The JV team got things started and it proved be more of a football score with the Otters prevailing, 19-16.  “Brock Scheuerman was a human highlight reel as he pounded out two deep triples and had six runs batted in,” reported Coach Thielke.  Isaac Ellison (3IP, 4BB, 7K) started on the mound and earned the win.

The varsity game didn’t favor the Otters as they dug a hole early, and despite some opportunities, they couldn’t overcome the early deficit.  Colin Becker started on the mound for the Otters.  After giving up one run in the top of the first, the Lakers were able to take advantage of five walks and a couple of big hits as they tacked on eighth runs in the top of the second inning.  Riston Albert came in and provided a strong outing of long relief, walking only one batter and giving up only two runs, scattering six hits over the final 4 2/3 innings of the game.

“If you take away that second inning, we felt like we put together a pretty solid baseball game,” noted Thielke.  “Becker had the most experience on the mound and we wanted to give him the ball in our opening game.  He struggled with control in the second and the Lakers made him pay for it.  That is what good teams do.  It was nice to see Riston step in and give us a chance to get back in it, keeping a solid Minnewaska Area lineup in check.”

The Otters only managed three hits as Laker PJ Johnson pitched a six inning gem, keeping the Otter offense off balance and limiting opportunities as he did not walk a single batter.  The lone Otter run came when Leighton Buckmeier stroked an RBI single in the third inning, scoring Griffin Babolian, who had singled and stole second to start the inning.  Kellen Stenstrom added a hits and a sacrifice bunt, rounding out the Otter offense.”

“It was a fun day of baseball and we know what we need to do if we want to improve,” added Thielke.  “I was proud of all of our guys for competing and it was great for the JV to set the tone with a win.”

The Otters are scheduled to play in Willmar on Tuesday.