After dropping an Eastern Valley Conference doubleheader to Freedom, Waupaca’s baseball team needed a boost.
Johnny Popham turned out to be that boost, as the sophomore struck out 14 batters, scattered three hits and drove in three runs for the Comets April 21 in an 8-0 win over Clintonville.
Waupaca 8, Clintonville 0
Clintonville found itself in an early hole, as the Comets came up with two runs in the bottom of the first inning. However, Waupaca didn’t score again until adding a run in the fourth and five more in the fifth.
Zander Neuville and Alex Grall each had three of Waupaca’s 10 hits, while Popham chipped in with two.
The two teams met again April 22 in Clintonville.
Freedom 4, Waupaca 2
Freedom 7, Waupaca 3 (6 inn.)
The Irish improved to 4-0 in EVC play April 17 by taking a pair from the Comets in Waupaca.
Kyle Biese hit a two-run home run for Freedom in the opener to erase a 1-0 deficit.
Waupaca scored in the first and fourth innings, but Freedom came up with two runs in the fourth and two more in the sixth.
Popham had two of Waupaca’s five hits.
Freedom took an early 2-0 lead in the second game with a pair of runs in the first. Waupaca tied the contest with a run in the second and fifth, but the Irish sealed the win with five runs in the bottom of the fifth. Waupaca came up with a run in the sixth before the game was called due to darkness.
Nate Nelson took the loss on the mound for Waupaca, as the Irish outhit the Comets 5-3.
Waupaca will host Stevens Point Thursday, April 24, and Weyauwega-Fremont Tuesday, April 29, for a pair of nonconference games. First pitch for both games is slated for 4:30 p.m.