But the Shoes were just getting started. Kayden Althoff and Dylan Pruemer both delivered RBI singles. Garrett Gaddis was then hit by a pitch and Siemer walked to load the bases. Konkel lined a double down the leftfield line, bringing home two runs, Bloemer blooped a single into right driving in two more and Bushur capped the inning with an RBI double into the right-centerfield gap.

“You always want to jump out on top, which is what we did today,” Fleener said. “We had good early hitting. The kids took good approaches at the plate and barreled up some balls. We also had a solid pitching performance. All that sets the tone.”

While the Shoes were piling up the runs, three THS pitchers kept the Effingham offense in check. Kayden Althoff was the starter. He went the first 2.2 innings, allowing just two hits, while walking three and striking out six. He left after throwing 60 pitches.

“I want him to be available to pitch this weekend, so we limited him to just 60 pitches,” Fleener explained. “Kayden has been working on keeping his pitches down, plus his cutter and change-up. He got a little later start this season due to his injury, so he’s still trying to get the feel for everything and get caught up. Overall, we pitched very well today.”

Ben Goeckner and Cade Buehnerkemper pitched the final 2.1 innings and didn’t allow a baserunner. Combined they struck out three.

The Hearts were limited to two singles, both by Gauge Massey – one in the first and the other in the third. They had two runners on in the first, but their best scoring opportunity was the third. Kaiden Nichols walked and Massey singled to start the inning. But the next three hitters were retired and Effingham didn’t have another batter reach base.

“It’s frustrating right now,” EHS coach Curran McNeely said. “Our season has been up and down. I feel like we’re too satisfied with where we’re at. I feel like there’s more to this group than what we’re seeing.

“It’s in our guys’ hands right now as to which direction we go the rest of the season,” McNeely added. “We’re either going to get with it or get more of what you saw today. We didn’t hit and we kicked the ball around too much. They have to decide if they’re going to compete or just lay down. If that’s the case, we may need to make some changes.”

Andrew Donaldson was Effingham’s starter. He went 1.2 innings, allowing seven and eight runs. He walked two and struck out one. Gabe Eaton relieved and finished up the second inning and Quest Hull pitched the final two innings. He looked sharp, not allowing a hit, walking two and striking out four.

“I’m pleased with the progress we’re making,” Fleener said. “I thought we played well today, but there are still things we need to work on. Our goal is to just keep getting better.”

The Hearts dropped to 11-10 on the season. They will play Thursday at Marshall.

The Shoes improved to 15-7 on the season. They will play today (Tuesday) at North Clay.