Martin’s varsity 
baseball team, playing without a home field this spring, saw its losing streak reach four Thursday, dropping a doubleheader to Lawrence, 16-3 and 17-1.
The Clippers are unable to play or practice on their own field because work is being done as a result of passage last year of a bond issue for physical improvements.
“One of our main problems,” said Martin coach Jon Gambee, “is that we have not practiced on a baseball field yet this year. Our field is not playable and we practice in Otsego and Allegan, both all-dirt infields. We make simple errors, not picking up ground ball and not throwing successfully to first base. Basic skills that we are struggling with. We take dozens of ground balls every day, but none on a real field with real grass. It’s like we are starting over every game.”
Martin had seven hits in the first game Thursday and scored once in the third inning and twice in the fourth. Players scoring runs were Zeke Dillenbeck, Jacob Yowler and Payton Hunt. RBIs were recorded by Dillenbeck and Cayden Curry.
Jake Robinson started and took the loss for Martin, pitching 1 1/3 innings, giving up nine hits and seven earned runs. He was followed by Dillenbeck, Ryan Carruthers and Travis Thome.
In the second game Martin was mercied 17-1. Vilas Morhland scored the lone run for Martin and Dillenbeck got the RBI.
Ethan Gorton started and took the toss. He was followed by Robinson and Dillenbeck. Martin’s season record fell to 1-7.
“Another problem is with numbers,” Gambee added. “We have only 11 players and we almost never have all 11 at a single practice. There is basketball, track and other distractions to which baseball takes a back seat.
“But I am proud of the effort this team is putting forth. All we can do is stick with it and keep our heads up.”
