Amateur Baseball - Spring 2023

2022 record: Overall 4-11, Regular Season 3-10, Exhibition 1-1.

Few look at a 4-10 season and see it as springboard of sorts.

Greenwald, though, is doing just that. It has reasons for the upbeat look. The Cubs have a young team, but showed it has the potential to play a solid game.

Led by hitters Tyler Engelmeyer, Brett Engelmeyer, Max Wehlage and Sam Frieler, the Cubs put players on base. Both Engelmeyers had over 10 hits last year. The challenge for Green-

wald is producing runs from those hits. The team lost four one-run games last year, three of them in extra innings. There is an optimistic feeling about the pitching staff. Tyler Hoffman and Brett Engelmeyer give the team a 1-2 combination of control and durability. They combined to walk only 28 batters, striking out 56 across a combined 92 innings. Another part of the success is the catching of Tyler Thomas and his

2022 record: Overall 20-9, Regular Season 121, Playoffs 2-0, Regions 3-2, State 1-1, Exhibition 2-5.

Elrosa brings a team with veterans in key spots to serve as leaders, and having played 29 game last year, a lot of the younger players have experience playing against varying degrees of competition.

Pitcher Payton VanBeck is one opponents think when playing Elrosa. He is another in tradition of good, durable pitchers for the Saints.

Greenwald page 4

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING Catcher Blaine Fischer helms a starting spot in the Saints lineup with his defensive play and control of pitchers. Offensively, he contributes with timely hits.

In almost 90 innings last year, his control limited opponents’ hits, keeping the Saints in games. Wyatt Steffenson, who had over 50 innings last year, is also tough to score on. Both of them benefit from the mentorship of veteran ace Ethan Vogt. All three can and do win games for the Saints. The pitching staff’s talents are only improved with the catching of Blaine Fischer.

Offensively, the team is developing a power attack to go along with successful small-ball play.

Hitters Ashton Dingmann, Jackson Peter and Derek Winter combine power and speed to get extra-base hits. Peter led

runs

average.

Mark & Connie Bayer

Amateur Baseball: Stearns County League - North

Greenwald from page 2

ability to call the game. With an improving defense, featuring outfielders Engelmeyer and

Frieler, infielder Wehlage and Thomas, Greenwald has reduced its errors and misplays. That, in

turn, has helped keep it in games.

This year’s team should only benefit with the addition of Aiden Hopfer and Westin Middendorf. They are joining a team that wants to prove it can win in the SCL. As most of them are a year older, they have good chance of doing so.

Elrosa from page 3

Saints are solid at all positions, particularly in the infield with Gavin Kampsen, Peter and Matt Schmitz, supplemented by Kuefler and Will VanBeck in the outfield. The team should only improve with the addition of Big Dipper champion players from the Elrosa Legion team.

Under AJ Hadley’s management, Elrosa set the bar early on the bar for good teams in the SCL last year. It will do so again this year.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING Sam Frieler can hit, get on base and score runs, as evidenced in his first year with Greenwald. He is one of the young players the Cubs are building their team around.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING Will Van Beck is one young member of the Saints that showed a lot of promise and potential. He has earned starting spot on one of the best teams in the area.

New Munich SilverStreaks New Munich SilverStreaks

2022 record: Overall 12-8, Regular 7-6, Playoffs 1-1, Regions 3-1, Exhibition 1-0.

The SilverStreaks could shine brightly this year. Its collection of hitters are consistent and someone always seems to deliver when they need a big hit. The ability to produce runs is seen throughout the lineup.

Will Funk, with 23 hits and 12 RBIs, has become the player people think of when picturing the SilverStreaks. He cannot be overlooked, though concentrating only on him is a mistake. The SilverStreaks have other batters such as Logan Funk, Jacob Hinnenkamp, Caden Sand and Ty Reller who can hit when needed. All of them learned the value of playing

Amateur Baseball: Stearns County League

focused and well from veteran Chad Funk.

The New Munich mound has long been the domain of Jim Thull. He is not the only one capable of silencing bats. With Reller on the mound, the SilverStreaks have a pitcher who can shut down opponents, as his 1.92 ERA, 48-strike out season shows. Will Funk is dependable on the mound, but is generally known as a shortstop.

New Munich’s solid defense, rarely hurts itself with misplays in the infield. The outfield, with Hunter Rademacher and Jacob Hinnenkamp, is known for its speed and fielding. The defense denies extra scoring chances to opponents.

The SilverStreaks have an attitude of never being out of a game. That showed last year in the regionals with its late-inning, nine-run rally to win in the playbacks. That same ability will help it to another good season.

Spring Hill Chargers Hill Chargers

2022 record: Overall 9-12, Regular Season 6-7, Playoffs 1-1, Regionals 0-2, Exhibition 2-2.

Corey Schoenberg takes the reins of the Chargers this year. He is heading a team with the proven ability to consistently win, but will have some challenges this season.

The team features experience in its lineup, particularly in Eric Terres. He is hard to keep off base, and once on, he can get around the basepaths to score runs.

He is not the only proven hitter on the team. Jamie Terres also had over 20 hits and Austin Schoenberg and Owen Meyer finished with 19 hits.

The Chargers are not afraid to combine hits and speed to manufacture runs. It had 31 steals last year, putting runners into position for RBI hits from Meyer, Corey Schoenberg and Eric Terres. Additionally, Nathan Terres provides extra-base punch for the team. The combination of power and speed made the Chargers the third-highest scoring team in the league last

year.

Defensively, Manager Schoenberg would like to see improvement. In second baseman Eric Terres, centerfielder Owen Meyer and first baseman Luke Dehmer, Spring Hill has adequately filled those spots. At the same time it did have errors leading to unearned runs.

Those errors were reason the Charger pitchers were often facing extra batters. Ben Welle, Anthony Revermann and Jordan Welle all showed durability last year, and should help the team this year.

The Chargers will be losing Eric Barten and Tyler Rademacher. Still it remains a team to challenge opponents in any game. With consistent play in all areas, it cannot be overlooked this year.

Spring Hill page 6

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING

PHOTO BY HERMAN

Amateur Baseball: Stearns County League - North

2022 record: Overall 5-10, Regular Season 5-8, Playoffs 0-2.

It was a streaky season for the Grovers.

They rebounded from a 5-0 start with five straight wins, then hit another down streak. Something that remained was consistent hitting.

The Grovers have a lineup of good hitters. Colton Meyer had 21 hits, and Kurt Marthaler, Tanner Klaphake and Tyler Mo-

Meire Grove Grovers Grove Grovers

scho came close to doing so.

Meyer is the one most think of in the Grover lineup. His 21 hits includes five home runs and three doubles, and he produced 16 RBIs. Moscho, 15 runs, was often on board when Meyer delivered a key hit.

The team features solid defensive players, with Moscho, Andrew Welle and Tanner Klaphake. Nor can the talents of Jordan and Jaron Klaphake be overlooked. That said, third-year manager Alex Welle feels the team could do better defensively as it faces SCL opponents.

In veteran Matt Imdieke, Meire Grove provides a challenge to hitters from the mound. Imdieke and Josh Roelike threw most of the innings for the Grovers last year; and can keep the Grovers in most games. Joe Schwinghammer provided another arm who can retire batters.

Meire Grove can and will hit, and with consistent play, its win streaks may well go beyond five games.

Spring Hill from page 5

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING Tanner Klaphake has a knack for reaching base. Besides his 18 hits, he reached with base on balls and being hit by the pitch.

2022 record: Overall 19-7, Regular Season 123, League Playoffs 2-0, Regions 3-0, State 0-1 Exhibition 2-3.

The key to winning baseball is to outscore the opponents.

Some do that by hammering out runs. St. Martin does it by not letting opponents score. In its 26 games last year, it never gave up 10 runs in a game. The team recorded six shutouts, six one-run showings and two two-run games.

That pitching staff is led by Scott Lieser, who struck out over 100 batters in over 100 innings. His .85 ERA was among the lowest in the area. Other throwers on the team were also impressive. Bryan Schlangen had a respectable 2.96 ERA and 41 strikeouts across 32.2 innings. Ben Schroeder’s 50.2 innings resulted in 52 strikeouts and a 1.74 ERA. That staff may be even tougher this year, as Ryan Morse, a left-handed pitcher and a 2005 pick of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization, has joined the team. Better known in the area is Carter Thelen, an ace for the Albany High

School pitching staff two years ago.

A reason for the success of the pitchers is the defense playing behind that staff. Kyle Lieser, Schlangen and Brady Goebel could start on most teams’ defenses. Anchored by that trio, the Martins rarely make errors or misplays.

One thing Carl Lieser, who has managed the team for 23 years, would like to see is better offensive production. The team had 10 or more runs twice last year. Most of it runs came from small-ball play. The team had 12 players running for 42 steals and there were 34 sacrifices.

The Martins have hitters. Kyle Lieser is among the best leadoff batters in the area with a .489 onbase percentage. Zach Moritz and Goebel are among the best young hitters around, slapping out 20 and 21 hits, respectively. Tanner Arceneau keeps improving and has the speed and power needed to collect nine doubles. Veteran Bryan Schlangen has a knack for doing whatever it takes to get a run across.

Carl Lieser pointed out one other element, that does not show up on stat

charts, which should be a strength of the Martins. The team gets along well and knows how to play the game.

“They don’t point fingers,” Carl Lieser said. “They just go out and try their best to win ball games.”

St. Martin page 8

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING Ben Schroeder is one of a trio of Martin pitchers who can limit opponents’ runs. He struck out a batter an inning last year and had a

ERA.

R Richmond Royals

2022 record: Overall 12-9, Regular Season 8-5, League Playoffs 1-1, Regions 2-2, State 1-1.

With hitting, pitching and depth, Richmond will again be a top team in the Stearns County League.

The Royals have a corps of consistent hitters. Five of them had at least 20 hits last year, and Cameron Miller and Cole Schmitz came close to 30 hits.

Schmitz, .337 with four home runs, was effective with runners on base and drove in 40 runs. Miller scored 17 runs off his 29 hits and Justin Schroeder, who slapped out 22 hits, had 19 RBIs. Sam Holthaus’ speed helped him to six doubles and Chase Aleshire, with 20 hits, came across the plate 19 times.

Richmond can score runs and shut down opponents. It allowed, on average, less than four runs a game. As with its hitting, its pitching staff has people who can be effective.

Luke Jokela led the team with 55 1/3 innings, but DJ Schleicher and Dalton Thelen both recorded over 20 innings and five pitchers

logged at least 10 innings.

Defensively, few teams have a better catcher than Cole Schmitz, and the versatile Carter and Dalton Thelen handle both infield and outfield positions well. With the talents of new comers Isaac Holthaus and Tyler Prom, the potential showed last year by Brennen O’Brien and the return of Austin Larson, Richmond has the depth for another good season.

The team has a new manager in Dylan Adams, but he is taking over a team with all the ingredients to return to the state tournament.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING

Aggressive running by Dusty Adams and other Royals often leads to scoring opportunities. The team had five runs where it outscored opponents by 10 or more runs.

Roscoe Rangers Roscoe

Stearns County League - South

2022 record: 1-12.

Roscoe’s Rangers can play very well at times.

Hitters like Max Athmann, Devon Savage, Jordan Schleper and Bryce Vanderbeek have all shown they can hit. All of them hit over .300 and all had at least 10 hits.

The Rangers, though, had problems finishing what those at-bats started. Many times, the leadoff batter was

stranded as a big RBI hit was not forthcoming.

At times, the team could compete with the best of the SCL. It lost a 3-1 contest to St. Martin and a 1-0 game to New Munich. It played well in its 5-2 win over a surprising Greenwald team.

Pitching for the team was Josh Mackedanz with 46 innings. Ten others took to the mound for the Rangers with varying degrees of success.

The Rangers showed last year it has the potential of being a season-long contender. This year may be that year.

Avon Lakers Avon

2022 record: Overall 21-9, Regular Season 147, League Playoffs 3-0, Regionals 2-1, State 2-1, Exhibition 4-3.

The Avon Lakers had a dominating regular season, then took their fans on a thrill ride at the end of the season. Expect to see more of both this year.

Co-managers Matt Meyer and Caleb Curry are inheriting an experienced team that knows how to win. With Curry, Ryan Janzen, Reese Gregory and Elian Mezquita in the lineup, Avon has potential for runs each inning. All of them, as well as Meyer, Joe Dolan, Riley Voit and Cole Wellmann, had at least 20 hits last year. Janzen was among the few in the area with over 30 hits.

Hits lead to RBIs and runs, and the Lakers had plenty of both last year. The team smacked 61 extra-base hits, with Gregory, Curry and Voit pounding out doubles, but it set up a number of runs with its 41 steals. Janzen had 17 of them, and both Mezquita and Cody Stich had more than five. Watch for Carter Philippi to improve on those stealing numbers. Others who showed they could put the ball in play and score are Jackson Henderson and Jack Theisen.

The runs give leads to pitchers Wellmann, 88 strikeouts, 2.21 ERA, Matt Pichelmann, Mezquita and Stich. The

Victory League - South

staff should only improve with the addition of Dominic Austing, the all-time strikeout leader from St. Cloud State University.

Younger players who should only help the team are: Nick Merdan, Nathan Sand, Elliott Burnett, Elliot Allen and Bennett Hylla, who played with the strong Albany High School and Babe Ruth teams.

Defensively, the team, led by Carter Holthaus, Meyer and Gregory, is solid. It has experience at all positions and the new comers have shown a lot

Avon Lakers page 11

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING Chris Vanderbeek can drive the ball deep and produce RBIs.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING

2022 record: Overall 7-13, Regular Season 5-9, Playoffs 2-2, Regions 0-2.

The Black Sox have players who can win in the Victory League.

The team is deep in pitching, depending primarily on Andrew Kerzman and Mitch Reller when they take to the field. Kerzman proved himself a very durable pitcher in 66 innings as he won three games. Reller’s 41.2 innings saw him notch 34 strikeouts and like Kerzman,

won three games. The team has others who can throw, which helps if it needs to play multiple games in a week.

The offense has consistently put up players who find ways to get hits. Carter Sawyer ranks with the area’s best leadoff batters. Besides his 23 hits, he has a knack for drawing walks and getting hit by the pitch. Bryan Benson, who walked 23 times and was hit by the pitch seven times last year, and Matt Johnson

Freeport Black Sox Freeport Black Sox

With them on base, Jake Braegelmann and Ike, Brandon and Trevor Sawyer are ready to provide RBI hits. With Brady Pesta and other speedsters on base, it usually means runs.

Freeport’s defense keeps opponents from taking extra bases or scoring too many runs. The outfield has the speed needed to get to deep hits, and the infield is highlighted by the fielding of Ike Sawyer and Nate Mettenburg up the middle and the leadership of Carter Sawyer at first base.

The Black Sox have challenges it must meet but have the players who can make for a good season.

St. Stephen Steves St. Steves

2022 record: Overall 13-7, Regular Season 10-4, Playoffs 2-1, Regions 1-2.

Led by experienced hitters, St. Stephen should contend in every game as it challenges Victory League opponents.

The team boasts one of the toughest outs in the Victory League with Mat Meyer. A .400-plus hitter, who drew 10 walks last year, Meyer was often on base. He was batting ahead of Cole Fuecker and Jack Greenlun, who both had over 20 hits, helping push Meyer across home plate.

When taking on the Steves, opponents face a strong corps of players who can hit and score. The team had 10 players with at least 10 hits and seven with a least 10 runs.

Scoring against them is not always easy. With Greenlun, Chris Belling or Landon Lunser on the mound, opponents are kept in check. That trio and Derek Durant can strike out 20 batters a year. Additionally, its defense features the solid fielding of Bo Schmitz, Durant and Andrew Wollak.

The biggest challenge for eighth-year manag-

er Ben Omann and coach Nick Krippner may be getting the talent to the field at the same time. Various jobs, location and times of competitions means some cannot make all the games. Still, when the Steves can put its best on the field, it is a match for any team.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING Catcher Brandon

Sawyer’s defense and calling of games is a plus for the Black Sox. He is also an offensive threat in their lineup.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING

Jack Greenlun has developed into a solid dependable pitcher. He finished with five wins last year and struck out over 50 batters.

St. Wendel Saints St. Wendel

2022 record: Overall 6-14, Regular Season 5-9, League Playoffs 1-2, Exhibition 0-3.

St. Wendel could be a team that surprises people this season.

In the past five years, the Saints and manager Tyler Huls have improved and become more confident in their play. Leading the team’s offense as it comes into the season are Austin and Brandon Dickmann. Both hit well, batting over .390, and both hit hard, Austin had six home runs and Brandon three doubles and three home runs. Those two, as well as Huls, Jake Ethen and Pete Schumer are proven veterans. The team should only be better, as Tanner Reis and Connor Breth will be back. They started last season as reserves but finished as starters. Both are still in high school but have delivered big hits in pressure situations.

The Saints look to improve defensively, building that defense around Brandon Dickmann, who is a good fielding first baseman; outfielder Will Ethen, who had nice catches and two assists; and catcher Jordan Gombos, who proved himself a durable defensive catcher.

From his catching position, Gombos is usually looking at Austin Dickmann, Jake Ethen or Schumer when St. Wendel is in the field. Austin Dickmann pitched in 12 of the Saints games, showing himself to be durable and having good control. He struck out 55 batters in his 58.2 innings. Jake Ethen often

Avon Lakers

from page 9

of potential.

The team is deep in talent and has learned to play through adversity against strong opponents and to trust each other. The biggest problem might be to play all that talents.

came in for shorter appearances, striking out 34 in 35.1 innings, and Schumer had a strikeout-to-walk ratio better than 2-to-1.

St. Wendel won some games against region and statebound teams and had close games against others. The talent is there for more wins this year.

Last year, the Lakers dominated in some games and when it came to the postseason. it has team that had one tworun game and five onerun games in region and state playoffs. Almost all that talent is back and the Lakers will again be a team to beat in the Victory League.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING

Pete Schumer’s has a good reputation for reaching base and helping the Saints score runs.

The team at K&S Pharmacy in Avon includes Brian Schneider (from left), Karla Schneider, Dana Crumley and Sarah Grutsch. Not pictured: Angie Brown.

2022 record: Overall 7-12, Regular Season 5-9, Playoff 1-1, Regions 1-2. Those who counted Lake Henry out of postseason play last year were wrong.

If they make that same prediction this year, they may again be mistaken. The team has the type of blue-collar players who get the job done. Shane Kampsen consistently collects a lot of hits, but the Lakers have five others capable of over 10 hits a season. Lake Henry showed it can hit the long ball, but it will use steals and small ball as well to score runs. Eight different players contributed to the team’s 16 steals and got into position to score runs.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING Sam Hopfer’s play at second is a reason the Laker can keep opponents from scoring. He additionally contributes with hits and pitching.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING Adam Nibaur’s pitching keeps Farming in games and opponents off stride. His control of pitches helped him to four wins and 49 strikeouts last year.

Lake Henry page 15

Opole from page 13

may see the team win a few more games.

Lake Henry from page 12

Farming

four games last year.

His 49 strikeouts across 61.2 innings was a reason he was drafted and played with statebound Richmond in the post season.

Defensively, Farm-

ing is maturing into a team that understands the need to stop runners from advancing and has the talent to do so.

Manager Dale Schroeder has worked to get the right pieces in play. This

games. Lake Henry lost a few tough games last year. A late-season surge, which got it into regionals, showed it could win games when it counted. This year, there should be more wins. Meire Grove 3-6 L St. Martin 0-3 L Richmond 2-5 L Farming 2-8 L Spring Hill 2-12 L Greenwald 1-0 W Richmond 4-2 W St. Martin 1-2 L Roscoe 7-1 W PO-St. Martin 2-6 L PO Farming 6-5 W RG-PI-St. Augusta 4-3 W RG-Luxemburg 2-3 L RG-New Munich 11-12 L

Opponent Score W/L Lake Henry 6-15 L Richmond 2-12 L Meire Grove 14-0 W Spring Hill 13-3 W Elrosa 2-7 L New Munich 5-4 W Roscoe 9-2 W Lake Henry 8-2 W Richmond 5-10 L Roscoe 9-6 W St. Martin 1-2 L Greenwald 2-1 W St. Martin 8-1 W PO-Richmond 0-4 L PO-Lake Henry 5-6 L EX-Sartell Stone Poneys 5-7 L EX-CS Springers 10-11 L EX-Avon 1-12 L Holdingford Gas & Grocery OPEN 6 A.M.-10 P.M. MOND AY-SUNDAY Groceries • Bait • ATM • Coffee • Hot Foods • Fresh Bakery • Fresh Flowers • Deli Sandwiches MOBILE APP! 320-746-2585 CALL FOR TAKE-OUTS 7 AM – 9 PM DAILY! PREMIUM DIESEL

year, the team may well gel for a memorable season.

Kyle Peterschick is among is one of the top hitters in the area with 29 hits. Most of those who surpassed him played for statebound teams. He combines power, three home runs, and speed, six

doubles and four steals. When he is at the plate, he is a threat to score.

Another difficult out is Brett Strack, who had 20 hits, nine for doubles. If they are on when Travis Wenzel bats, it could be a run. Wenzel’s 28 hits produced 10 RBIs.

On the mound, the Cubs feature Caleb Strack who simply does not give batters much wiggle room. He struck out 101 batters om 58.1 innings. Wenzel is not a slouch as a pitcher, as he keeps his pitches under control (last year he struck out 66) and make seffective use of his pitches, allowing him to throw 58.1 innings.

The Cubs clearly have the players needed for a good run. It showed that, defeating 2021 state champion Sobieski Skis and lost six games by two runs. Four of those were to teams that finished the year at state. That kind of

talent cannot stay down for long; Randall may just well have a great season.

Swanville Swans Swans

2022 record: 3-11

Swanville may not have dominating players, but it can put a competitive team on the field.

Travis Barthel and Jordan Sale both reached the 10-hit plateau last year and three others were not far behind. Barthel was effective with his hits, recording

five doubles and driving in 10 runs.

The pitching staff rotates between Hudson

Upsala from page 14

Pung, Joshua Vogel and Levi Beseman. All three have shown they can keep runners off base.

The Swans showed a few times last year they can play with the teams in the Victory League. This year they could show they can win.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING

Sometimes forgotten about Caleb Strack is his hitting. He is remembered as a pitcher who struck out over 100 batters but as a hitter, he had 17 hits and batted over .300.

Fort Ripley Rebels Fort Rebels St. Mathias St. Devils

2022 record: Overall 12-5, Regular Season 11-3, Playoffs 1-2.

Ft. Ripley features a hard-hitting offense that gave support to a solid pitching staff.

Bryce Flanagan leads the team from the mound and at the plate. His .87 ERA and 48 strikeouts kept opponents off the bases and the scoreboard. He was drafted for postseason play by the Pierz Lakers. Flanagan’s .425 average delivered hits for the Rebels offense.

Other players it can bring to the mound includes Ethan Branum, who had 45 strikeouts in 27.1 innings; and veteran Brett Kramer, who had a .75 ERA and was drafted and pitched for Nisswa, the state Class C champion.

Pitchers facing Ft. Ripley do not have an

easy time of it. With the talents of Riley DeRosier, Alex Haapajoki and Nick Jelacie in the lineup, the Rebels rarely are kept from scoring and are capable of putting 10 runs across the plate. The Rebels will be playing tough opponents this year. They are a team that can defeat that talent.

2022 record: Overall 13-7, Regular Season 104, Playoff 1-1, Regions 1-2, Exhibition 1-0.

Foley should field a competitive team in the Victory League this season.

It has, for the past few years, shown it has the players to successfully compete in one of the best leagues in Central Minnesota. The standout player on the team might be Drew Beier. He was not available for every game, but when he played, he contributed to the Falcons’ winning season with his hitting and pitching. He pitched well enough in limited action that he was drafted by Buckman for state play.

Foley’s pitching staff is well-respected. Mike Beier was also drafted by Buckman and Ryan Chmielewski pitched with state champion Nisswa.

The Lumberjacks support its pitchers with a well-rounded offense that includes the hitting of Mitch Keeler and Joe Ziwicki. The team has the speed and just enough power hitters to make any opponent respect them.

Defensively solid, the team rarely lets its pitching down with misplays. Foley should do well and will again be a team to reckon with in the Victory League.

2022 record: Overall 6-10, Regular Season 5-9, Playoffs 1-1.

St. Mathias features the hitting of Kolton Happke and Hunter Wicklund, who can start or sustain rallies for the team.

For the most part, the Devils win close games. All of the wins last year were by two or fewer runs. Helping keep games close is the pitching of Conner Knettel and Alex Guggisberg.

2022 record: Overall 5-11, Regular Season 5-9, Playoffs 0-2.

The Aitkin Steam struggled in most games last year. The team can score and had games where it put up 10 and more runs. It played in a few nail biters, beating the Pierz Bulldogs 4-3, but was edged in a few other one-run contests. One of them was in the playoff to a solid Ft. Ripley team.

Jon Blanchette and Landon Janzen provide offensive punch for the club. Nathan Ehnstrom, who was drafted by and pitched for state runner-up Buckman, and Carter Dox have carried pitching chores.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING

Joe Ziwicki’s hitting is a reason the Lumberjacks are rarely out of any game. He has the power for extra-base hits.

2022 record:Overall 15-7, Regular Season

11-3, Playoffs 2-1, Regions 2-2, State 0-1.

The Pierz Lakers will be a tough team to defeat this year.

The combination of hitters who score runs, pitchers who can control game and will not be bothered by the pressure of a close game and a defense that does not give up lot of runs means it they are hard to take down. Last year, only four teams scored more than five runs off the Lakers, and three of them were in the state tournament.

Paul Herman, with 23 hits, and Peter Herman, 20 hits, lead a lineup of hitters who can cause problems for most pitchers. Four other hitters had at least 10 hits, and Brady Petron drove in 11 runs. When given the opportunity to do so, the Lakers will score

runs. They effectively combine small ball and hard hitting to do so.

Those coming to play the Lakers have to find a way to get hits off either Preston Rocheleau, 63 innings, or Noah Cekalla, 50.2 innings. Few manage to do so consistently. Cekalla had 67 strikeouts and Roucheleau struck out 70 batters. Backing them up are veteran Chad Weiss and Carter and Brady Petron.

another 10-win season is in the realm of possibility.

2022 record:Overall 8-9, Regular Season 7-7, Playoffs 1-2.

The Brewers have the components to be better than a .500 team.

Offensively, it moves around the bases, racking up 20 steals. Mike Leidenfrost’s seven steals led the team. He reached base with a good eye for the ball, picking up 11 walks.

It has the talent to drive him and others across the plate in the bats of Cody Kimman, 11 RBIs, and Ryan Stuckmayer, 18 hits. The team could use a bit more power, but a single and steal is still two bases. Pitching is primarily done by Peter Schommer whose control, 28 strike-

outs to six walks, enabled him to win seven games. Kimman can also have good outings and struck out 25 in 28.1 innings.

Opponent Score W/L Randall 2-5 L Pierz Bulldogs 10-14 L Pierz Lakers 1-6 L Flensburg 10-0 W Swanville 8-1 W St. Mathias 5-3 W Sobieski 1-11 L Foley 6-8 L Aitkin 3-2 W Royalton 4-3 W Upsala 3-0 W Buckman 6-2 W Nisswa 6-16 L Ft. Ripley 2-5 L PO-Pierz Lakers 4-5 L PO-Aitkin 10-3 W PO-Buckman 4-8 L

Pierz Bulldogs Pierz Bulldogs

2022 record:Overall 5-10, Regular Season 5-9, Playoffs 0-1

The Bulldogs cannot be counted out of any game.

It keeps getting people on and in for runs. With four .300 hitters in the lineup and more hitting in the high .200s, the Bulldogs always have runners on base.

Kirby Fischer and Max Barclay both had 13 hits. Mix that in with the 11 by Chase Becker and 10 by Craig Luberts and Mason Herold, and there are scoring opportunities.

As the Bulldogs find consistent pitching and defense, it will be a team to contend, and one that will win games.

Opponent Score W/L

Royalton 11-10 W

17-7 W

W

2022 record: Overall 19-7, Regular Season 9-5, Playoffs 2-0, Regions 3-1, State 5-1.

The Billygoats finished as state Class C runners-up last year and are favored for another good season this year.

Led by one of the better offenses in the area, the Billygoats can pound out runs and wins against most clubs. Buckman has the players to score any way possible and do so with regularity.

Sending a proven and deep corps of pitchers to the mound, it can prevent most teams from scoring runs.

One number that jumps from its stats is the 45 hits by Noah Boser. Granted, the deep runs into the playoffs gave the

Billygoats chances for more hits, but 45 is a still an outstanding number. Some batters do not even get to the plate that often.

Boser was not the only one hitting. Lane Girtz had 31 hits, leadin it to 24 runs, and Jack Suska’s 37 hits led to 26 runs. Some of that came off of power. Andrew Rueckert had six home runs, Boser notched seven doubles

and the team had three triples. It does not depend only on power, as it had 20 steals and 14 sacrifices.

The team’s run led to impressive pitching statistics. Probably the one that stands out is the 3.46 ERA across 221.0 innings and 26 recorded games, six of them in the state

Buckman page 21

2022 record: Overall 23-3, Regular Season 122, Playoffs 2-0, Regionals 3-0, State 5-0, Exhibition 1-1.

Nisswa will have a target on its back this year.

That happens when one is a defending state champ. Nisswa will handle the challenge, especially with its power.

The Lightning have a deserved reputation for power shots. Kody Ruedisili hit .500 exactly last year.

Of his 50 hits, 26 were extra-base hits, with 11 being home runs. Ruedisili was named to the 2022 Minnesota Class C State All-Tournament Team. He was joined for that honor by

teammates Nate DeChaine and Jeremiah Piepkorn. Both hit over .400 last year and combined to drive in 44 runs. Everyone seemed to

hit often for the Lightning and most had at least 10 hits. Opponents soon learned there is not a weak spot in the lineup.

Nisswa page 20

2022 record: Overall 5-12, Regular Season 4-10, Exhibition 1-2.

Royalton has the ability to play with any team.

It has solid hitters in Cole Jendro, 12 hits; Nathan Psyck, 12 hits; and Ethan Walcheski, whose 11 hits came in 26 at-bats (.423 average). Others on the team show potential, among them Zach Leibold, who had nine walks.

Pitchers Zach Leibold, 74.2 innings, and Pysck can both strike

out batters regularly and go deep into games. They each had 51 strikeouts last year.

The team will need a bit more consistency on defense. When it finds that, it will win more close games. Opponent

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2022 record: Overall 15-4, Regular Season 111, Regions 2-2, Exhibition 2-1.

Sauk Centre has the personnel to be one of the best teams in the area.

It has offensive players that can outscore the opposition, pitchers who can shut them down and defensive players that rarely make mistakes. The team was 11-1 in the Resorters’ League last year and could be that good again this year.

Derek Holm is the the ignitor of an offense that scored 148 runs last season. With a .444 average and .539 on-base percentage, he is always a threat to score. He crossed home plate 32 times last year, often getting himself into scoring position with steals. He is a solid leadoff batter.

The middle of the lineup includes Dylan Haskamp and Andrew Rousslange, the team manager. Dylan Haskamp is hard to strike out and, like Holm, is often on base with hits. Rousslange, .316, is hard to put out, especially with runners on base. Jake Haskamp, 21 hits and 22 RBIs, and Brian Beuning, 25 hits and 13 RBIs, are others who produce runs.

The Titan pitching staff finished with a team ERA of 2.85 and 133 strikeouts. In every game, it seemed have a strong pitcher on the mound. Shane Trattles, the assistant coach, was the pitcher of the year for the area. With his numbers as a draftee by statebound Fergus Falls included, he finished with a .66 ERA, the best of any area pitcher. Few teams scored when he pitched. His 8-1 record is a testament to the chances to win he gives the Titans.

Dylan Haskamp was effective as a strikeout pitcher, recording 24 Ks in 17.1 innings. The pitching should only be bolstered by the addition of Matt Warring. A prov-

en high school pitcher, he could well become the third starter and main reliever on the club.

The Titans defense more than adequately supports the pitching staff in protecting leads. Beuning can play anywhere in the mid-infield and helps with pitching. Jake Haskamp is a reason for the effective pitching staff as he calls a good game, effectively blocks errant

pitches and can throw out runners. Jake Zollman’s speed makes him valu-

able as an infielder and outfielder. The Titans will also benefit from the addition of Doug Zimmel, formerly of Osakis, who joined the team this year.

Last year’s manager, Andrew Rousslange, now in his sixth season, manages a team to watch in the Resorters’ League. He is hoping to keep the team steady, consistent and ready for a strong postseason run.

PHOTO BY MARK KLAPHAKE Dylan Haskamp is a solid pitcher for the Titans. He is also a tough out at the plate.

Amateur Baseball: Resorters League

Resorters’ League

Other teams in the Resorters’ League include Ashby, Alexandria, Carlos and Kensington.

Other than some reported scores, no other information was available.

Ashby A’s

2022 record: Overall 7-6.

Opponent ..........................................Score .......W/L

Sauk Centre ......................................................6-17.................l

Sauk Centre ........................................................2-8................L

Carlos ..................................................................0-9*................L

Osakis..................................................................10-0..............W

Urbank..................................................................3-7................L

Kensington..........................................................4-6................L

R-Ashby ..............................................................6-16................L

Carlos Cougars

2022 record: Overall 7-6.

Opponent ..........................................Score .......W/L

Urbank..................................................................3-6................L

Alexandria .........................................................6-12................L

Urbank.............................................................10-20................L

Kensington..........................................................9-4..............W

Ashby ..................................................................9-0*..............W

Sauk Centre ........................................................0-9................L

Osakis..................................................................3-11................L

Kensington..........................................................9-2..............W

Long Prairie.........................................................2-0..............W

R-Pelican Rapids................................................0-5................L

EX-Clearwater ....................................................5-3..............W

EX-Detroit Lakes..............................................10-1..............W

EX-Chokio..........................................................14-4..............W

EX-Breckenridge .............................................6-10................L

*Won by forfeit.

Kensington Norsemen

2022 record: Overall 5-12, Regular Season 5-6, Regions 0-1, Exhibition 0-5.

Opponent ..........................................Score .......W/L

Urbank..................................................................6-3..............W

Long Prairie.........................................................5-4..............W

Urbank..................................................................2-8................L

Carlos ....................................................................4-9................L

Osakis....................................................................5-4..............W

Osakis....................................................................0-6................L

Sauk Centre ......................................................2-14................L

Carlos ....................................................................2-9................L

Long Prairie.......................................................12-3..............W

Ashby ....................................................................6-4..............W

Sauk Centre ......................................................1-11................L

RG-Osakis ..........................................................3-11................L

EX-Starbuck ......................................................2-12................L

EX-Chokio..........................................................5-18................L

EX-Fergus Fall...................................................3-14................L

EX-Montrose-Waverly ...................................2-10................L

EX-Starbuck ........................................................0-9................L

Urbank Bombers

2022 record: Overall 14-6, Regular Season 9-3, League 9-3, Regionals 4-2, State 1-1.

Urbank should be competing with the best of the Resorters’ League this year.

Third-year manager Hunter Arnold noted it is coming off its most successful season. It has the components needed to possibly be better this year.

With Austen Hadley, Andrew Johnson and Alex Koep, the Bombers are always a threat to score. Outfielder Devin Glebe and utility player Hadley anchor a defense that rarely makes mistakes.

The pitching staff is led by Koep, Hunter Haggenmiller and Andrew Johnson. Collectively, they struck out over 150 players last year.

Those players all provide leadership on a team that is relatively young,

with an average age about 24 years old. This year, the team will focus offensively on consistency. It has the talent to contend with the teams it competes against throughout the summer.

Flensburg Falcons Falcons

2022 record: Overall 0-15, Regular Season 0-14, Playoffs 0-1. Flensburg is rebuilding and rebounding this year. It lost some players, who opted to play with other teams, but fourthyear player-manager Brent Carry sees this as a chance to refresh and revive.

There are proven

Area Leaders

Best Earned Run Average (Minimum 28 innings)

0.66 Shane Trattles-Sauk Centre/FFall

0.72 Brett Kramer-Ft. Ripley/Nisswa

0.85 Scott Lieser-St. Martin

0.91 Hunter Haggenmiller-Urbank

0.93 Dusty Parker-Sobieski

1.19 Bryce FlanaganFt. Ripley/PzLkrs

1.62 Matt Swanson-Upsala/Avon

1.70 Ethan Vogt-Elrosa

1.78 Collin Eckman-Sobieski

1.80 Alex Koep-Urbank

Most Runs

37 Kody Ruedisili-Nisswa

35 Ryan Janzen-Avon

32 Derek Holm-Sauk Centre

28 Kevin Kuefler-Elrosa

26 Jack Suska-Buckman

24 Lane Girtz-Buckman

23 Matt Meyer-St. Stephen

23 Nate DeChaine-Nisswa

22 Collin Eckman-Sobieski

22 Aaron Jenkins-Nisswa

Most Hits

50 Kody Ruedisili-Nisswa

45 Noah Boser-Buckman

37 Jack Suska-Buckman

35 Matt Meyer-St. Stephen

33 Derek Weiner-Elrosa

33 Ryan Janzen-Avon

32 Nate DeChaine-Nisswa

31 Lane Girtz-Buckman

30 Collin Eckman-Sobieski

27 Nate DeChaine-Nisswa

26 Noah Boser-Buckman

25 Andrew Rueckert-Buckman

25 Dusty Parker-Sobieski

24 Derek Weiner-Elrosa

22 Aaron Jenkins-Nisswa

22 Jake Haskamp-Sauk Centre

22 Nic Nelson-Nisswa

Most Walks

24 Ryan Janzen-Avon

23 Bryan Benson-Freeport

21 Matt Tautges-Buckman

19 Drew Boland-Nisswa

18 Aaron Jenkins-Nisswa

17 Collin Eckman-Sobieski

16 Brett Kramer-Ft. Ripley

16 Bryan Schlangen-St. Martin

15 Brady Pesta-Freeport

15 Carter Holthaus-Avon

15 Chase Aleshire-Richmond

15 Jake Kapphahn-Sobieski

15 Kevin Kuefler-Elrosa

15 Tory Miller-Nisswa

Most Doubles

15 Kody Ruedisili-Nisswa

10 Collin Eckman-Sobieski

10 Scott Lichty-Sobieski

9 Tanner Arceneau-St. Martin

8 Drew Beier-Foley

7 Ashton Dingman-Elrosa

7 Caleb Curry-Avon

7 Noah Boser-Buckman

7 Jack Greenlun-St. Stephen

7 Jackson Peter-Elrosa

players in all elements of the game. Gunner Gustafson, Russ Fellbaum, Cooper Grashorn, Gerard Kokett and Carry have shown they get on base. Dan and Gerard Kokett and Reece Hubbard and others continue a Flensburg tradition of good defense. The pitching staff is led by Fellbaum, Gunner Gustafsen and Dan

Most Triples

2 Eric Terres-Spring Hill

2 Ethan Ettel-Greenwald

2 Jake Haskamp-Sauk Centre

2 Jake Zollmann-Sauk Centre

1 Several Players

Most Home Runs

11 Kody Ruedisili-Nisswa

9 Matthew Meyer-St. Stephen

9 Nate DeChaine-Nisswa

6 Andrew Rueckert-Buckman

6 Collin Eckman-Sobieski

5 Colton Meyer-Meire Grove

5 Dan Marod-Sobieski

5 Nic Nelson-Nisswa

4 Cole Fuecker-St. Stephen

4 Cole Schmitz-Richmond

4 Collin Eckman-Sobieski

4 Ethan Navtratil-Farming

4 Noah Boser-Buckman

4 Will Funk-New Munich

Most Steals

17 Ryan Janzen-Avon

15 Eric Terres-Spring Hill

12 Zach Moritz-St. Martin

10 Derek Holm-Sauk Centre

10 Kevin Kuefler-Elrosa

10 Kody Ruedisili-Nisswa

9 Matt Baier-Sobieski

7 Elian Mezquita-Avon

7 Levi Lampert-Upsala

6 Brett Kramer-Ft. Ripley

6 Bryan Benson-Freeport

6 Bryan Schlangen-St. Martin

6 Carter Birr-New Munich

6 Cody Stich-Avon

6 Kyle Lieser-St. Martin

6 Noah Boser-Buckman

6 Owen Meyer-Spring Hill

Kokett, but the team has showed it has a number of players who will pitch.

The Falcons played well in several games last year, but at times, one bad inning dictated its game. Overcoming that will help in the coming season.

6 Bryan Schlangen-St. Martin

6 Collin Eckman-Sobieski

5 Brock Cichon-Upsala

5 Cory Schoenberg-Spring Hill

5 Gabe Hirsch-Sobieski

5 Hunter Haggemiller-Urbank

5 Nolan Rueter-St. Martin

4 Brandon Welinski-Upsala

4 Cody Stich-Avon

4 Collin Eckman-Sobieski

4 Dusty Adams-Richmond

4 Kody Ruedisili-Nisswa

4 Jacob Hinnenkamp-New Munich

4 Preston Rocheleau-Pierz Lakers

4 Tanner Arceneau-St. Martin.

4 Will Van Beck-Elrosa

Most Hit by Pitch

9 Joe Stangler-New Munich

9 Tyler Jendro-Royalton

8 Dusty Parker-Sobieski

8 Bryan Schlangen-St. Martin

7 Bryan Benson-Freeport

7 Kevin Kuefler-Elrosa

6 Carter Sawyer-Freeport

6 Dusty Parker-Sobieski

6 Joe Zwicki-Foley

6 Kyle Lieser-St. Martin

6 Lane Girtz-Buckman

6 Matt Baier-Sobieski

Most Innings

105.0 Scott Lieser-St. Martin

94.3 Matt Swanson-Upsala/Avon

90.2 Matt Tautges-Buckman

89.2 Payton Van Beck-Elrosa

82.2 Jim Thull-New Munich

81.1 Shane Trattles-Sauk Centre/

FFals

80.1 Nate DeChaine-Nisswa

74.2 Zach Liebold-Royalton

Most Strike Outs

114 Matt Swanson-Upsala/Avon

112 Scott Lieser-St. Martin

101 Caleb Strack-Randall

92 Payton Van Beck-Elrosa

88 Cole Wellman-Avon

81 Shane Trattles-Sauk Centre

75 Matt Tautges-Buckman

70 Preston Rocheleau-Pierz Lakers

67 Nate DeChaine-Nisswa

67 Noah Cekalla-Pierz Lakers

Most Wins

11 Nate DeChaine-Nisswa

9 Scott Lieser-St. Martin

8 Shane Trattles-Sauk Centre

7 Bryce Flanagan-Ft. Ripley/PzLkrs

7 Payton Van Beck-Elrosa

7 Pete Schommer-Pierz Brewers

6 Matt Pichelmann-Avon

6 Matt Swanson-Upsala/Avon

6 Matt Tautges-Buckman

5 Adam Nibaur-Farming/Richmond

5 Ben Welle-Spring Hill

5 Ben Schroeder-St. Martin

5 Cole Wellmann-Avon

5 Jake Kapphahn-Sobieski

5 Luke Jokela-Richmond

5 Noah Cekalla-Pierz Lakers

5 Jack Greenlun-St. Stephen

5 Jack Theisen-Avon

5 Todd Robinson-Buckman

5 Ty Reller-New Munich

5 Wyatt Steffenson-Elrosa

Most Saves

4 Brett Kramer-Ft. Ripley/Nisswa

3 Alex Foss-Foley

3 Dusty Parker-Sobieski

3 Matt Tautges-Buckman

3 Todd Robinson-Buckman

.505 Jackson Peter

Stephen

30 Kevin Kuefler-Elrosa

Most Runs Batted

33 Kody Ruedisili-Nisswa

33 Matt Meyer-St. Stephen

7 Jamie Terres-Spring Hill

7 Nic Nelson-Nisswa

7 Will Funk-New Munich

6 Shane Kampsen-Lake Henry

Most Sacrifices

8 Kyle Lieser-St. Martin

7 Matt Schmitz-Elrosa

73.2 Adam NibaurFarming/Richmond

71.2 Travis Wenzel-Randall