ALL-COUNTY BASEBALL: Kendall, Wood take home top awards

Friday, July 28, 2017
Jackson Kendall fields a bunt during sectional action at South Vermillion. He was the Putnam County Pitcher of the Year.
Banner Graphic/JOEY BENNETT

North Putnam’s Jackson Kendall and Dylan Wood of South Putnam were honored as the Pitcher and Player of the Year for Putnam County in 2017.

Kendall had a deceiving 2-1 record on the mound for the county champion Cougars this spring with a 1.02 ERA in 34.1 innings pitched.

Kendall, who will play at Division III Trine University in northeastern Indiana next year, He struck out 44 batters and walked just 11.

South Putnam's Dylan Wood was the Putnam County Player of the Year.
Banner Graphic/JOEY BENNETT

“Jack was the most solid performer we had,” Cougar coach Brian Jeter said. “He did not have a bad outing all year and has progressively been better every year. Coach [Greg] Perschke is anxious to get him onto campus and have him start working out to continually improve his ability to throw.

“He was also our most powerful asset at the plate and came through all season when we needed him most. “

Kendall hit .200 with a key homer in a near upset of eventual champ Southmont at the South Vermillion Sectional, and added two triples, two doubles, 12 RBI and seven runs scored.

Wood, who will play collegiately at NAIA Campbellsville University in Kentucky, served as a pitcher and shortstop for the Eagles this season.

He batted .345 with two home runs, two triples, seven doubles, 13 RBI and 24 runs scored. Wood also had 25 stolen bases.

As a pitcher, Wood had a 1-5 record with a 5.38 ERA in 41.2 innings. He struck out 52 batters and walked 23.

“Dylan Wood is an exceptionally talented baseball player and an exemplary young man who is well deserving of this honor,” South Putnam coach Brady Rhodes said. “Dylan’s plate discipline, surprising power and ability to see the ball out of the pitcher’s hand make him a threat to hit the ball every time he is at the plate and then he is an absolute terror for opposing teams on the base paths.”

Rhodes noted that Wood frequently got on base and then steal both second and third base during the next at bat.

“In addition to his offensive skill set, Dylan was our ace on the mound this season and starting shortstop when he wasn’t pitching,” Rhodes added. “He performed with equal excellence in those roles making some defensive plays and throws that were truly astonishing for a man of his age. I wish Dylan all the best and know he is going to have a phenomenal career playing at Campbellsville University.

Twelve additional players, three from each school, received all-county honors.

Seven of those players were underclassmen, offering Putnam County teams optimism for next season.

Cloverdale

Parker Watts, So. — Batted .312 with one triple, six doubles and 20 runs scored. Also walked 22 times and stole 37 bases in 40 attempts.

Jarron Rossok, So. — Led the team in innings pitched with 49.1, recording a 2-6 record and a 3.69 ERA. Had 27 strikeouts and 18 walks.

Nick Winders, Jr. — Batted .322 with one double and 12 runs scored. Stole nine bases in 10 attempts. Had a 2-3 pitching record with a 4.07 ERA in 22.1 innings. Had 21 strikeouts and nine walks.

Greencastle

Jackie Scanland, Sr. — Batted .295 with one triple, two doubles, 11 RBI and 10 runs scored.

On the mound, had a 1-1 record with a 6.87 ERA in 34.2 innings. Struck out 48 batters and walked 25.

Nick Costin, Sr. — Batted .230 with five doubles, eight RBI and 14 runs scored.

Gus Manion, Jr. — Batted .158 with two triples, one double, 11 RBI and seven runs scored.

Had a 2-0 pitching record and a 6.50 ERA in 14 innings of work.

Struck out 19 batters and walked 21.

North Putnam

Max Haste, Sr. — Batted .269 with one home run, three doubles, three RBI and 13 runs scored from the leadoff position.

Duke Duff, Sr. — Batted .250 with one triple, four doubles, eight RBI and 13 runs scored. Also stole five bases.

As a pitcher, Duff compiled an 0-2 record with a 3.74 ERA in 24.1 innings pitched.

He struck out 20 batters and walked just four.

Hayden Rudes, Jr. — Batted .203 with one double, six RBI and seven runs scored.

Also had four stolen bases.

Pitched in four games with a 2.10 ERA in 6.2 innings.

South Putnam

Lance Bush, Fr. — Batted team-leading .400 with two home runs, one triple, five doubles, 10 RBI and 12 runs scored.

Kody Britton, Sr. — Batted .235 with three doubles, 12 RBI and six runs scored.

Had a 3-1 pitching record with a 2.62 ERA in 16 innings pitched. Struck out 17 batters and walked 19 .

Hunter Croan, Jr. — Batted .240 with three doubles, two RBI and seven runs scored.

Had a 3-2 pitching record with a 7.53 ERA in 17.2 innings. Walked 21 batters and struck out 15.

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  • So proud of our Eagle Dylan. Will miss you greatly next year. Enjoy this one last Putnam County honor and now go on to Campbelsville and make a name for yourself there.

    -- Posted by lduggan69 on Sat, Jul 29, 2017, at 12:14 AM
  • Wow… Those are some really outstanding numbers! Look at some of those batting averages. Looks like Putnam County is a hot bed of baseball talent. How could some of these guys even be nominated?

    -- Posted by Javabeans on Sat, Jul 29, 2017, at 9:37 PM
  • Congratulations to Dylan Wood. He had a good case for winning it last year. Also, congratulations to Jack Kendall.

    -- Posted by Javabeans on Sat, Jul 29, 2017, at 9:53 PM
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