Grand Forks Central graduate Kaleb Binstock had been the top hitter for the University of Jamestown this baseball season.
But even so, Jamestown coach Tom Hager never imagined what he would see Friday.
Binstock, a junior with one home run on the season entering the day, belted four homers in a pair of wins over Viterbo University and Dakota State.
Binstock’s final line on the day: 7-for-9, four HRs, a double and 12 RBIs.
"I've honestly never had a day like that," Binstock told the Jamestown Sun. "When you're in the zone like that, you really don't notice anything around you. But when you're in the dugout it's loose, it's fun and you're staying up. It was definitely a good day."
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Hager said: “That’s incredible. Kaleb has some special abilities and definitely has some pop in his bat. But yesterday, he just got locked in and you just felt like every time he came up, he had a chance to do something great. That’s exactly what he did.”
Hitting in the No. 3 spot, the left-hander went opposite field for a home run on his first at bat of the day, hitting it over the left-field fence at Jack Brown Stadium in Jamestown. That was a two-run shot against Viterbo.
After singling and doubling in his next two plate appearances, Binstock pulled his second homer of the day over the right-field fence, a three-run shot in the fourth inning.
In the nightcap, Binstock belted a solo shot in the third inning and a two-run shot in the fourth inning, both over the center-field wall.
After his big day, Binstock raised his batting average to .432 this season.
“He’s been a very consistent hitter for us all year,” Hager said. “You don’t hit .400 unless you’ve been consistent. This isn’t a one-time thing for us, but any time somebody hits four home runs in a day, it’s incredible.
“We’ve been using him in a lot of different roles. He’s a valuable piece to our team. He’s an outstanding kid to begin with, a very hard worker and someone who has improved a ton. We’re really excited about his potential, not only for the remainder of this year, but also going into his senior season.”
Binstock has been used as a designated hitter, a first baseman and a relief pitcher for Jamestown this season.
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“He’s had an outstanding year for us,” Hager said. “He just hadn’t had a ton of home runs until yesterday. He’s had an outstanding year both at the plate and on the mound.”
The Jimmies have had a good year, too, despite not playing at home until this week.
They improved to 35-7 after Friday’s wins. Jamestown hosts the conference tournament beginning next weekend.
“We got off to a great start this season and we have been playing some really good baseball for most of the season,” Hager said. “We want to end on a good note and build some strong momentum heading into the conference tournament.”
