Postula’s grand slam highlights Cheboygan baseball’s sweep over Harbor Springs in opener
CHEBOYGAN – From the sound of his bat, Sean Postula just knew.
Connecting on a Harbor Springs pitch, the Cheboygan junior went deep on a grand slam home run. Postula touched them all and was congratulated by coaches and teammates following his towering shot that fittingly put a bow on an 11-3 victory over the Rams in a season-opening baseball game Friday at home.
“I knew it was probably going to go right away because I hit it pretty good, and when you hit it good, you just know,” Postula said following the win. “I didn’t have the best first couple at-bats, but that one felt good.”
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Postula was also the winner on the mound, striking out eight and walking four in three no-hit innings.
“I was ready to be back because baseball’s my favorite sport, it’s fun to play and the boys were ready,” Postula said. “It’s good to be out here this early in the season. The last couple weeks before (the season) happens, it (feels like) a long way, but once it starts up and you start practicing, you’re ready to get going."
Impressed by Postula was Cheboygan coach Kevin Baller, who praised the standout for an excellent display.
"We haven't really been outside to do much other than fielding a few ground balls and flyballs, so for Sean to get us started like that for us was great," Baller said. "He's really been working on his hitting and pitching, so we're going to rely on him quite a bit."
Making his Cheboygan varsity debut was freshman Nolan Schley, who struck out four and walked six in 1 2/3 relief innings pitched.
At the plate, Luke Munger had two hits, an RBI and a run scored to lead the Chiefs, who received two hits apiece from Dylan Balazovic and Schley (double, run). Brennan Bradley scored two runs.
Cheboygan completed the sweep of the Rams with a 4-0 victory in the nightcap.
James Charboneau was the winning pitcher, striking out seven, walking two and allowing no hits in three innings of work. Charlie Godfrey recorded two innings in relief, striking out five and walking one.
Cheboygan players adding hits were Patrick Smith (two RBIs, run), Bradley (RBI), Schley (run), Postula and Munger.
"I think it was a great way to start the season," Baller said. "It was pretty cold out, but both teams had to play through it. To be honest, I didn't hear any complaining from our kids. They played through it. It was two big wins."
Cheboygan heads to East Jordan for a non-conference doubleheader on Monday at 4 p.m.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Postula, Cheboygan baseball start season by sweeping Harbor Springs
