John-Paul Sauer, Catfish brings Bees to their knees in bounce back win

Catfish pitcher John-Paul Sauer throws against the Bees on Tuesday, June 25, at Capaha Field.

Tony Capobianco ~ tcapobianco@semoball.com

A local star saved his best for last.

Jackson graduate John-Paul Sauer allowed one run on two hits with two strikeouts in 6.2 innings to lead the Cape Catfish to an 11-4 victory over the Burlington Bees at Capaha Field on Tuesday, June 25. 

It was Sauer's third and final start with the Catfish this summer, as he will make an early entrance to Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“Forgive the pun but he has bigger fish to fry down there," Catfish manager Phil Butler said. "He has been electric every time out and tonight was no different.”

The Catfish gained momentum in the third inning, as J.J. Williams hit a two-run home run, his first of the summer, to highlight a five-run rally. This is just what the team needed to get themselves in the groove throughout the game.

“He’s coming in and has been a solid force in our lineup and to have him do that kind of thing and lead the charge was a big deal," Butler said. "Plus sometimes the guys that hit home runs need to just see one go over the fence.”

Jackson alum Steven Schneider also hit a home run to rally the Catfish in the fourth inning, which increased their lead to 8-0. Schneider has been getting back into the Catfish season after a few weeks on the bench according to Butler. Before the season he redshirted his freshman year of college, giving him the gap year between seasons.

“We had to sit him down for a while because he was struggling," Butler said. "I think most of it was just mental, the college speed game catching up to him a bit. But ever since we have started putting him back in the mix he’s been really good and we know he can play defense and his offense is coming around.”

Once the calendar turns from June to July next week, the second half of the Prospect League season will begin, giving all teams another chance to clinch a spot in the playoffs. The division winner of both the first and second half of the season will face off for the division title in the playoffs in August.

"I would love to be 0-0 right now," Butler said. "This team has the chance to be something special. All we have to do is win the division in the second half and we'll roll into the playoffs. Hopefully, that means we're hot."

After bringing the Bees to their knees, the Catfish (11-13) will host the Full Count Rhythm, who are sitting at 9-14 (.391) and eighth in the Eastern Conference standings.