Saginaw United High School

Lapeer Completes Regular Season Sweep of Saginaw United A strong outing from starter Ignacio Delgado wasn't enough Wednesday as Saginaw United fell to host Lapeer 15-0 in three innings, completing the Lightening's' regular season sweep of the Saginaw Valley League South rivalry. Delgado turned in his best work of the season — a clean, five-pitch second inning with three up, three down — and surrendered just three earned runs. Senior catcher Phillip Patton, Jr. handled the battery with what Head Coach Nate Volk called a standout performance. "Iggy was throwing quality strikes yet again," Volk said. "He does a great job changing the hitter's eye level. The big improvement was we made the routine outs his pitches created. Phil was terrific behind the plate — he raised his game today. It was a fine 40 pitches. We need him Friday against Vassar." Sophomore Enrique Martinez II had United's lone hit, a single. United falls to 0-12 overall and 0-9 in the SVL South, but Volk sees progress in how the team is approaching the grind. "This was our most crisp all-around performance of the season," he said. "Like last Wednesday against Davison, the guys made meaningful adjustments in Tuesday's practice. It's vital they see the cause and effect between preparation and outcomes. That sense of control is huge for their confidence." The team also got a boost returning to Hoyt Park after recent flooding forced them away from their home field. "The place was in great shape — remarkable job by the City Parks staff," Volk said. "The players were excited to be back on the dirt. You could feel the energy." JV Travels Too United's JV squad made the trip to Lapeer and competed in a doubleheader against the Lapeer JV — shorthanded, with several players in Lansing on an academic field trip. "Proud of the guys and Coach Sims for competing the way they did while missing some arms," Volk said. "Guys like Quay Shepard and Lavarion Luera stood out. Getting 20 guys on a bus, traveling an hour, and competing against a strong program like Lapeer — that's big progress." Looking Ahead United travels to Vassar Friday for a 4 p.m. doubleheader before entering the final stretch of the regular season. State tournament play opens May 26 against Bay City Central. "The guys are learning to be great teammates — that's the key ingredient," Volk said. "We represent a beautiful school and a great city. As our players grow their understanding of what that means, they'll see it lift everything they do on the field."