Lincoln, NE – The Post 22 Hardhats 2025 faced a formidable challenge on Friday, succumbing to a 15-4 defeat against the Lincoln East Varsity Spartans at 7400 Western Ave. The Spartans, fresh off a state high school championship, showcased their strength early and often, leaving the Hardhats scrambling to keep pace.
Lincoln East wasted no time asserting their dominance, jumping out to an early lead in the top of the first inning. Brodie McIntire drew a walk to score the first run, followed by Joey Senstock’s single, which brought in two more, giving the Spartans a quick advantage.
The Spartans continued to extend their lead in the second inning. Carter McPeak grounded into a fielder’s choice to score a run, and Carter Harmes doubled to center field, adding another to their tally.
The third inning proved to be a pivotal one for Lincoln East, as they exploded for five runs on just three hits. McPeak delivered a crucial single, driving in three runs, an error allowed another run to cross the plate, and Senstock capped off the rally with another RBI single, widening the gap significantly.
Jack Ohler was credited with the win for Lincoln East Varsity Spartans, pitching five innings, allowing seven hits and four runs (three earned) while striking out five and walking four. For Post 22, Ryan Neugebauer took the loss, exiting the game after just two-thirds of an inning, having given up three runs on no hits, with two strikeouts and four walks.
“Lincoln East won the state high school championship. So they’re very good ball club,” commented Post 22 Head Coach Kelvin Tore. He elaborated on the early struggles, “Ryan Neugebauer, who was pretty much our number one had back spasms in the first inning. And we had to take him out after the first. And we just didn’t we just didn’t really get it done on the mound after that. Struggled with the strike zone all day. Walked way too many guys, hit too many guys.”
Despite the challenging outing on the mound, the Hardhats showed some fight at the plate. Aiden Roberts and Kain McLeod each collected two hits, with Dexter Steen and McLeod each driving in one run for Post 22.
Lincoln East’s offense was powered by Joey Senstock, who led all hitters with three runs batted in on two hits. Lewis Cockle was also a force at the top of the lineup, going 3-for-4. The Spartans demonstrated excellent plate discipline, drawing a remarkable 14 walks. Senstock, McIntire, and Cockle were threats on the basepaths, each swiping multiple bases as Lincoln East collectively stole 10 bases and turned one double play.
Coach Tore acknowledged his team’s offensive effort amidst the struggles, “We did compete at the plate, which was encouraging, but we just couldn’t keep up with all the free bases we were giving up. The one good thing is we did compete to the end. Even though we got hammered, we did compete to the end. And so that’s a good portent.”
Post 22 Hardhats 2025 will look to bounce back in their next game, scheduled for Saturday against the Millard North Varsity Mustangs.
