Cole Fronning was a hard luck loser tonight in the first game of the double header against the Cardinals. Both of the Cardinal runs were unearned. Fronning scattered 5 hits and struck out 3 batters. “He pounded the strike zone all game long and did not deserve to lose the game,” stated Head Coach Kevin Pearson of the Otters.

The Fergus bats were quiet all game long as Brock Kotschevar and Abel Aho were the only hitters to collect hits. Aho’s single scored the only run of the game for the Otters.

“We had our chances to win this game,” said Pearson. It was a well-played high school baseball game in which we made just a couple mistakes that cost us.

Game 2 saw the Otter bats come alive, but they were just unable to get the big hit to get them over the top as they left 11 runners in scoring position.

The Otters jumped out to an early lead as they plated two runs in the top of the first. Fronning doubled, and Cole Knudson walked. Nic Pearson’s double scored Fronning and moved Knudson to third. The other run came when the Cardinals tried to pick off Knudson at third. The throw got away from the 3rd baseman, and Knudson scampered home.

The Cardinals came back with 3 runs of their own off starting pitcher Jack Baker. They added to their lead with an earned run off reliever Michael Maanum.

The Otters mounted a comeback in the top of the 7th inning. Fronning walked and Knudson singled. Fronning was able to steal 3rd, and scored as the ball got away from the third baseman. Pearson reached on an infield single which allowed Knudson to advance to third. Willmar’s relief pitcher Drey Dirksen was able to calm himself and strike out the next three Otter batters to seal the 4-3 win.

“We had our chances in this game as well as the first one. We just left too many runners in scoring position,” said Rogers. “I told the guys we are so close. We just one guy to step up and get that one big hit.”

The last regular season game will be Thursday against Perham at Legion Field. It is schedule to start at 5:00pm.