The Cardinals are off to a hot start on the diamond. Big Rapids opened the season with two wins over Cadillac at home last Friday.

Big Rapids won game one behind four runs in the fifth inning, breaking a 2-2 tie to that point. Sophomore Noah Sweppenheiser earned his first career varsity win after two strong innings of relief with four strikeouts. Senior Mason McNeilly reached in base in all three at bats with a single, two walks, and two runs scored. 

Game two resulted in an even great win for the red and blue, as Big Rapids finished off the Vikings in three innings by a mercy rule 16-3. Sophomore Karsen Rehkopf earned his first win on the mound only giving up two hits. Senior Riley Vennix had a double, triple, three runs scored and four RBIs. Nick Teceno also reached base twice and scored three times.

"Our defense needs work but we've only been outside a few times with this weather so that will be remedied shortly,” Head coach J.T. Scarpelli said. “Our pitchers only walked 2 batters tonight and our hitters executed their approaches at the plate. Everyone got better tonight. Big thanks to Coach Franklin and Cadillac for traveling down here to play tonight. My guys are looking forward to Tuesday's conference opener at Tri County."

Big Rapids will return to action in their conference openers against Tri-County this afternoon at 4:00 and 6:00 P.M. For more scores and updates, visit wbrn.com.