‘Hopefully we will learn from this loss’: Jaguars drop opener to Williamsburg

Ankeny Centennial’s Kyle Miller is thrown out at third base during Tuesday’s game against visiting Williamsburg. Miller went 2-for-3 and drove in a run, but it wasn’t enough as the Jaguars dropped a 7-6 decision in their season opener. (Photo by Drue Wolfe)

The Ankeny Centennial baseball team rallied from a 6-1 deficit to tie it up before falling to visiting Williamsburg, 7-6, in its season opener on Tuesday.

Sean Stewart homered and had two RBIs for the fourth-ranked Jaguars. Kyle Miller went 2-for-3 with an RBI and had two stolen bases.

“There were some positives,” said Centennial coach Mark Hey. “Ian McGhiey pitched really well, Sean had a home run, and we played pretty well defensively.”

**Ankeny Centennial’s Lincoln Lacey pitches to a Williamsburg batter during Tuesday’s game. (Photo by Drue Wolfe)**

Williamsburg (2-1) broke open a scoreless game with a five-run third inning against Centennial starter Lincoln Lacey. The Jaguars rallied for three runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth to tie it up at 6-6.

The Raiders then scored the go-ahead run in the top of the sixth off McGhiey (0-1), who allowed just two hits over three innings and had four strikeouts.

Joey Oakie and Gavin Wiese each doubled and drove in a run for Centennial, but the Jaguars were unable to rally in their final two at-bats.

**Ankeny Centennial shortstop Lucas Bruhl catches a line drive during Tuesday’s game. (Photo by Drue Wolfe)**

“Their pitchers did a great job, but we didn’t make a lot of adjustments at the plate,” Hey said. “I’m proud we battled back, and hopefully we will learn from this loss.”

Centennial will play a doubleheader at Waukee (1-0) on Thursday.