The Zeeland West varsity baseball team won the 13th annual Family Fare Wooden Bat Tournament Saturday with wins over Allegan High School and Hastings High School. With the temperature finally reaching above 60?, the atmosphere at the Zeeland Athletic Complex was energized with the crack of the wooden bats and fans coming in from Allegan, Allendale, and Hastings. "I am thankful for Family Fare, Dick's Sporting Goods, and so many other area businesses that have made this unique tournament happen year after year," said Zeeland West head coach Adam Locker.

The Dux won 15-0 in a 3-inning mercy-shortened opening game against Allegan. The Dux offensive attack was led by Kyle Veersma, Corey Holtrust, Branch McGeehan, and Chase Peddie. Each player had multiple hits. Holturst, brought up from the JV team for the games, started at third base and went 2 for 3 with three RBI and three runs scored. Veersma was 2 for 2 with four RBI and two walks. Peddie's two hits came while using the same wooden bat his dad used when playing at Central Michigan University in the 90's. Kam Visser had a strong outing on the mound for the Dux as he pitched 3 hitless innings, striking out 5 and allowing only one runner who reached on an error.

In the championship game, the Dux defeated Hastings 10-1 thanks to a strong start.  Zeeland West got the scoring started on a single by Kody Bomers and a double by Kyle Veersma. The Dux would also have a big inning in the sixth inning as they tallied four runs with Bomers and Aden DeGraaf coming up with RBI hits. Zeeland West racked up 11 hits in the championship game. Trevor Kilsinski, Bomers, DeGraaf, and Kam Visser each had multiple hits to lead the Dux offensive attack. Kam Visser was the winning pitcher, giving him two wins on the mound in one day. He allowed two hits and one run over four innings, striking out five and walking one. Branch McGeehan and Nielsen O'Brien entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.

The Zeeland West varsity baseball team (12-10) will continue OK Green Conference play as they finish up a series with Hamilton High School on Monday, May 6. The first pitch is set for 4:15p at Dux Field.