The Pardeeville American Legion Baseball squad came out swinging in its doubleheader with Columbus on Sunday afternoon, but was unable to manufacture much offense, falling 7-0 in the opener and then dropping the nightcap, 9-2.

In the first game, Pardeeville batters made 11 outs swinging at first pitches, as the Columbus pitcher needed just 58 pitches to get through seven innings of three-hit ball.

"Not being patient to wait for their pitch to hit hurt us and helped Columbus," said Pardeeville head coach Scott Merwin. "Their pitcher only threw 58 pitches for the whole game. In a doubleheader, pitching is vital, and with only throwing that many really helps them."

In the second game, Pardeeville out hit Columbus 5-3, but six Pardeeville errors proved to be costly as Columbus earned the sweep. Behind the plate, Pardeeville used a pair of freshman catchers who had not played the catcher position at all during the spring high school season. While Columbus took advantage by advancing on stolen bases and passed ball, Merwin was happy with the effort he got from his rookie catchers.

"They learned a lot Sunday and gave great effort and didn't get down. That's a good sign of their mental toughness," Merwin said. "We can build on that."

GAME ONE

COLUMBUS 7, PARDEEVILLE 0

Columbus ................001 102 3 - 7 8 0

Pardeeville .............000 000 0 - 0 3 2

Pitchers - Weihert (L), Merwin (6); Fagerburg (W). SO leaders - Weihert 4; Fagerburg 5.

Leading hitters - Andler (C) 2x3. 2B - Kath (P), Schey (C). 3B - Willborn (C).

GAME TWO

COLUMBUS 9, PARDEEVILLE 2

Pardeeville .............101 000 0 - 2 5 6

Columbus ................210 033 X - 9 3 4

Pitchers - Schmidt (L), Kath (4), Niesen (5); Washtock (W). SO leaders - Schmidt 4, Washtock 2.

Leading hitters - Weihert (P) 2x3. 3B - Washtock (C).