The Reeths-Puffer baseball team plays in a really tough conference, with two state-ranked teams and several other really strong opponents.
So the Rockets have struggled a bit against O-K Green competition.
But when they get a chance to play outside of the conference, the Rockets show that they are quite competitive.
That was obvious on Saturday when R-P swept a pair of games from two former O-K Green opponents - Zeeland West and Zeeland East.
Brendan Guikema
The Rockets pounded Zeeland West 17-0.
Cade Paugh led the offense with a three-run homer and an RBI double. Brendan Guikema also hit a three-run blast for the Rockets.
Overall R-P had 15 hits. Jack Yonkman and Quinn Alderink each had three hits. Yonkman and Lukas Johnson each stole two bases.
Brayden Mitchelson pitched the win, scattering three hits, striking out five and walking one in 6 1/3 innings.
Reeths-Puffer went on to beat Zeeland East 8-4.
Cade Paugh
The Rockets piled up nine hits, led by Holden Earnest and Ethan Frang with two apiece. Johnson, Earnest, Alderink, Paugh and Jayden Wiseman each drove in a run.
Colton Bessinger pitched the win, allowing 10 hits while striking out six and walking one.
"We are getting healthy at the right time," said R-P head coach Butch Attig. "Our goal has always been to give ourselves a chance on district Saturday. Our tougher conference schedule has been a gauntlet, but we are reaping the benefits of playing that good competition."
Reeths-Puffer will host Whitehall for a doubleheader on Wednesday, then will play Coopersville for a single game at Muskegon's Marsh Field on Thursday.