Port baseball team hits rough patch early

It took all of one week of the season for the Port Washington High School baseball team to stretch its pitching staff.

The Pirates played five games in four days last week, going 1-4.

The highlight was an 11-4 win over New Berlin Eisenhower on Thursday.

On May 23, Port lost at Hartford, 5-0. Last Friday, they lost to Nicolet, 14-3.

On Saturday, Port lost to Pewaukee, 17-1, and Brookfield Central, 12-0, in Rockford, Ill. Both opponents are ranked in the state’s top 10, and “we were low on pitching to begin with,” coach C.J. Koehler said.

Last year’s top hurlers, Zach Uselding and Noah Prom, return to lead the Pirates on the mound again.

Prom threw three innings and got the victory against Eisenhower.

Junior Beau Fleischmann pitched the season opener and helped keep in check powerful Hartford, which is finishing its season since it plays in spring.

Koehler said senior Ryan Umhoefer will get some starts as well.

Senior Nolan Large, the top arm out of the bullpen, had to start against Brookfield Central, given the onslaught of games to begin the season.

“He threw really well. He throws a lot of strikes for us. When he comes into the game, the other team is going to have to put the ball in play,” Koehler said.

Nolan Mueller and Lukas Burke will also see time on the mound.

“Our numbers are deep with the pitchers. We’ve just got to develop some guys a little more,” Koehler said.

Senior Michael Murphy is back behind the plate and is already off to a hot start while holding a bat.

“He’s really swinging well. He’s locked in at the plate, which is good to see,” Koehler said.
Uselding will play shortstop.

“He’s one of our top leaders and players. We’re going to look for him to do a lot for us this year,” Koehler said of Uselding.

Nolan Large will play second and fill in at shortstop when Uselding is pitching.

Mueller and sophomore Rob Ross started playing third base last week.

Senior Derek Mueller will play first base and is off to a hot start.

“Like Murphy, he looks really good at the plate right now. He’s given us a lot of quality at-bats,” Koehler said.

Junior Marcus Schmit will patrol center field, moving over from right field last year.

“He looks really good out there,” Koehler said.

In left, sophomore Eli Buzcek has been running balls down, and freshman Joe Yandry will see time.

Senior Daniel Barney will play right field.

“He’s going to get every ball he can for us,” Koehler said.

The Pirates will host West Bend West at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, play at Kewaskum at 5:30 p.m. Friday and host New Holstein at 1 p.m. Saturday.

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