By MINDY KEPFIELD

Staff writer

Hillsboro High School’s baseball team is now 7-7 for the season after eking out a win over Lyons in its second doubleheader Friday.

The Trojans have had a rough go this season battling injuries and quarantine.

“We have been down four starters at times over the last couple weeks,” coach Clint Potucek said. “We are hoping to get everybody back and healthy and have a strong finish to the season.”

So far this year Hunter Navarat has played well as a catcher and shortstop and Matthew Potucek has excelled in center field, he said. Freshmen Dawson Boldt and Zander Haslett also have made big plays.

Potucek admires Jaxxson Hanschu for coming back from an injury he sustained as a catcher to help the team as a heavy hitter — an area Trojans have struggled with.

“We have not played our best yet, but have battled through a lot of tough situations,” he said. “Experienced pitching has really helped us out so far this year.”

Alex Caldwell has done well for the Trojans on the mound, he said.

Potucek also said Jake Thiessen, who has not pitched much for this season, surprised him Friday against Lyons.

“He got the win for us against Lyons, pitching six innings,” he said. “He also had the winning walk-off RBI hit for us to end the game.”

Potuceck said improving the team’s hitting is a priority for the rest of the year.

“Once our guys start hitting like they should, we will be tough to beat,” he said.

Hillsboro will face Pratt on their home field Friday.