-8, 2-5) were led at the plate by seniors Aaron Parker and Justin Bumgarder, who each doubled.

North Putnam opened the scoring in the first inning when three batters walked to load the bases, then Belcher hit a sacrifice fly to score leadoff hitter Brody Perrine.

SPHS is scheduled to wrap up its West Central Conference schedule on Wednesday when it hosts a rematch with North Putnam at 5 p.m.

The game was postponed from Tuesday due to rain.

North Putnam senior Kyler Badten dives back safely to first under the tag of Jacob Schroer after a snap throw to first from catcher Tyler Long. Badten threw a complete game, two-hit shutout. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

At North Putnam
South Putnam............000 00 -- 0 2 2
North Putnam............180 2X -- 11 9 0