Ever since James Cortez took over as head baseball coach at Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg in 2003, he has had someone with the initials J.J. in his lineup.
This year, those initials he pencils in at the top of his batting order belong to Jonah Johnson, a sophomore infielder/pitcher, who is the team's leading hitter and pitcher.
Just like his three brothers before, Jordan, Jared and Justin, this Johnson was born to play ball. Jonah has been a hitting machine this season, currently batting a robust .632 with eight doubles. He has struck out only twice.
"He puts the bat on the ball and he's been finding the holes," said Cortez. "And he's only going to get better as he gets stronger."
Johnson, a right-handed hitter, has had 10 straight multiple-hit games and has had two-or-more hits in 13 of the team's 17 contests to date. Included in that stretch has been seven games with three-or-more hits. And he has scored three-or-more runs in six games.
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"He's got very good speed and has legged out a few infield hits," said Cortez. "He doesn't bunt for hits. He doesn't usually have to."
On the mound, Johnson is 5-4 with a 2.97 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 35 innings.
KMS is currently 10-7 and plays Ortonville in the Section 3A-North playoffs Saturday in Murdock.
Jordan, the current junior varsity baseball coach at KMS, Jared and Justin were all named to the Tribune's All-Area team. Each started at least three years. Jared was also an All-State player.
"Jonah the last of the brothers," said Cortez. "But at least I still have him for two more years after this."
BOLD wrestling to hold golf scramble
The BOLD Warrior Wrestling Boosters will be hosting a four-person scramble June 12 at the Olivia Golf Club.
Registration starts at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start at 10 a.m.
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Entry fee is $45 and includes a meal. The dinner only is $6.
Prizes will be awarded for the top three places.
Register via e-mail to tgruhlke@fbfs.com or call the Olivia Golf Club at 320-523-2313 or 320-523-2606.
