05-03-2018 Tri-City Area Sports

Coloma softball continues hot streak with two more wins

Coloma faced Vicksburg Monday, April 23 and notched two more “W”s in the Comet win column.

In the first of two games, Coloma topped Vicksburg 5-3. Skylar Crisenbery pitched for Coloma and tallied her fifth win of the season. Crisenbery allowed three runs on 10 hits.

Coloma had a shutout in hand as they led 5-0 for much of the game. Vicksburg scored their only runs of the game in the seventh inning and fell short of overtaking the Comets.

Megan Koenigshof led Coloma at the plate. She belted a triple and two singles and scored three RBIs. Megan Neubecker stroked a double and single.

KNUCKLE DOWN FROM THE MOUND… Hartford pitcher Garrod Johnson releases the ball to catcher Colby Thornton Thursday in the first of two games against Marcellus. The Indians won both cards of the double header, 16-6 and 10-4. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)

Col   0 2 0 | 3 0 0 | 0     5   11  0

Vic   0 0 0 | 0 0 0 | 3     3   10  3

In the late game, Jaidyn Hutsell took the mound for Coloma. She also picked up her fifth win of the season, as the Comets remained undefeated following the 3-2 win.

Koenigshof was the top Comet hitter; she tallied three singles.

Col   0 3 0 | 0 0 0 | 0   3   8   2

Vic   0 0 0 | 0 1 0 | 1   2   7   1

Strong Indian effort caps off Cass loss

The Hartford varsity soccer squad was a force with which to be reckoned Monday, April 23, as the Indians welcomed Cassopolis to town.

Hartford shut out Cassopolis 7-0 on both a strong offensive and defensive effort.

Hartford scored four goals in the first half and finished with three in the second half.

Abigail Lopez  led the Indians as she kicked three goals and was credited with two assists. Mercedes Requenes and Olivia Ziemer both had two goals and one assist.

Michelle Parra recorded one assist.

Mary Pultz continued to shine in the net; the Hartford keeper recorded her third clean sheet of the season and saved six shots on goal.

Comets split doubleheader with Niles

Coloma baseball took on Niles Monday, April 23 and split the doubleheader. The Comets earned the game one victory, while Niles picked up game two.

AIR BALL… Hartford’s Olivia Ziemer catches some air as she maneuvers the ball away from her opponents Thursday in the Indians’ game against Dowagiac. Ziemer was credited with an assist in the 4-1 win. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)

In the first go-round, Coloma outhit Niles to take the 8-3 victory.

Calvin Starnes put the Comets in the driver’s seat with a single, double, and two RBIs.  Nathan Wilder scored two runs and hit a single.  Ethan Price tallied two singles.

Hunter Crist led Coloma from the mound. He pitched four innings and earned his third win (3-2).  He allowed three runs on three hits; he struck out three and walked one.

Starnes earned his first save of the season. He pitched three innings and allowed just one hit. He struck out seven.

Col   0 0 3 | 1 1 3 | 0     8   7   0

Nil    1 2 0 | 0 0 0 | 0     3   4   1

In the second outing, Niles opened the game with a four-run first inning to take command of the game.  They would go on to blank the Comets, 6-0. Niles held Coloma to just one hit.

Taking the mound for Coloma was Tyler Streu. He took the loss and is now 1-2 on the season.  He pitched three innings and allowed four runs on three hits. Streu struck out two.

Kenyon Boyd pitched two innings for Coloma. He allowed two runs on three hits. He struck out three.

Coloma is now 6-6 overall but remains undefeated in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The Comets are 4-0 in the Lakeshore Division.

Col   0 0 0 | 0 0             0   1   2

Nil    4 0 0 | 0 2             6   6   1

“1” WAY TO BLOCK… Coloma’s Katelyn Johnson attempts to block a first half Kalamazoo Christian shot last Tuesday, April 24. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)

Panthers track compete at Kalamazoo Hackett

The Watervliet boys’ track team came up short against Gobles Wednesday, April 25. The squad trailed Gobles 84-48.

Finishing in first place for the Panthers were LA Smith (long jump and 200 meters) and Don Smith (100 meters and 400 meters).

Also taking first place was the 4×200 meter relay team, comprised of Jermaine Granados, Trent Boone, Diego Martinez, and Don Smith.

Hackett sends Coloma baseball reeling

Coloma baseball suffered a 10-run loss to Kalamazoo Hackett.

Although Coloma opened the game with a three-run first inning, the Comets were held to that score for the remainder of the game.

Kalamazoo, meanwhile, kept piling on the runs to take the 13-3 victory.

Calvin Starnes started the game for Coloma. He pitched four innings and allowed six runs on seven hits. He struck out three and walked five.

Nick Eastman came into the game for two innings for the Comets. He allowed two runs on three hits. Robbie Schroeder finished off the pitching duties. His one inning of work resulted in five runs on two hits.

Schroeder led Coloma at home plate. He hit a single and scored two runs.  Ethan Price batted two singles.

Kzo   0 5 0 | 0 1 2 | 5   13   12   1

Col    3 0 0 | 0 0 0 | 0     3     3   4

EYE BALL… Hartford’s Jaelyne Galvan watches a high pitch travel by Thursday in the third inning of game one action against visiting Marcellus. Galvan was walked on the play and would go on to score. Hartford lost 11-9. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)

In the late game, Coloma lost 9-4, as the Comets trailed early and couldn’t mount much of a rally.

Kalamazoo had 12 hits in the game.

Hunter Crist got the call for Coloma. He pitched four innings and allowed nine runs on 12 hits. He struck out two and walked one.

Kenyon Boyd came on for the fifth inning. He struck out one and walked one.

Crist scored three runs for Coloma; he hit a single and double.  Robbie Schroeder also stroked a double.

Coloma fell to 6-8 overall, however they remain undefeated in the SAC – Lakeshore Division with a 4-0 record.

Col    0 1 2 | 0 1 0         4   7   3

Kzo   1 4 4 | 0 0 x         9   12  1

Hartford softball battles into the ninth inning but falls short of victory

Hartford played a heck of a game one Monday, April 23 against Mendon. It took nine innings, but Hartford fell one run short in an epic game.

Hartford trailed 3-2 after the first inning. The Indians claimed the lead in the second inning after they scored four runs.

Mendon added five runs in the fifth to take an 8-6 lead. Hartford responded with two runs in the sixth and seventh and would move into a 10-10 tie.

Both teams scored five runs in the eighth to remain tied at 15-15. Mendon outscored Hartford 5-4 in the final inning of the game to take the win.

Megan Nelson led Hartford on offense with four hits.

Pitching for Hartford was Lainey Goodson; she struck out five batters.

Har   2 4 0 | 0 0 2 | 2 5 4   19

Men  3 0 0 | 0 5 1 | 1 5 5   20

The second game was called before the fifth inning was complete. Hartford led 7-4, but the balance of the game will be rescheduled.

Watervliet baseball pitches to perfection against River Valley

Watervliet pitchers Garrett Matthews and Bryant Kieft took the rubber for Watervliet Monday, April 23 in the first of two games against visiting River Valley. The duo held the Mustangs to just two hits.

While the pitching cooled off River Valley, the Watervliet bats were hot.  Matthews hit a double, while Eric Kehrer and Tristan Schultz accounted for the team’s two other hits.

RV    0 0 0 | 0 0             0   2   5

Wat   4 0 2 | 5 x           11   3   0

Watervliet soccer shut out by strong Hackett squad

Watervliet faced a strong Kalamazoo Hackett squad on the soccer field Wednesday, April 25 and was shut out 8-0.

Kalamazoo scored four goals in each half of the game.

Vicky Smith tallied 20 saves in the first half as she worked the net.  Elena Alvarado took over for Smith in the second half and recorded 10 saves.

Hartford’s bats beat Marcellus

Hartford’s hitting game was in prime form as the baseball squad beat visiting Marcellus – twice – on Thursday, April 26.

The first game of the doubleheader was won in a big way by Hartford. The Indians scored 16 runs on 17 hits in the six-inning game to take the 16-6 victory. Garrod Johnson took the mound for Hartford and got the win.

In game two, Hartford secured the 10-4 win. According to head coach Gary Ackerman, top Hartford hitters included Trey Ackerman, Garrod Johnson, and Elijah Rodarte.

Liles leads Watervliet 8-5 over River Valley

Kara Liles rode herd over the visiting River Valley Mustangs Monday, April 23 in the first bill of doubleheader action. Liles hit a triple and scored two runs in the 8-5 Panther victory.  Ariana Rowe belted a triple and single and scored a run. Madalyn Hutchins hit a double and had one RBI.

Mikalah Clay kept the action going with a single and triple. Grace Smith had one RBI and two singles. Emalie Gitersonke scored a run and hit a double.

Celina Klimkiewicz was the winning pitcher. She allowed eight runs and 10 hits. She struck out seven batters and walked one.

RV   0 0 2 | 0 3 0 | 0      5    10   3

Wat  1 0 7 | 0 0 0 | x      8    10   4

In the late contest, Watervliet struggled early and fell 5-1 to the Mustangs. River Valley opened the game with a run in the first inning. Watervliet failed to muster any offense until the third inning but they trailed 3-1 heading into the fourth.

Liles took the loss for Watervliet. She allowed five runs on nine hits.

Liles once again led the Watervliet offense. She hit a double and triple and scored the Panthers’ lone run.

RV   1 0 2 | 0 0 2 | 0      5   9   3

Wat  0 0 1 | 0 0 0 | 0      1  4   4

Coloma baseball splits doubleheader with River Valley

River Valley fired the opening shot in the team’s doubleheader action against Coloma Saturday, April 28.  RV won the first game 13-3 in five innings.

Kenyon Boyd recorded his first loss of the season. He pitched three and a third innings for the Comets. He allowed 12 runs on eight hits and struck out two. He walked four batters.

Nick Eastman pitched one and a third innings for Coloma. He allowed one run on three hits.

RV   1 5 1 | 5 1        13   11   5

Col   0 2 0 | 0 1         3     3    2

In the second game, Coloma got in gear and won 6-3 as the Comet bats awoke.

The game was tied 1-1 after the first inning until Coloma scored two runs in the third to take the lead.

At the plate, it was Robbie Schroeder with a single and double and RBI.  Ethan Price hit two singles and scored a run. Ian Ishmael had an RBI.

Tyler Streu worked four and two-thirds innings for Coloma. He allowed three runs on five hits while striking out two.  Ethan Price pitched two and two-thirds innings; he struck out and walked two batters.

Bacilio leads Hartford in Marcellus track meet

Hartford’s Ulises Bacilio outpaced the field Wednesday, April 25 in Marcellus as he won the 800, 1600, and 3200 meter runs. Those first place finishes helped lift Hartford to a tie with the host; both teams had 68 points.  Hartford trailed Mendon 69-59.

In addition to Bacilio’s effort, Bob Johnson set a new personal best in the shot put with a throw of 37’ 9”.

Comet soccer soars to 1-0 shutout of Lawton

Coloma’s girls’ varsity soccer squad shut out Lawton in a Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup Monday, April 23. Coloma’s Emma Watson, in goal for the Comets, saved four shots in the 1-0 Coloma victory.

Coloma’s Mackenzie Ecker was the lone scorer Monday night. She was assisted by Emma Vandermolen.

Coloma remains undefeated with a 4-0 overall record and is 2-0 in the SAC.

Road win for the Indians as Mercedes Requenes scores three goals

The Hartford girls’ varsity soccer squad hit the road Wednesday, April 25. The team traveled to Bangor and tallied a 4-2 win.

Mercedes Requenes put on quite a show; she scored three of the team’s four goals.  Monserrat Requenes scored one goal.

Abigail Lopez notched two assists and Olivia Ziemer had one.

Mary Pultz was in the net as keeper for Hartford; she recorded 11 saves.

Coloma soccer suffers first loss

It was a bitter pill for the Comets’ varsity soccer squad to swallow Wednesday, April 25 as they chalked up their first loss of the season at the hands of Kalamazoo Christian.

Coloma was shut out 3-0. Kalamazoo led 1-0 after the first half. They added two goals in the second half.

Emma Watson was busy in the net for Coloma. She recorded 21 saves as the Kalamazoo offense kept up an aggressive offensive charge most of the game.

Coloma is 4-1 overall and 2-1 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Berrien Springs shuts out Watervliet

The Lady Panthers soccer team suffered a 3-0 shutout at the hands of host Berrien Springs Friday, April 27.

The Shamrocks scored one goal in the first half and added two more in the second for the 3-0 win.

Elena Alvarado was in goal for Watervliet; she recorded 13 saves.

Indians battle Chieftains to a 4-1 win

The Indians faced off against the Chieftains of Dowagiac Thursday, April 26 at home. Hartford worked the field to win 4-1.

Hartford scored three goals in the first inning. The Indians picked up their fourth goal in the second half.

A stingy Hartford defense held Dowagiac to one goal.

Abigail Lopez scored three goals for Hartford.  Jessica Cardoso scored one. Mercedes Requenes, Olivia Ziemer, and Monserrat Requenes each had one assist.

Mary Pultz, in as goal keeper for Hartford, recorded 13 saves.

Watervliet beats Benton Harbor Tigers twice

Watervliet put up big runs in both cards of doubleheader action against Benton Harbor Tuesday, April 24.

Watervliet bats belted out 12-2 and 16-1 wins. With the two victories in hand, Watervliet improved to 8-0 on the season.

Benton Harbor held a 2-1 lead after the first inning. However, it was Watervliet who went to work during the remaining innings to take the 12-2 win.

Tommy Swanson led Watervliet from the mound. He struck out eight batters and allowed two runs on one hit.

Garrett Matthews led the Panthers with two doubles and one single. Bryant Kieft and Eric Kehrer both hit a double and single.

Wat   1 3 2 | 5 1        12   10   1

BH    2 0 0 | 0 0          2     1   3

In the second game, Watervliet won 16-1.  Benton Harbor scored one run in the first inning, which was matched by Watervliet. The teams held each other scoreless in the second inning. It was a big 12-run third inning that sealed the game for Watervliet.

Garrett Matthews and Bryant Kieft hit three singles each. Jakob Aldrich and Tate Halamka both hit two singles.

Ryan Chisek pitched the one-hitter for Watervliet. He allowed one run on one hit and struck out eight.

Halamka pitched for one inning in relief.

Wat   1 0 12 | 3         16   11   0

BH    1 0   0 | 0           1     1   4

Panthers overwhelm Saugatuck on the diamond

That’s how you win some ball games! Watervliet traveled to Saugatuck Thursday, April 26 and snagged two big wins.

Celina Klimkiewicz got the win for Watervliet. She allowed one run on four hits; Klimkiewicz struck out five.

Top hitters for Watervliet included Ariana Rowe. She hit two singles and a double while scoring two runs.  Taylor Shafer hit two singles and picked up two RBIs.

Emalie Gitersonke smacked a single and double.

Kara Liles scored a run and hit two singles.  Alexis Worley also hit a single and had one RBI.

Wat   0 0 3 | 8 0       11   13   0

Sau   0 0 0 | 1 0         1     4   7

If game one was impressive, fans were in for a treat in game two. The Lady Panthers scored a whopping 17 runs and shutout Saugatuck.

Saugatuck’s downfall – besides the silence of their bats – was their defensive play. The team, which had previously had just one loss all season, recorded 13 errors in both contests.

Watervliet blasted nine runs across the plate in the first inning and continued to build on their lead.

Ariana Rowe pitched the one-hit game for Watervliet. She struck out five and walked one.

Mikalah Clay led Watervliet from the plate with a double and triple and three RBIs.

Sabrina Klimkiewicz hit a single and double and scored two runs.  Shafer, Gitersonke, and Grace Smith each hit singles and scored a run. Kara Liles hit two singles and a double and scored two runs.

Watervliet improved to 7-3 overall this season. The squad remains undefeated in the Southwestern Athletic Conference – Lakeshore Division with a 6-0 record.

Coloma suffers first loss of season; splits with Mattawan

Coloma’s undefeated streak on the diamond came to a close Thursday, April 26. The Comets split a doubleheader with Mattawan, losing game one 4-3 and winning game two 13-1.

Game one action went deep as it took Mattawan until the seventh inning to carve out the one-run lead.

Skylar Crisenbery picked up her first loss of the season. She allowed four runs on seven hits.

Morgan Wagner was the Comets’ top hitter. She hit a double and scored two runs.  Megan Neubecker smacked a double, while Megan Koenigshof hit two singles.

Col   0 0 0 | 1 0 2 | 0      3   5   1

Mat   0 0 1 | 0 0 2 | 1      4   7   1

Coloma didn’t go quietly in the second game against Mattawan. The bats were banging out the hits for the Lady Comets.

Mya Potter led the way for Coloma.  She hit two singles and a big home run; Potter recorded four RBIs. Sam Stewart belted a home run. Koenigshof hit four singles. Wagner crushed two singles and a double.  Mika Anderson hit a double.

Jaidyn Hutsell remained perfect from the mound. She collected her seventh win of the season in the 13-1 victory.

Col   0 7 0 | 5 1        13   15   0

Mat  1 0 0 | 0 0          1     4   2

Hartford softball splits with Marcellus

Doubleheader action Thursday, April 26 found Hartford hosting Marcellus.

In the first contest, Hartford opened the first inning with three runs. Marcellus responded with a huge nine-run second inning to take the lead.

Hartford had a late-game rally but was not able to retake the lead.

Lainey Goodson led from the rubber for Hartford.  She allowed 11 runs on 19 hits and struck out two.

Mikenzie Chambers scored three runs and had a heck of a triple.

Har   3 0 2 | 0 4 0 | 0    9   18   0

Mar  0 9 1 | 0 0 0 | 1   11  19   0

After falling in game one, the Hartford Indians’ bats blasted back in game two competition.  Hartford tallied the 15-0 shutout over Marcellus behind the strength of Megan Nelson’s arm on the mound. Nelson pitched the one-hit game.

Jaelyne Galvan and Goodson posted five RBIs in the game.

Har   3 7 5                 15   14   0

Mar  0 0 0                   0     1   0

Coloma crushes competition; adds another two wins on the diamond

Coloma softball continues to maintain their undefeated streak. The squad improved to 12-0 overall after rolling over a visiting Niles squad Wednesday, April 25.

In the first of two games, Skylar Crisenbery led Coloma from the mound. She picked up her sixth win of the season after the Comets topped Niles 6-4. Crisenbery allowed four runs on five hits.

Coloma jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after the first inning.  The Lady Comets held Niles scoreless until the fourth inning.

Although Niles attempted a rally by scoring two runs in the seventh inning, they fell short, and Coloma won.

Morgan Wagner led Coloma with a single, double, and two RBIs. Mya Potter and Megan Koenigshof contributed two singles each.

Nil   0 0 0 | 1 1 0 | 2      4   5   1

Col  2 0 0 | 1 0 3 | x      6  11  2

In the nightcap, Coloma scored early and often as they took the 12-1 win.

Jaidyn Hutsell improved to 6-0 as she allowed one run on four hits.

Morgan Wagner started the scoring in the first inning by crushing a home run. She also hit a triple and recorded two RBIs. Megan Neubecker hit a single and double.  Koenigshof, Crisenbery, and Potter hit two singles apiece.

Nil   0 0 0 | 1 0 0 | 0    1   4    2

Col  2 0 3 | 3 1 3 | x   12  12  2

Matthews masterful as Watervliet wins two over Saugatuck

Watervliet baseball traveled to Saugatuck for two games Thursday, April 26.

Garrett Matthews led Watervliet both offensively and defensively in the 3-1 Watervliet game one win.

Matthews allowed one run on five hits; he struck out nine batters.

Matthews also drove in the game winning runs on a seventh-inning single.

Bryant Kieft hammered out a home run and single.  Jakob Aldrich hit a single and double. Matthews and Tate Halamka hit two singles.  Ryan Chisek smacked a double.

Wat   1 0 0 | 0 0 0 | 2     3   10   3

Sau   1 0 0 | 0 0 0 | 1      1    5   1

In the second game, Aldrich kept the Panthers’ undefeated streak alive as he took the rubber. He allowed two runs on three hits.

Watervliet took an early one-run lead in the first inning. Saugatuck tied the game at four apiece in the fourth inning before the Panthers scored two runs in the seventh for the win.

Matthews and Chisek teamed up for three singles apiece.  Aldrich hit two singles. Benny Myas hit two singles and had a sacrifice bunt.

Watervliet is 10-0 overall and 6-0 in the SAC – Lakeshore Division.

Wat   1 0 0 | 1 0 0 | 2      4   13   2

Sau   0 0 0 | 2 0 0 | 0       2    3    0

Hartford softball falls at Gull Lake tournament

Hartford participated in the Gull Lake softball tournament Saturday, April 28.

In their first game, the Indians topped Haslett 12-4.

Cora Wesaw hit a home run and had four RBIs.  Mikenzie Chambers had a single and RBI in the sixth inning.

Lainey Goodson got the win for Hartford. She allowed four runs on 10 hits and struck out six.

Har   2 0 1 | 0 0 5 | 4     12    18    3

Has   0 0 0 | 2 2 0 | 0       4    10    1

In the second game of the day, the Indians’ bats continued to work their magic as they defeated Berrien Springs 13-4.

The hot Hartford hitting continued with Megan Nelson. She had two home runs and drove in four RBIs.

Lainey Goodson picked up the win for Hartford.  She struck out four batters.

Har   1 8 1 | 0 3          13   13   3

BS    0 4 0 | 0 0            4     4   1

In the Bronze Division championship game, Goodson returned to the mound. She struck out five batters. But, River Valley proved to be too hot to handle as the Indians’ bats cooled. River Valley won the game 11-4.

Hartford was held scoreless through five innings and trailed 6-0 heading into the sixth inning. The Indians rallied with four runs but couldn’t overtake the galloping Mustangs.

Regan Sinclair, Jaelyne Galvan, and Mikenzie Chambers each tallied an RBI in the sixth frame, but it wasn’t enough for the win.

Har   0 0 0 | 0 0 4 | 0     4    7   5

RV   0 0 1 | 2 3 2 | 3     11  19  1

BIG LEAGUE DINGER… Coloma’s Morgan Wagner swings Tuesday night last week and sends the ball flying. Wagner’s shot cleared the fence, giving the catcher a two-run homer in the first inning of the squad’s second game against Niles. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)

Hartford’s Garcia and Gillaspie lead Indians at White Pigeon

Thursday, April 26 proved to be a great day for Herik Garcia and Nick Gillaspie of Hartford track. The team traveled to White Pigeon and beat Cassopolis.

Aiding in the Indian effort was Garcia, who claimed first place in the 400 meters by setting a personal best time of 57.5 seconds.

Gillaspie won his first varsity track event of his career. He took gold in the 800 meters.

Coloma softball shuts down and out Galesburg-Augusta

The Coloma softball team went to work Saturday, April 28 and recorded two shutouts of Galesburg-Augusta, 12-0 and 13-0.

The Coloma offense continues to strike fear in the hearts of opposing players, and Saturday was a prime example.

In the first game, Coloma opened the first inning by scoring nine runs, setting Galesburg-Augusta on their heels.

Kayla Yore led Coloma with two doubles and two RBIs.  Mya Potter had a single and double and batted in two runs.  Megan Koenigshof hit a single and double and scored two runs.

Morgan Wagner hit a triple and picked up a run.  Megan Neubecker hit two singles.

Jaidyn Hutsell earned her eighth win of the season from the mound. He had eight strike outs and allowed just two hits.

GA    0 0 0 | 0 0            0    2   4

Col    9 0 1 | 2 x           12   9   0

In the second contest, Coloma won 13-0 as the Comet bats continued to work overtime.

Koenigshof hit a double and triple.  Yore smoked a single and triple.  Skylar Crisenbery hit a single and double.  Mika Anderson blasted two doubles.  Wagner and Potter hit two singles apiece.

Koenigshof earned her first victory of the season from the rubber and it was a dandy.  Koenigshof pitched the no-hitter and struck out nine in the effort.

GA   0 0 0 | 0 0             0   0   2

Col   3 0 7 | 3 x            13  13  0

Ladies Monday Night Happy Hour Golf League

Monday, April 30 golf report from the Paw Paw Lake Golf Club:

Weekly Event winner – Sandy Johnson; Low Gross – Kathy Osborne with 57; Low Net – Kathy Osborne with 39; Low Putts – Kathy Osborne with 15

Lady golfers are welcome to join this league which meets at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays.  Please call Charlene at 468-8111 if you are interested in joining.

Logano wins at Talladega as big one collects 14 cars Joey Logano won his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race of the 2018 season by avoiding a huge late-race wreck at Talladega Superspeedway. The driver and car were unscathed – a fate that did not extend to numerous other drivers including seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson. Logano finished first in Sunday’s GEICO 500, notching his first victory of the season and 19th of his career. His win matches his win total from last season. Logano led a race-high 70 of the event’s 188 laps. Kurt Busch finished in second place. That marked his first time in the top five in 10 races this season. He led five laps. Chase Elliott settled for third place and picked up his third top five finish of the season. Elliott, who joined the Cup series full-time in 2016, is winless. Pole sitter Kevin Harvick led 12 laps en route to a fourth place finish. Harvick has three wins this season and earned his seventh top five finish. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., last spring’s winner at Talladega, rounded out the top five. He led four laps and tallied his second top five finish of the season. Stenhouse Jr. has finished in fourth and fifth place in two of the last three races. Drivers who also led laps but did finish in the top five included: Alex Bowman (26), Daniel Suarez (1), Chris Buescher (1), Denny Hamlin (11), Darrell Wallace Jr. (5), Kasey Kahne (1), Matt Dibenedetto (6), Brendan Gaughan (1), William Byron (14), Paul Menard (8), Brad Keselowski (21), and AJ Allmendinger (2). Wallace Jr. was the race’s highest finishing rookie; he took 16th place. Keselowski was the winner of stage one competition, while Menard took stage two. Twenty-two drivers finished on the lead lap. There were a whopping 25 lead changes during the race. The yellow caution flag was waved six times for 29 laps. The AAA 400 Drive for Autism kicks off Sunday at Dover International Speedway. In 10 races this season six different drivers have claimed the checkered flag. Jimmie Johnson won last spring’s running at Dover. Can “Seven-Time” get his first win of the season or will he continue chasing that elusive “W”? Check back to find out!