The score was tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the fourth when a lead-off double was nearly tracked down by right fielder Logan Larson, but instead it bounced off his outstretched glove starting a 2-run rally.  An error at shortstop, followed by a single, plated 2 runs in the inning.  The bottom of the 5th saw Rocori score two more runs to stretch their lead to 5-2.  The Otters and Spartans both scored single runs in the 6th, but the damage was done and the final score was 6-2.

Offensively, each team had 8 hits, but the 5 Otter errors once again proved to be the difference in the game.  Rocori pitcher Kaden Rausch went the distance without issuing a walk while striking out 5.  Hunter Powers led the Otters at the plate, going 2-for-3.  Alex Ellison got his first varsity hit and Ethan Gronwold added a triple.

“Overall it was mostly positive that we saw today from out team,” noted Coach Thielke.  “We had another great pitching performance, this time from Carston Fronning, and our bats showed some life as well, we just didn’t get the big 2-out hit and we had some tough luck hitting hard balls right at them and they made the plays.  If we continue to compete, we are confident that we’ll see the outcomes we expect.  Defensively, we had some timely miscues and we need to continue to make that a focus as we move forward.  We have the right pieces to the puzzle and we just need to put it all together.”

The Otters will host Alexandria in their next game on Tuesday.