Defense Shines for Bulldogs as OTC Tops Parkers Prairie 2-1
It was a night to honor the Ottertail Central seniors when the Bulldogs hosted Parkers Prairie in Henning on Thursday night. The ballgame went to the home team, winning a 2-1 battle with the Panthers. Seniors and their families were recognized prior to the start of the game. The senior group includes Hunter Haugen, Garrett Nelson, Jayden Harig and Tyson Misegades.
Coach Ryan Hendrickson said, “This is a special group of guys. They have really worked hard to be where they are at. Our seniors lead by example every day, on and off the field. They are selfless in their dedication to their teams and communities. I have really appreciated them and their families. They are all outstanding people!”
From Left to Right Seniors - Hunter Haugen, Garrett Nelson, Jayden Harig, Tyson Misegades (PHOTO PROVIDED)
The game was tied at 1-1 with OTC batting in the bottom of the fifth when Jayden Harig’s sacrifice fly scored Tyson Misegades, who had led off the inning with a single. Misegades moved to second base as Gavin Pausch beat out a bunt for an infield single. A fielders’ choice advanced Misegades to third base. “This score, and win, showed how we are able to score in various ways,” commented Coach Hendrickson. “It is so much fun watching these guys play. We were able to get on, beat out a bunt, move ‘em over, and Sac fly ‘em in. All the while, making exciting plays in the field, and on top of everything, our battery was about perfect. Gavin and Jayden had something special going tonight.”
Pausch (7IP, R, 6H, 2K, BB) struck out two batters and his mound opponent, Nolan Steidl (6IP, 2R, 6H, 3K) recorded 3 strikeouts in the game.
OTC got things going right away as Misegades led off the first with a single and stole second base. Pausch then laced a double to the left centerfield gap, scoring Misegades for a 1-0 lead. The ensuing innings allowed OTC to show off their defensive skills. In the fourth inning, Parkers Prairie led off with a single by Steidl, but the next batter hit into a nifty double play made by Owen Harig, the OTC shortstop. With two out, the Panthers had 3 guys reach base by hits, but Pausch induced a tough ground ball to Kale Misegades at second base. Kale ranged deep to his glove side, made a great play and was able to end the inning by way of a 4-3 putout.
“Our defense was making great plays all game, highlighted by Drew Evavold’s two remarkable diving catches in left field,” reported Coach Hendrickson. “Both of his high effort plays saved runs and got the momentum back on our side.”
Parkers was able to score in the fifth inning to tie the game, 1-1. With one out, David Revering (2-4) doubled and came around to score on an error.
“We didn’t have the timely hit tonight and hit into some tough luck as well,” commented Parkers Prairie Head Coach Derek Denny. “OTC’s left fielder had two diving catches to take away two sure hits. The Bulldogs played a good game and ultimately came out on top. This was a playoff caliber game and was a good experience for our team as we prepare for playoff baseball.”
OTC posted a 6-2 JV victory over Parkers Prairie, ending the Panthers 8 game JV winning streak.
