Saginaw United High School

United Baseball Battles Davison in SVL South Doubleheader Saginaw United Baseball traveled to Davison Monday afternoon for a Saginaw Valley League South doubleheader, dropping both games to one of the division's top programs — but not without flashing some of the best baseball this squad has played all season. Game 1 ended 15-0 in three innings, but the scoreline doesn't capture the full story. United came out firing in the first two innings, playing what Head Coach Nate Volk called the best baseball of their season. "We played our best two innings of the season in the first and second innings of Game 1," Volk said. "Once again, Iggy (Delgado) was making the opposition earn their way on. He operated around the plate and they were struggling to square him up. He's starting to play really good all-around baseball for us." Iggy Delgado was electric on both sides of the ball — racking up a strikeout on the mound while reaching base twice at the plate. Aden Morgan and Dean Simpson III also reached base, and Jacob Delgado provided solid work out of the bullpen in relief. Behind the plate, sophomore Dakari Sims turned heads with a standout performance. Volk pointed to one moment in particular — a rocket off Sims' bat in the third inning that their shortstop snagged off his shoe top for a triple play. "Kari hit a rocket in the third inning that their guy snagged off his shoe top and resulted in a triple play," Volk said with a laugh. "We go from a possible crooked inning to nothing in one swing. I told Morgan to come to third. Not my best work there as a coach. Great play by their shortstop." Game 2 was a different story, with Davison pulling away 16-1 in three innings. Senior Jesse Medel reached base and scored for United's lone run. Volk was candid about the drop-off between games — but sees the bigger picture clearly. "We weren't the same team in Game 2," Volk said. "Davison was a great opponent for us because they are very good, first of all. But they also pressure you on the bases. Our guys are in a constant struggle sustaining concentration and urgency after a certain amount of time playing baseball. It is a struggle I see us gradually winning — but it isn't coming easy." Rather than dwelling on the result, Volk is treating it as fuel. "I definitely think this game will help promote better understanding about how the little things become big things in defending the running game," he said. "We'll have fresh experiences for better practice work tomorrow." United (0-7, 0-4 SVL South) gets back at it Wednesday, returning to Davison for a single game to close out the regular season series. First pitch is 4 PM. And Coach Volk has his eyes fixed on Friday night — and he's personally inviting the fans along for the ride. "We're playing Friday night at Carrollton," he said. "We want to show well there in terms of the crispness of our play, executing, and competitive energy — things we're striving to perfect in our daily work. Weather is supposed to be warmer. Good opportunity for the fans to grab dinner, come by, and watch United Baseball." The teeth of the season are here. Come watch these guys grind.