Columbus East’s Blake Borkhardt leads off from second base during a baseball game against Corydon Central at the Columbus East baseball and softball complex in Columbus, Ind., Friday, March 29, 2024.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
After putting together a big sophomore baseball season, Blake Borkhardt struggled through a rough junior year.
This spring, the Columbus East senior has seen a resurgence. He is leading the Olympians in hitting and RBIs heading into Friday night’s game at Columbus North.
“It’s definitely a lot more fun than last year,” Borkhardt said. “It finally feels like the work I’ve been putting in the offseason is really paying off right now. I just feel like I have a lot more confidence. I’m not really in my head. I feel like I’m seeing it a lot better and getting more pitches to hit.”
Borkhardt batted .391 and led East with six home runs and 28 RBIs as a sophomore, when East won a regional title and reached the state’s final four in Class 4A. But last year, he hit only .147 with two homers and six RBIs for a team that finished 4-23.
The senior season has gone much better for Borkhardt. He’s batting. 370 with two home runs and 15 RBIs.
“He’s simplified some things at the plate,” East coach Jon Gratz said. “He’s become much more of a complete player. He’s always had great exit velocity, but he’s put together great at bats this year. He’s limited strikeouts. He’s getting on base a lot, and it seems like every ball he hits is squared up.
“I think it’s being a lot more selective,” he added. “He’s become a more mature hitter. He’s not trying to do too much at the plate, and he’s using the whole field now.”
Columbus East’s Blake Borkhardt steals second base during a baseball game against Corydon Central at the Columbus East baseball and softball complex in Columbus, Ind., Friday, March 29, 2024.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Having players around him in the lineup who can hit, as well, has been a big boost for Borkhardt this year. The Olympians have seven regulars batting at least .250. Last year, they had only two players hit above .250.
“Throughout our lineup, we have some guys that can swing it, but he’s definitely the guy we look to,” Gratz said. “It’s definitely been a help having him back to where he could be.”
The first baseman, who has seen spot pitching duty for East the past couple years, has been a mainstay on the mound for East.
“He added a little bit of velocity this offseason,” Gratz said. “He’s always had a good breaking ball. When his command is on, he’s a pretty good pitcher.”
Columbus East’s Blake Borkhardt waves to a teammate after stealing second base during a baseball game against Corydon Central at the Columbus East baseball and softball complex in Columbus, Ind., Friday, March 29, 2024.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Earlier this season, Borkhardt committed to play collegiately at Jackson (Michigan). Three former Olympians — Logan Christophel, Ethan Ianni and Harry Major — are sophomores at the two-year school. Ianni and Major are planning to move on to a bigger school, but Christophel likely will still be there next year.
“It’s pretty fun talking to them, and it’s pretty exciting to be up there with them,” Borkhardt said.
At 6-13 following Tuesday’s win against Batesville, East already had surpassed its win total from all of last season. The Olympians are hoping to add to that total at North on Friday and in next week’s Hoosier Hills Conference Tournament.
“I feel like we have a lot more guys this year that really want it and are really putting in the work this year,” Borkhardt said. “Hopefully, the season turns around. Hopefully, we get the pitchers going and the defense going and we turn it around.”
