For The Tribune

BROWNSTOWN

Ian Martin received most valuable player honors at the Brownstown Central baseball awards program Monday night in the school auditorium.

Martin, a senior, was the Braves’ starting catcher this season.

“Defensive drills probably weren’t much fun for him some days, but he did a good job of running the pitching staff, and he had a good year at bat,” Braves coach Brandon Tormoehlen said.

Martin batted .346 and had an on-base percentage of .481. He had 28 hits, including four home runs, and 25 runs batted in.

The other two seniors on the roster, Gus Hogan and Stuart Hayden, also received special awards.

Hogan, the Braves’ regular center fielder, received the mental attitude award.

“He was a good leader,” Tormoehlen said. “He showed up every day ready to practice, and he worked hard.”

Hayden, the regular first baseman, received the defensive award.

Tormoehlen said this was the first year for Hayden to play first base.

Seth Borden received the leading hitter award.

“He led us in several categories and was in the top two or three in others,” Tormoehlen said.

Borden was 43-for-97 for a batting average of .443. His on-base percentages was .522, and he scored 23 runs and had 19 RBI and 12 walks.

Borden, the Braves’ regular shortstop, and pitcher/second baseman Isaiah Wineinger earned All-Mid-Southern Conference honors, and Jalen Tiemeyer received honorable mention.

Eli Brown took home the pitching award. He had a record of 6-1, working 52 innings in 11 games with 58 strikeouts, 16 walks and an earned run average of 2.42.

Matthew Garland received his letter jacket.

The Braves were 15-13 overall and finished third in the MSC with a record of 5-4.

“We had a very successful year,” Tormoehlen said considering the limited amount of pitching and hitting experience the Braves had returning from the 2017 team. “It was an honor to come back and coach at my alma mater.”

The junior varsity team had a record of 7-9. Nathan Koch was named the most improved JV player.