“This is what Senior Night is all about,” said Head Coach Ryan Hendrickson. “Fick was in total control, Despard had one of the best hitting performances of the year, and our seniors set the tone all night long.”

Junior Ryan Despard had a night to remember, going 3-for-3 with two home runs, and a single driving in 2 runs and scoring 3 times. His first homer was a solo shot to left in the second inning. He later launched a no-doubt blast to center field in the fifth, his second of the game, to close out the 10-run rule win.

Senior Eric Fick matched Despard’s fireworks with a gem on the mound. He threw five shutout innings, striking out 11 for the second time this year, allowing just two hits, and walking three. The right-hander commanded all of his pitches, retiring 15 of the 22 batters he faced with ease.

• Garrett Kuhn-Rice continued his clutch production, going 2-for-3 with a 2-run double in the first and finishing with 4 RBI.
• Kale Misegades added two hits, including an RBI double and an RBI single in consecutive innings.
• Owen Harig, one of six honored seniors, delivered a memorable night of his own with a run-scoring double, which walked the game off in the bottom of the 5th scoring Collin Lukken, a walk, a sacrifice bunt, and clean defense at Short Stop.
• Collin Lukken was a spark as well, reaching base in all three plate appearances with 2 singles, a walk, 3 runs scored, adding a stolen base 
• Quenten Beske singled, walked, stole two bases, and scored twice.

The Bulldogs tallied 12 hits as a team, stole four bases, and played error-free defense, backing up Fick's efficient 77-pitch shutout.

Beyond the box score, the night carried emotional weight for the Bulldog community.

Mike Harig, father of senior second baseman Owen Harig, reflected on the moment:

“Senior Night was incredibly special for our family. We’ve been part of this program for a long time, and watching Owen take the field one more time in front of friends, family, and coaches who’ve meant so much—it was emotional. Baseball has been a constant in our lives. The lessons, the memories, the teammates... it’s all been such a blessing.”

Verndale mustered just two hits, singles by Shawn Schmitz and Jalen Hinzmann, while Bulldog defenders made clean plays behind Fick all night, from infielders handling tough hops to crisp outfiled communication, OTC made sure nothing got away.

Hinzmann took the loss for Verndale, allowing 8 earned runs over 3.2 innings before being relieved by K. Vertina.

With the win, OTC improves to 8-5 on the season and captures their fifth shutout of the year.  As the postseason approaches, Friday's all-around performance, timely hitting, elite pitching, and rock - solid defense, was exactly the kind of momentum-builder Coach Hendrickson wanted.

Next Up: The Bulldogs return to conference action Monday at home against Parkers Prairie @ Henning 3pm.