Mounties finding their hitting stroke

Rogers High may have found its groove at the perfect time. The Mounties have won seven consecutive games and climbed into sole possession of second place in the 6A-West Conference. Rogers (13-7, 7-3 6A-West) went through some offensive struggles earlier this season, but patience has paid off, Mounties coach Matt Melson said. "We had guys trying to get everything back with one swing whether it was a big swing or chasing pitches," Melson said. "Guys are trusting each other a little more. Patient at-bats and a good approach at the plate have been keys for us." Will Lawing is one player who swung the bat well in some junior varsity games and made the most of his opportunities at the varsity level. The junior helped get a lagging offense going a couple of weeks ago after the Mounties scored just one run in a four-game losing streak. "He's provided a spark," Melson said. "You always look for a guy who gets the opportunity to step up and makes the most of it, and he's done that." Pitcher Marc Sussman is another who has helped out. The junior left-hander slotted in as a conference starter while senior McKayden Templeton has been sidelined with a sore arm and he's done well. "McKayden's been our bell cow for four years," Melson said. "Marc's been a guy who's kinda saved us. He'll throw strikes, and he gets ahead of hitters early." Templeton has stayed in the lineup as a designated hitter, but he could return to the mound as early as next week, Melson said. That could be another shot in the arm for the Mounties as they come down the stretch with just four league games left before the state tournament. Rogers takes on defending state champion Springdale Har-Ber next week, before facing crosstown rival Rogers Heritage to finish league play.

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MOUNTIES FINDING THEIR HITTING STROKE

PAUL BOYD

Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette | 4/19/2019

PHOTO CREDIT: Charlie Kaijo