The Warrenton Junior Legion team shelled out its best performance at the plate this season, rattling off 17 hits. Troy became the victim of a run-rule defeat. "All the boys seemed to break out of that slump at the same time," said Coach Kevin Shough. Warrenton continued its recently surfaced success on Saturday, issuing a pair of knockouts at Wentzville. It won both contests in a doubleheader, striking out just five times in the two games combined. "It started right off the bat in the first inning," said Shough. "We started putting the ball into play and started finding the gaps." Warrenton opened the afternoon with a 7-1 victory, which saw five different batters record hits. Nick Shough and Jacob Shough each scored two runs. Jacob walked on three occasions and stole a pair of bases as well. Prior to Thursday, Swacker had been collecting the majority of Warrenton's hits. The team had been making contact but driving the ball directly toward the fielders. "For the most part we hit the ball but we were hitting it right at people," said Shough. "We were making the contact, though." Warrenton was error-free in the afternoon opener. Jacob Shough handled pitching duties during Saturdays' first contest as well. He allowed just one hit and walked four batters through a full seven innings of work. "Our pitching was pretty strong," said Coach Shough. "And we got a lot of run support." It was Shough's second appearance on the mound. Warrenton followed up the afternoon with a 4-3 win that was dictated more on the defensive side. Max Swacker recorded the team's only two hits. He went 2-for-3 and scored two runs. Chad Berrey and Nick Shough also each scored a run. Mike Abrolat had an RBI and a stolen base. Three Warrenton batters reached by walks. While Warrenton stole just one base in the second contest, it had stolen safely on six occasions during the first game. Shough says he encourages his team to take the risk, especially knowing the level of speed his players possess. "We do have some fast guys, and I like to see them running every chance they get," said Shough. "We're getting them on base, advancing them and then getting that hit placed right where we need to bring the runner home." A double by Nathan Adair was one of those shots that brought home a runner in position. Berrey pitched the night cap, surrendering four hits through a full seven innings. "The hits were scattered out so they really couldn't build on those," said Shough. "Our defensive support in that game was excellent. Even when a problem arose, we shored it up quickly." Shough says one of the greatest turnarounds for the team has been the effort and communication in the outfield. "Our outfielders took command of the fly balls this weekend," said Shough. "This time they made the play on a ball that landed between our infield and outfield and went uncaught two games earlier. The defense has definitely stepped it up because they are more comfortable with each other."