Ben Braatz records 200th strikeout in Brook Hill win

Brook Hill sweeps Austin Regents in doubleheader

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the motion and energy of a high school baseball game, with no recognizable figures or details.A cubist interpretation of the high-energy action on the diamond as Brook Hill's ace pitcher Ben Braatz reaches a career milestone.Hallsville Today

Ben Braatz, a standout pitcher for the Brook Hill Guard, recorded his 200th career strikeout in a dominant 11-1 win over Austin Regents. Brook Hill also won the second game of the doubleheader 15-1, capping off a successful day on the diamond.

Why it matters

Braatz's 200th strikeout milestone is a significant achievement, showcasing his exceptional talent and consistency as a high school pitcher. The two lopsided wins over Austin Regents also demonstrate Brook Hill's strength as a baseball program, as they continue to assert their dominance in the region.

The details

In the 11-1 win, Braatz allowed just one run on three hits while striking out eight batters over six innings. Offensively, Levi Visser homered and drove in two runs, while Daniel Yates and Blake Whitten also had multiple RBIs. In the 15-1 victory, Blake Whitten led the way with three hits, including a triple and double, and three RBIs. Visser and Yates also contributed at the plate.

  • Ben Braatz recorded his 200th career strikeout in the 11-1 win over Austin Regents.

The players

Ben Braatz

A standout pitcher for the Brook Hill Guard, Braatz recorded his 200th career strikeout in the team's 11-1 win over Austin Regents.

Levi Visser

The Brook Hill outfielder had a strong day at the plate, hitting a home run and driving in two runs in the 11-1 win.

Daniel Yates

The Brook Hill infielder had two hits and three RBIs across the two games against Austin Regents.

Blake Whitten

The Brook Hill pitcher allowed just one unearned run in 4.2 innings in the 15-1 victory, and also led the offense with three hits, including a triple and double, and three RBIs.

Austin Regents

The opposing team that Brook Hill swept in the doubleheader, losing 11-1 and 15-1.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Reaching 200 career strikeouts is a remarkable achievement for a high school pitcher. Ben has been a dominant force on the mound for us all season.”

— Brook Hill Head Coach

The takeaway

Ben Braatz's 200th strikeout milestone is a testament to his hard work and talent, and it highlights the strength of the Brook Hill baseball program. The team's ability to secure two decisive wins over Austin Regents demonstrates their potential to make a deep playoff run this season.