tigers on to the state! 2007 post-game 045 video clip.avi

Rapid Exit

Sauk Rapids Sends Tigers Packing

August 29, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke - After waiting five extra days to play their first state tournament game (due to rain) – and 12 days since their last game – the Tigers suddenly found themselves short on time, unable to climb out of an early hole in an 8-3 loss to the Sauk Rapids Cyclones.  The setback ended the Tigers’ season, one that produced a 22-19 record and the team’s first trip to the State Tournament since 2001.

Sauk Rapids did their part to make Belle Plaine look good, beating Detroit Lakes 8-7 to move on to the final 8 teams still alive in Class ‘C’.  The Cyclones will now play Princeton on Friday at 7:30 pm, at Norwood, with Elko and St. Francis preceding them at 5:00 pm. 

In the other set of games Friday at Hamburg, it will be Holdingford and Plato at 5:00 pm, with St. Stephen and Winsted at 7:30 pm.  For Class ‘B’ pairings and all the rest, go to the Minnesota Baseball Association’s website at www.minnesotabaseball.org.

The Tigers would like to take this space to thank the many people that not only followed them to Norwood, but have followed them all season long.  It’s a lot of fun playing for a crowd (even if our last game didn’t show it), and here’s to the dream of bigger and better things in 2008. 

Tigers 3 vs. Sauk Rapids Cyclones 8, at Norwood (Friday, August 24 – Class ‘C’ State Tournament, Round One)
With Shane Hofmann pitching, Sauk’s first batter grounded routinely to shortstop Adam Hoffman, but the throw popped out of first baseman Pat Schultz’s mitt for an error.  (Schultz is team’s long-time star catcher, but was playing first so the team could get Gaylord draftee Brad Walsh’s bat into the lineup.) 

Schultz redeemed himself on the next play when he made a beautiful recovery-and-throw to Hofmann, on a strange but spectacular 1-3-1 putout.  A Greg Beboom double scored the game’s first run and after a Scott Lochner fly ball – that should have ended the inning – unearned runs two and three came in on a 2-out bomb from pitcher Nate Swan.  3-0, Sauk Rapids.      

The Tiger Express responded in the 2nd, when Dan Weldon singled and came around to score on a two-out hit by Brad Lawson.  But back came the Cyclones in the bottom of the inning.

Consecutive hits, a wild pitch and a sac fly made it 4-1 and after a pop-out, another single made it 5-1 and sent Hofmann to the showers.  Hofmann entered with a 9-2 record and 3.17 ERA, averaging over 6 innings in his 15 starts this year.  But the veteran righty didn’t seem to have his best stuff, and to the Cyclones credit, they pounced.

Brad Lawson came on in relief, and another error led to a sixth Sauk Rapids run before the nightmarish 2nd was over.    

Tim Huber opened the third with his team-leading 5th home run, and with 21 outs to go and down 6-2, the Tigers felt very much alive.  But Nate Swan buckled down from there, yielding only one run over the next five innings. 

The final Tigertown uprising came in the 5th, as Lawson opened the inning by reaching on an error.  Nick Volek singled, and after a pair of outs, Pat Schultz doubled to score Lawson and put runners at 2nd and 3rd.  Swan got Brad Walsh looking, however, and the Tigros would only snare one more hit the rest of the game.

Walsh provided some solid relief work for the Tigers, as Lawson worked 1.1 innings and went back to third, which also returned Schultz to catcher.  Walsh was touched for two runs in the 6th, and that was all he and Mr. Snappy allowed over 4.2 frames. 

Jeff Hille worked the final two stanzas for Sauk, and was lights out – six up, six down. 

Huber and Lawson led the way for BP offensively, each collecting two hits and an RBI. 

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2007 SEASON IN REVIEW
Coming off a 9-21 campaign in 2006, the Tigers brought back a bunch of their former players and even a former manager in Johnny Miller.  By Game 13, the Belle Players had already surpassed their win total from the previous season.

Things then went straight into the toilet, as the locals endured an ugly 1-7 stretch.  While no excuse for such a dramatic falloff, the streak did coincide with the loss of leader Trace Selly to a head injury.     

From that point on – the midpoint of the season – the Tigers evened out and went 11-9 (.550) the rest of the way.  However, they played big when needed and delivered in the playoffs, coming out of the CCL-Central playoffs as the 3rd seed, then twice defeating favored St. Patrick in Region 6C to seal their return to State.

Highlights of the regular season include a 3rd place finish at the Freeport Tournament in May, Tim Huber beating Arlington 8-7 by stealing home in the 9th, a visit to the Webster hot dog guy in early June, another successful Tigertown Classic, a 9-5 victory at Young America that snapped their 14-game winning streak, a triple play against Henderson, and let’s face it – more than a person can name here in one Herald article.

The batting champ for the Tigers is the one-man hitting clinic Tim Huber (.395), who pulled away from Pat Schultz (.364) over the season’s final 3 weeks.  Schultz has finished first or second in batting average each of the last five years.   

On the mound, Shane Hofmann led the team in wins (9) and innings pitched (92.2), and posted a 3.30 ERA.  Brad Lawson posted a 2.52 ERA in 39.1 IP, as he split time between starting and relieving.  Speaking of consistency, Hofmann has led the staff in wins 7 of the last 8 years. 

As a team, the Roaring Tigros hit .262 (347-1323) with 8 home runs.  The team ERA was 3.77.  The team defense was deplorable, unfathomable, and improbable.

Check www.bptigertown.com for final stats – which should be posted soon – and other goodies throughout the offseason.  Soon, it will be time to “play ball” once again.      
 

TIGERS MUST WAIT

Rain Moves Sauk Rapids Game to Friday

August 20, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke -

Rain washed out much of first weekend of the State Tournament, and the Tigers were no exception.  Sunday’s game versus the Sauk Rapids Cyclones was postponed until this Friday night at 6:00 pm, at Norwood.  In other words, the Tigers have moved on to the tourney’s second weekend!

Multiple changes have been made to the original bracket, so please either see the accompanying bracket or visit the Minnesota Baseball Association website at www.minnesotabaseball.org.  The MBA site has done an outstanding job of staying current and providing game recaps and linescores, so make sure to check it out as things unfold over the remainder of the tournaments (‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’).

If the Tigertown Express moves on Friday, they will play Sunday night, 7:30 pm at Hamburg, against the winner of Detroit Lakes and Searles.  If they lose, the season is over, as it is only double-elimination once you reach Labor Day Weekend and the final four teams.  The Tigers need three wins to reach that point.

Sauk Rapids took infield and the Tigers had nearly completed theirs, when the remaining players were called off the field.  After a delay of nearly an hour, the state board said ‘you say tomato, I say tomatoe; let’s call the whole thing off.’  The 25 meteorolists in the Tiger dugout killed time during the delay with an impromptu session of the kangaroo court, where justice was served swiftly and sometimes even fairly.

Check out www.minnesotabaseball.org for the latest on rain delay situations for the Class 'C' State Tournament.  The latest word is that Sunday's games will go on as scheduled, irregardless of any potential delays / postponements on Saturday.   

If you can't make it to Norwood, tune in the Tigers at 860-AM KNUJ.  www.knuj.net

TIGERS 'ON TO THE STATE'!

First Trip Since 2001;
Will Face Sauk Rapids Cyclones Sunday

August 15, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke - Belle Plaine beat St. Patrick for the second time in the Region 6C playoffs – this time 9-5 on Friday night – to send the Tigers back to the State Tournament for the first time since 2001.  A Tiger Park crowd of over 350 watched a 9-1 lead shrink in the 9th before the champagne began spraying from the home dugout.

THE TIGERS WILL NOW FACE THE SAUK RAPIDS CYCLONES at 1:30 pm on Sunday, at Norwood, in the first round of the Class ‘C’ State Tournament.  The Cyclones are the #1-seed from Region 10C, while the Tigers are the #2-seed from Region 6C, after getting throttled in the championship game Sunday at Elko, 13-0 in 7 innings. 

With each team allotted one draft pick from the Region, Elko chose first and took St. Patrick’s Bill Dunker.  The Tigers selected Gaylord’s Brad Walsh, who can both pitch and catch. 

Sauk’s Cyclones come in with a 7-game winning streak and 28-8 record, hailing from the Lakewood League – East Division.  They defeated Freeport 5-0 Sunday in the Region 10C Championship game. 

The full Class ‘C’ (and ‘B’) State Tournament bracket is available at www.minnesotabaseball.org, and will be updated there throughout the tournament.  Because I haven’t pounded it over your head enough yet this year, also visit www.bptigertown.com for all the latest on the Tigers’ long-and-winding road to Labor Day.

Team Tigertown’s record is 22-18.  The team is batting .264 for the season with a 3.75 ERA. 

St. Patrick 5 @ Tigers 9 (Friday, August 10 – Region 6C loser’s bracket, elimination game)
The Tigertown Express used a 12-hit attack and a commanding mound performance from Shane Hofmann to shock St. Patrick and themselves, 9-5, punching the Tigers’ ticket to the State Tourney. 

St. Patrick had outlasted Gaylord on Wednesday night (Aug. 8), winning 10-1 in 13 innings after scoring all nine runs with two outs.  The Irish were looking to join league-mate Elko (of the DRS) in moving on from Region 6C, while Belle Plaine was the CCL's last chance to send a Class 'C' rep. 

A Tiger trip would be well-earned, as the Irish sent out storied ace Bill Dunker – he of the impressive 11-1 record and tidy 1.58 ERA.  Manager Johnny Miller countered with his self-annointed ace, the venerable one, Shane Hofmann.  And much like a ColecoVision game of Donkey Kong, it was on. 

Thinking one or two runs might win the game, the BP Faithful took a deep breath after Wade Schuknecht scored from third on a 2-out passed ball in the 1st.  In defense of Pat Schultz's lack thereof... he was using a new glove!  The old one broke.  True story.  Bad timing.

Leadoff hitter Tim Huber answered emphatically, opening with a triple.  Jeff Bruder soon plated him with a sacrifice fly to left, and things were even at one apiece. 

In the Tiger 2nd, a 3-run rally was strung together after two were out.  Dan Weldon doubled, Brad Lawson walked, and Nick "the Quick" Volek delivered a real, live, non-bunt single, which not only gave the Tigers a 2-1 lead, but set the table for Huber.  The just-turned-30 centerfielder promptly stroked a two-run double, making it 4-1. 

In the 6th, the floodgates opened, and the Tigers chased Dunker.  After Trace Selly drilled a one-out, pinch-hit single to right, pinch runner Josh Terrio was erased on a fielder's choice by Weldon for the second out.  But then Lawson singled, while Volek, Huber, and Bruder all delivered RBI singles, leading to a relief appearance from the tall lefty Derek Bergstrom.  Working out of the wind, Huber put an exclamation point on the inning by stealing home on Bergstrom’s first pitch, and it was 8-1 Tigers. 

Another run in the 7th made it 9-1, Tigers.  Hofmann, meanwhile, worked around 9 hits and a pair of errors, and was aided by a handful of stout defensive plays along the way.  In the 9th, Hofmann looked out of gas as the 8th and 9th-place hitters began the inning with a single and a double. 

Lawson came on in relief, and after a pop-out and a punch-out, Josh Simon singled, giving former Tiger draftee Jeff Bjerke a chance.  And into the night it went, a 3-run shot over the right-field wall.  A Dom DeLuca double off the wall officially put Tiger Nation on edge (if Tim Brewster can have a Gopher Nation…), but a comebacker to Lawson and a quick flip to first ended it, sending the Tigers streaking onto the field to Louie Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.”  And soon back to the dugout for a long-awaited taste of the bubbly. 

Tigers 0 @ Elko 13 (Sunday, August 12 – 7 innings, Region 6C Championship)
For a Region Championship game, there’s not a whole heck of a lot to say from a Tiger perspective.  Chatfield’s Finest came out flatter than a 2-day old bottle of $5 Andre, and got their butts kicked in every facet of the game. 

Corey Schaaf started and got roughed up, and Mike Schultz was a carbon copy in relief.  Only Jonny Schulz gave the shellshocked Tiger fans something to not cover their eyes about – the first scoreless inning of the day and two strikeouts.

Pat Schultz picked up two of the Tigers’ four hits (all singles), with Tim Huber and Trace Selly grabbing the others.  Meanwhile, Elko slugged two long balls among their 14 hits, and improved their season record to 38-5. 

As for my comment last week that a rematch would be “fun and interesting” – not so much.

ONE MORE TO GO

Tigers at Home Friday, State Tourney Berth On the Line

August 8, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke - Belle Plaine beat St. Patrick on Wednesday and Gaylord on Friday by 4-1 counts, before dropping a tight one Sunday to the Elko Express, 3-2.  A win against the 36-5 Express would have propelled the Tigers into the Class ‘C’ State Tourament, but now, the Tigers must win Friday to do so, or the season is kaput.  The locals’ last appearance in the State Tournament was in 2001.

FRIDAY’S GAME AT TIGER PARK will be at 8:00 pm, against the winner of tonight’s (Wednesday’s) St. Patrick at Gaylord game.  This will be the last game of the year at Tiger Park, as the winner will play Sunday at Elko, 2:00 pm in the Region 6C Championship.  Should Elko lose the first game, a second game will be played at the same site, shortly thereafter. 

Sunday’s championship game(s) is essentially for seeding purposes for the State Tournament.  Both teams from Region 6C will open at Norwood on Sunday, August 19.  Visit www.bptigertown.com for a state tourney bracket, the Region bracket, boxscores and more, not to mention some great pictures of the past week’s games by the ever-generous Carrie Bruder.

The Tiger Train is 21-17 on the season.  The team batting average is .264, and the team ERA is 3.49.  People seem to like us because we are polite, and rarely late.

St. Patrick 1 @ Tigers 4 (Wednesday, August 1 – Region 6C)
Team TigerTown used one big inning and the right arm of Shane Hofmann to turn out the lights on St. Patrick, in a 4-1 victory at Tiger Park. 
   
Although the Tigers finished the game with just four hits, three of them came in the four-run third, off starter Josh Simon.  Matt Schultz singled with one out, then watched Brad Lawson and Jeff Bruder walk to load the bases.  "Pat the Bat" Schultz laced a 2-run single to left to open the scoring.  Tim Huber followed with an RBI gork over 2nd base, and Jeff Miller capped the rally with a sacrifice fly to centerfield. 

Much like the evening's funky skies, the Irish threatened to do some damage in the third, when they loaded the bases with one out.  But a line-drive, unassisted double play to Bruder at second base ended the frame.

The other key moment of the game defensively came when two were gone in the 7th, with runners at 2nd and 3rd and the dangerous Simon at the plate.  With first base open and Simon already having a double, triple, and a walk to his credit, the Tigers challenged him and escaped when he flied out to right.

Other than that, "Ace" Hofmann was very much in control.  He picked up his 8th win against just two defeats, lowering his ERA to 3.25.  After starting the 8th with a walk and a single, Manager Miller summoned Brad Lawson from the pen.  Lawson not only escaped the jam by retiring the next three men he faced, but also sat down the Irish in order in the 9th.

Besides the third inning, the locals only got a runner past first base once the entire night.  That came when Dan Weldon and Nick Volek drew back-to-back walks in the 7th.

A good crowd attended the ballgame, and witnessed an outstanding defensive effort from Lawson at third base, who stood on his head on a variety of occasions.

Tigers 4 @ Gaylord 1 (Friday, August 3 – Region 6C)
Corey Schaaf came up huge for a second time in the playoffs, and the Belle Plaine bats got the job done in a 4-1 win at Gaylord.  Schaaf (5-4) threw a complete-game 3-hitter, in a game the Tigers really wanted. 

Belle Plaine had their work cut out for them offensively, as the Islanders sent ace Brad Walsh to the hill.  Walsh entered the game with a 4-1 record and a miniscule 0.79 ERA in 57 innings, allowing just 30 hits while posting 76 K's.  Walsh's out pitch is a slider, and "Mr. Snappy" is his name.  He would go on to record 9 strikeouts on the evening, in 7 innings.

El Tigre struck first, however, when Tim Huber doubled with two gone in the third.  Jeff Bruder ripped a single down the third-base line, and the Tigers led 1-0. 

Schaaf, meanwhile, carried a perfect game into the fifth inning, losing it with one out when Josh Gasow doubled.  Tyler Gasow followed with a well-placed blooper just behind first base, setting up runners at the corners with one out.  Winthrop draftee Al Frank sent a fly ball to center, and Huber came up throwing.  The one-hop throw was right on line and in time, but took a big bounce over catcher Pat Schultz's head to score the run. 

Belle Plaine broke the tie in their next at-bats, taking advantage of a one-out walk to Bruder in the 6th.  After a passed ball moved the crusty veteran to second, Pat Schultz singled to left-center to make it 2-1. 

With Schaaf cruising, the Red Caps added two insurance runs in the 9th, highlighted by doubles from "Hot Dog" Miller and "Cool Cat" Scott Schaffler. 

Schaaf allowed a one-out single in the 9th – just the third hit against him – but stranded the runner when the game ended on the rookie's sixth punchout.  It was Schaaf's second postseason win, having previously defeated #1-seed Waconia with 6.1 scoreless innings in the CCL Central playoffs.  You can pretty much start calling him Jack Morris. 

The Tigers jubilantly stormed the field, realizing a loss would have sent them to the back of the losers’ bracket and required three straight wins for a State Tourney berth.  Now, winning one of the next two would do the trick. 

Tigers 2 @ Elko 3 (Sunday, August 5 – Region 6C semifinals)
If Gaylord’s Brad Walsh had an impressive pitching pedigree, so too was Elko’s Josh Roiger nasty as advertised.  No stats are available for this year, but over his first two years the diminutive lefty has posted a 0.72 ERA while allowing just 78 hits in 146 IP.  Seriously, why is he not pitching in the minors somewhere.  But the Tigers would strike first – and second.

Leadoff hitter Tim Huber started the ballgame by slicing a double down the third-base line, and after a strikeout, stole third.  Pat Schultz sent a grounder to short to plate Huber, but it was booted and Schultz also reached.  (“Give me an ‘E’”!...)  A single by Jeff Miller put men at first and second, but another punchout ended the inning. 

In the 2nd, Dan Weldon singled with two outs thanks to a bad hop in the infield.  The world’s greatest nine-hole hitter then proceeded to steal second, and scored on an RBI single to right by Huber.  “This playoff baseball thing is pretty easy!” the Tigers thought.    Or so it seemed at the time.

Starter Brad Lawson would suffer his only bad inning in the 2nd, when Elko scored twice on five hits – but it could have been worse.  With the bases loaded, Josh Thom sent a shallow fly ball into foul territory behind third base.  Shortstop Adam Hoffman made a sliding catch, then had the wherewithal to get up and fire a perfect strike home to nail the runner who had tagged up from third. 

From this point on, both starting pitchers went into lock-down mode, and posted eerily-similar lines:  Roiger retired 14 consecutive Tigers until a two-out single in the 7th, while Lawson retired 14 of 15 men until a two-out hit-by-pitch in the 7th.  The only man he didn’t get in that stretch was Corey Grissom, who was hit both times thanks to the Craig Biggio elbow pad he ordered off eBay. 

However, little things like that can often swing a ballgame, and thus it did when a walk followed to put Grissom at second, who scored on a booming double to center by Josh Thom.  Tony Gabriel tried to score from first on the play, but again a great relay throw from Hoffman and tag by Schultz completed the 8-6-2 putout, saving a big run. 

Trailing 3-2, Jeff Bruder doubled with one out in the 8th.  But the next five Tiger batters would go in order, giving Roiger the complete game win and 12 strikeouts to go with zero walks.

The Tigers played errorless ball behind Lawson, who pitched valiantly but was the tough-luck loser.  Somehow the baseball gods have Lawson at 0-4, despite a 2.19 ERA.  It’s kind of like the year (1999) when Dan Weldon went 9-0 with a 6.62 ERA, except in reverse. 

Several pleasantries were exchanged between the two teams throughout the game, which will make for a fun and interesting rematch Sunday – if the Tigers can just get there. 

TIGERS ON THE VERGE

Beat Gaylord 4-1; One Win Away From State

August 3, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke - Corey Schaaf came up huge for the second time in the playoffs, and the Belle Plaine bats got the job done in a 4-1 win at Gaylord.  Schaaf (5-4) threw a complete-game 3-hitter, leading the Tigers to the precipice of their first State Tournament appearance since 2001.  Waiting for the Tigertown Nine is mega-beast Elko, who beat Arlington 6-1 and enters with a sparkling 35-5 record. 

Belle Plaine had their work cut out for them offensively, as the Islanders sent ace Brad Walsh to the hill.  Walsh entered the game with a 4-1 record and a miniscule 0.79 ERA in 57 innings, allowing just 30 hits while posting 76 K's.  Walsh's out pitch is a slider, and "Mr. Snappy" is his name.  He would go on to record 9 strikeouts on the evening.

El Tigre struck first, however, when Tim Huber doubled with two outs in the third.  Jeff Bruder ripped a single down the third-base line, and the Tigers led 1-0. 

Schaaf, meanwhile, carried a perfect game into the fifth inning, losing it with one out when Josh Gasow doubled.  Tyler Gasow followed with a well-placed popper just behind first base, setting up runners at the corners with one out.  Winthrop draftee Al Frank sent a fly ball to center, and Tim Huber came up throwing.  The one-hop throw was right on line and in time, but took a big bounce over catcher Pat Schultz's head to score the run. 

Belle Plaine broke the tie in their next at-bats in the 6th, taking advantage of a one-out walk to Bruder.  After a passed ball moved the crusty veteran to second, Pat Schultz singled to left-center to make it 2-1. 

With Schaaf cruising, the Red Caps added two insurance runs in the 9th, highlighted by doubles from "Hot Dog" Miller and "Cool Cat" Scott Schaffler. 

Schaaf allowed a one-out single in the 9th, the third hit against him, but stranded the runner when the game ended on the rookie's sixth punchout.  It was Schaaf's second win of the playoffs, having previously defeated #1-seed Waconia with 6.1 scoreless innings in the CCL Central playoffs. 

The Tigers jubilantly stormed the field, realizing a loss would have sent them to the back of the loser's bracket and required three straight wins for a State Tourney berth.  Now, the Tigers must win just one of their next two to do so. 

Sunday's game at Elko is at 2:00 pm. 

LUCK OF THE TIGRISH

Tiger's Beat St. Patrick 4-1; Gaylord Next

August 1, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke - Team TigerTown used one big inning and the right arm of Shane Hofmann to turn out the lights on St. Patrick Wednesday night, in a 4-1 victory at Tiger Park. 

El Tigre will travel to #1-seed Gaylord on Friday - first pitch 8:00 pm - in the Region 6C semifinals.  BP will play at 2:00 pm Sunday either way:  if they beat Gaylord, they will play for a State Tournament berth; if they lose, it's back to "square one" in the loser's bracket. 
     
Although the Tigers finished the game with just four hits, three of them came in the four-run third, off starter Josh Simon.  Matt Schultz singled with one out, then watched Brad Lawson and Jeff Bruder walk to load the bases.  "Pat the Bat" Schultz laced a 2-run single to left to open the scoring.  Tim Huber followed with an RBI gork over 2nd base, and Jeff Miller capped the rally with a sacrifice fly to centerfield. 

Much like the evening's funky skies, the Irish threatened to do some damage in the third, when they loaded the bases with one out.  But a line-drive, unassisted double play to second baseman Jeff Bruder ended the frame.

The other key moment of the game defensively came when two were gone in the 7th, with runners at 2nd and 3rd and the dangerous Simon at the plate.  With first base open and Simon already having a double, triple, and a walk to his credit, the Tigers challenged him and escaped with a fly ball to right-field. (continued after photo)

Other than that, "Ace" Hofmann was very much in control.  He picked up his 8th win against just two defeats, and lowered his ERA to 3.25.  After starting the 8th with a walk and a single, Manager Miller summoned Brad Lawson from the bullpen.  Lawson not only escaped the jam by retiring the next three men he faced, but also sat down the Irish in order in the 9th.

Besides the third inning, the locals only got a runner past first base once the entire night.  That came when Dan Weldon and Nick Volek drew back-to-back walks in the 7th.

A good crowd attended the ballgame, including a five-man scouting brigade from St. Benedict.  What they witnessed was an outstanding defensive effort from 3B Brad Lawson, who stood on his head (figuratively) on a variety of occasions.

IN OTHER REGION 6C ACTION, Arlington led Le Sueur 3-0 in the 4th when play was suspended due to rain.  The game will be resumed at 8:00 pm Thursday night in Le Sueur, with the Braves batting in the bottom of the 4th and runners on 1st and 2nd, with one out.

ON TO REGIONS

Tiger's Host St. Patrick on Wednesday Night

August 1, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke - Belle Plaine whisked by #1-seed and three-time defending division champion Waconia last Wednesday, 5-0, to clinch a spot in the Region 6C playoffs while advancing to Region play for the first time since 2003.  On Saturday night, the Tigers lost the CCL Central Championship 6-3 in a rematch with Le Sueur, so will serve as the CCL Central’s #2-seed in Region 6C.  (Waconia and Carver did not advance in the CCL Central playoffs)

THE TIGERS #2-SEEDING PITS THEM WEDNESDAY AGAINST ST. PATRICK, the #2-seed from the DRS-White.  That game will take place at 8:00 pm, on the hallowed grounds of Tiger Park.  There are six teams in Region 6C, and the top two will advance to the State Tournament, which begins August 16 in Hamburg and Norwood. 

Please see the accompanying Region 6C bracket for all remaining scenarios, and follow the results online via the Tiger website.  When reading the bracket, these rules apply:  1) A bye does not count as a hosted game; 2) In the loser’s bracket, the high seed hosts – unless the other team has fewer home games; 3) Game 11, if necessary, will be played at the same site as Game 10, but the winner of Game 10 will serve as the home team on the scoreboard. 

Following the conclusion of Saturday’s CCL Championship game, draftees were selected.  All four players were taken from the Waconia Lakers:  1) Le Sueur – Rob Wagener, pitcher; 2) Belle Plaine – Jesse Maistrovich, pitcher; 3) Le Sueur – Pat Jacobsen, catcher; 4) Belle Plaine – Dan Chrest, catcher. 

The Mighty Tigers are 19-16 on the season.  The team batting average is .270, and the team ERA is 3.66. 

Tigers 5 @ Waconia 0 (Wednesday, July 25 – CCL Central semi-finals)
Corey Schaaf (pictured above) and Brad Lawson combined on a 6-hit shutout, and the Tigers took advantage of three first-inning errors to beat the #1-seeded Lakers 5-0.  Schaaf walked four but was otherwise stingy, surrending five hits and nary a run in 6.1 IP.  Lawson worked the final 2.2 innings for the BP Nine, giving up a hit and two walks while preserving the shutout and earning the save.

The TigerTown Express got on board early, loading the bases with one out in the 1st against starter Travis Van Doren.  Three of the next four hitters reached via infield errors, leading to three runs while giving the Tigers a nice early cushion.

The Lakers, 12-4 in the CCL regular season, threatened in the 1st but had a runner thrown out at home after a ball deflected off third baseman Bradley Lawson.  He threw home where catcher Pat Schultz applied the tag.

Waconia got runners to second and third with one out in the 3rd, but Schaaf induced a P-5 and F-8 to snuff the rally.  In the 5th the Lakers lost a runner at third, when catcher Schultz threw behind the runner at second base and Adam Hoffman’s relay was in time to Lawson. 

Belle Plaine added a fourth run in the 6th, when A-Hoff dropped a two-out single to right field.  In the 8th, secret weapon / surprise starter Trace Selly delivered an RBI single for the final margin of victory, much to the delight of the Tiger dugout and fans.

El Tigerino was outhit 6-5 on the night, but committed just one error to Waconia's three. 

Le Sueur 6 @ Tigers 3 (Saturday, July 28 – CCL Central Championship)
Le Sueur jumped on the Tigers early and never trailed, sending starter Mike Schultz to the showers after just seven batters and two outs.  The Bravos jammed the basepaths all night long, and while scoring just twice in the 1st, made it a 4-0 cushion after 2 ½. 

Belle Plaine closed it to 4-2 in the bottom of the third, thanks to RBI singles from Jeff Bruder and Pat Schultz.  But after a Tim Huber double, runners were left stranded at second and third.

In the fifth the Chatfield Choo-Choo plated one to make it 4-3, but after putting runners at first and third with one out, again let them die on the vine.  The Braves took advantage of a Tiger error in the 6th to make it 5-3, and added another in the 9th via three more Tiger errors to make it 6-3.  That’s right – three errors in one inning.  Enough to make a grown man cry.  (Or at least, cuss.)

In the bottom of the 9th, the Tigers provided some excitement as they loaded the bases with two outs against the Braves’ Adam Sorenson.  But a strikeout ended things and sent the Tigers toward the tables.

Pat Schultz led the way at 3-for-5, raising his average to a blistering .397.  Meanwhile Matt Schultz, Tim Huber and Dan Weldon all chipped in two hits apiece.  Jonny Schulz provided solid relief on short notice, going 4.2 innings while giving up two runs.  Brad Lawson finished up on the mound for the Tigers, giving up an unearned run over 3.2 innings.

TIGERS BLANK #1-SEED WACONIA

Advance to Region 6C: Host CCL Championship Saturday

The High Seed is the home game in Games 1, 2, 3 and 4. The unbeaten team is home in Game 6.

The High Seed is home in Game 5 UNLESS the lower seed has had less home games.

July 25, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke - Corey Schaaf and Brad Lawson combined on a 6-hit shutout, and the Tigers took advantage of three first-inning Waconia errors to beat the #1-seeded Lakers 5-0 on Wednesday night.  Schaaf walked four but was otherwise stingy, surrending five hits and nary a run in 6.1 IP.  Lawson worked the final 2.2 innings for the BP Nine, giving up a hit and two walks while preserving the shutout and earning the save.

The TigerTown Express got on board early, loading the bases with one out in the 1st against starter Travis Van Doren.  Three of the next four hitters reached via infield errors, leading to three runs to give the Tigers a nice early cushion.

The Lakers, 12-4 in the CCL regular season, threatened in the 1st but had a runner thrown out at home after a ball deflected off of third baseman Bradley Lawson.  He threw home where catcher Pat Schultz applied the tag.

Waconia also got runners to second and third with one out in the 3rd, but Schaaf induced a P-5 and F-8 to snuff the rally.  The Lakers also lost a runner at 3rd when catcher Schultz threw behind the runner at 2nd, who took off for 3rd but was tagged out on the relay from Adam Hoffman to Lawson.

Belle Plaine added a fourth run in the 6th, when A-Hoff dropped a two-out single to right field.  In the 8th, surprise starter Trace Selly delivered an RBI single for the final margin of victory, much to the delight of the Tiger dugout and fans.

El Tigerino was outhit 6-5 on the night, but committed just one error to Waconia's three. 

The Tigers will host the CCL Championship on Saturday night, at 7:30 pm, against the winner of Friday night's Le Sueur at Waconia game.  That winner and the Tigers will advance to Region 6C play, which begins on Wednesday, August 1st.  Check out the Region 6C bracket for full details.

TIGERS TAKE FIRST STEP

Beat Le Sueur 3-2; at Waconia Wednesday Night

The High Seed is the home game in Games 1, 2, 3 and 4. The unbeaten team is home in Game 6.

The High Seed is home in Game 5 UNLESS the lower seed has had less home games.

July 25, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke - After dropping a doubleheader at Le Sueur last Sunday – both by identical 8-2 scores – the Tigers returned the favor with a 3-2 win in the CCL Central playoff opener.  The local nine plays at #1-seed Waconia tonight at 7:30 pm, and must win one of their next two games to advance to Region 6C play (which begins August 1st).

If the Tigers beat Waconia, they advance to Saturday’s CCL Central Championship, which would be at Belle Plaine.  Game time is currently slated for 7:30 pm, but that may be moved to 6:00 pm, so please check www.bptigertown.com for updates (if pertinent). 

If TigerTown loses to Waconia, they will play at home Friday night in an elimination game, 7:30 pm against the winner of Carver / Le Sueur.  If the Tigers go this route and win, then Saturday’s game will be on the road.  (Please see the accompanying bracket for all details.)

Last Tuesday (July 17) the Tigers beat Henderson 5-3, ending the game with a triple play.  On Friday, Green Isle visited and bested the hometowners, 6-3. 

El Tigre’s overall record is 18-15.  A look at the team batting average shows .273, while the team ERA is 3.77. 

Henderson 3 @ Tigers 5 (Tuesday, July 17)
Jeff Bruder, making his first start of the year on the mound, twirled seven shutout innings, yielding just one hit and one walk to go with seven strikeouts.  His excellent performance almost went for naught when Tim "That was a hitting lesson, not a pitching lesson" Huber yielded three runs in the eighth and walked the first two men in the ninth. 

Fortunately for the BP Nine, Shane Hofmann was available out of the pen and closed the game out on a triple play, in which Henderson's runners at first and second took off with the pitch.  Tim Huber caught the looping liner in center, threw to second baseman Jeff Bruder for the second out and on to first baseman Scott Schaffler to complete the trifecta. 

A festive "Fan Appreciation Night" crowd watched Bruder the Baffler retire the side in order in 5 of his 7 innings of work, while the Tiger Train mounted a 5-0 lead after six.  The high-handed ace entered the game with two innings pitched over two appearances, and a 9.00 ERA, an obvious misrepresentation of his skills.

Josh Terrio led the Tiger bats with a 2-for-3 effort, and also doubled.  No other Tiger had more than one hit.  Corey Schaaf did drive in two with a single in the sixth inning, and did a nice job avoiding the Sombrero after strikeouts in his first two at-bats.

Green Isle 6 @ Tigers 3 (Friday, July 20)
The Irish and Tigers gave the Senior Citizen’s Night crowd an exciting ballgame for seven innings, as the score was two aside.  However the Tigers’ lack of pitching caught up with them, as two players making their mound debuts – loser Ryan Dressen and Nick Volek – surrendered four runs over the final two frames.

Jonny Schulz walked six in six innings, but otherwise turned in a workman-like effort, holding the Irish to two runs and four hits. 

GI’s Nick Schatz went six innings before yielding to winner Cody Hallahan, who struck out seven in three innings.  For the game, Belle Plaine “signed up for the K-2 Club” 15 times, ending when Corey Schaaf notched the Golden Sombrero. 

The Striped Felines only had five hits, with two coming from Nick Volek and Pat Schultz.

Senior citizen celebrities among the crowd included Dick Tillquist, Mark Huber, and Ernie Stumpf, who provided “old time” music.  Oh – and Mgr. Johnny Miller.

Tigers 3 @ Le Sueur 2 (Sunday, July 22 – CCL Central Playoffs)
Belle Plaine looked flat just a week ago in a pair of 8-2 losses to Le Sueur, but came charging out of the gate on this stuffy Sunday afternoon.  The 19-11 Braves scored one in the first, but the Borough Bombers plated two in the second and one in the third for a 3-1 lead they would never relinquish.

In the second, Dog the Bounty Paper Towels Hunter led off with a single, was sacrificed to second then scored on Matt Schultz’s RBI double.  Schultz would soon score as well when “Disco” Dan Weldon delivered an RBI single to left. 

In the third, Bruder stroked a leadoff double, moved to third on a fly ball, and scored on a wild pitch.  Despite the early pressure, Braves’ starter Nick Johnson would hold the Tigers scoreless over the next four innings.

Shane Hofmann was a tough customer and held the wolves at bay, all the while hoping for an extra run along the way.  In the 8th the Tigers seemed poised to strike, but Tim Huber was robbed for the third time of the day by first baseman Mike Koller, who leapt to snare his screaming line drive.

In the bottom half of the 8th, back-to-back doubles by Adam Sorenson and Mike Milam cut the Tiger lead to one.  In the 9th, the Tigers again threatened, this time loading the bases with one out.  But a strikeout and then a sensational diving catch in front of the Tiger dugout, by catcher Aaron Jerdee, let Le Sueur escape and take some momentum to to the home-half of the 9th.

A one-out single from Ryan McPartland put the Tiger faithful on edge, but Hofmann would close out the ballgame with a fly ball after sandwiching the single with his 5th and 6th strikeouts.

Maybe the most impressive number for the Tigers on the scoreboard was the zero in the error column, the first time that has happened since June 12th (against Cologne).

BRUDER BAFFLES HENDERSON

Jeff Bruder throws to Scott Schaffler for the final leg of the triple play against Henderson, ending the ballgame.

July 17, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke - Jeff Bruder, making his first start of the year on the mound, twirled seven shutout innings, yielding just one hit and one walk to go with seven strikeouts.  His excellent performance almost went for naught when Tim "That was a hitting lesson, not a pitching lesson" Huber yielded three runs in the eighth and walked the first two men in the ninth. 

Fortunately for the BP Nine, Shane Hofmann was available out of the pen and closed the game out on a triple play, in which Henderson's runners at first and second took off with the pitch.  Tim Huber caught the looping liner, threw to second baseman Jeff Bruder for the second out and on to first baseman Scott Schaffler to complete the trifecta.  How long has it been?  Even Johnny Miller said he couldn't remember seeing one.

A festive "Fan Appreciation Night" crowd watched Bruder retire the side in order in 5 of his 7 innings of work, while the Tiger Train mounted a 5-0 lead after six.  The high-handed ace entered the game with two innings pitched over two appearances, and a 9.00 ERA. 

Josh Terrio led the Tiger bats with a 2-for-3 effort, and also doubled.  No other Tiger had more than one hit.  Corey Schaaf did drive in two with a single in the sixth inning, and did a nice job avoiding the Sombrero after strikeouts in his first two at-bats. 

 

PLAYOFFS HERE

Pat Schultz, Tim Huber, and Shane Hofmann represented Belle Plaine in the CCL-DRS All-Star Game played Friday, July 13 in Shakopee.  The Tigers will also be looking for the three veterans to lead them when the CCL Playoffs begin, this Sunday, July 22nd at Le Sueur. DRS Photo -- CCL Photo

Le Sueur Dumps Tigers Twice; Rematch Looms

July 11, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke -Nice wins over St. Peter (8-5) on Tuesday and Young America (9-8) on Thursday – which snapped the latter’s 14-game winning streak – quickly faded to black after a rough BBQ Days Sunday in Le Sueur.  The Tigers dropped a pair of similar games by the exact same scores – 8-2 – to lose the #2 seed and a first-round playoff game to the Braves. 

The #3-seeded TigerTown Express will now travel to Le Sueur to open up the CCL “Central” playoffs, with a 2:00 pm game on Sunday.  The Tigers will play again Wednesday – site and foe to be determined.  Please see the accompanying playoff bracket for all scenarios, and visit www.bptigertown.com for updates.     

Waconia clinched their third consecutive division title, finishing with a 12-4 record.  Le Sueur took second at 9-7, Belle Plaine third at 8-8, and Carver fourth at 2-14.  The Borough’s overall record is 16-14, pending last night’s game with Henderson.

Friday night is the final game of the regular season and “Senior Citizen’s Night” at Tiger Park, where seniors will get in free and Ernie Stumpf will provide the music.  Ernie is a big B96 and KDWB guy, so be sure to approach him with your requests.  (Or maybe you’ve never heard Timbaland on accordian before.)  

CCL-DRS All-Star Game:  The DRS dominated the CCL 6-0 in Friday night’s (July 13) All-Star Game at Shakopee’s Joe Schleper Stadium.  The DRS outhit the CCL 13-2 in the contest, and has taken to local message boards to make sure nobody forgets about it.  Pat Schultz, Tim Huber, and Shane Hofmann represented the Tigers and saw game action, in a game well-attended by fans. 

Tigers 8 @ St. Peter 5 (Tuesday, July 10)
Corey Schaaf turned in an excellent outing and led the Tigers to an 8-5 victory.  Schaaf took an 8-1 lead into the 8th, before giving up three unearned runs.  Still, the bushy-haired, lawn-mowing rookie picked up his 3rd win to bolster his Rookie of the Year campaign. 

Offensively, Jeff Miller led a 13-hit attack with three singles.  Jeff Bruder, Matt Schultz, and Peter “Lew-Lew Ford” Schuneman also pitched in two hits apiece. 

The Tigers swiped four bases for the second game in a row, but also booted six balls.  That used to shock me, but now it’s just a game note.

Brad Lawson finished things off on the mound by giving up an unearned run in the 9th, and matched Schaaf’s 8-inning strikeout total with two.

Tigers 9 @ Young America 8 (Thursday, July 12)
Manager Johnny Miller brought the "Iron 10" (and Tharly and Kru) into Young America and snapped the Cardinals 14-game winning streak, winning 9-8 in a game that hung in the balance until the final out.  With a runner at 3rd in the 9th and one out, reliever Jeff Miller induced a self-described “dribbler” to third that held the runner, then a pop-out to Nick Volek in left to end the game.  Young America entered the evening with a 17-4 record, and had 10-runned their last five opponents. 

Josh Terrio picked up his first town team win in relief of starter Shane Hofmann, working 1.2 innings.  Hofmann went 5.1 and yielded 7 runs (6 earned), thanks in large part to a four-run 5th inning.  (Not to mention a ballpark with dimensions about the size of Dressen Field.)

YA looked to be in line for their 15th straight 'W' when the Tigers erupted for five in the 7th to take a 8-7 lead, capped by a 2-out, bases-loaded fly ball off the bat of Jeff Miller that deflected off the left-fielder's glove.  (The play was ruled an error.)  Three batters earlier, Nick Volek delivered the first extra-base hit of his career when he slashed a two-run double to left field, making the score 7-6 in favor of YA.  The drive by Miller brought in two runs and ended with Pat Schultz getting thrown out at home. 

The Tigers did the little things, like stealing five bases and drawing eight walks, as well as laying down three sacrifices.  They collected 12 hits in the ballgame, led by Matt Schultz's 3-for-3.  Tim Huber also hit his team leading 4th home run. 

After the game Miller's right arm looked about a foot longer than his left one, and his ability to flip an omlette in the morning was in serious jeopardy.  He grimaced more on the mound than he does in a day playing with his baby daughter, but that's the price you pay to be a big-time closer.

Tigers 2 @ Le Sueur 8 – Game One (Sunday, July 15 – 7 innings)
One of the great debates among team members is whether or not it’s a good idea to play on BBQ Days Sunday.  (Obviously, those sno-cones can take a lot out of you.)  The ante was upped Sunday when a 7-inning doubleheader was scheduled, as a result of the July 8 rainout at Belle Plaine. 

The Striped Warriors took a 2-0 lead in the fourth, thanks to a Tim Huber single and a Matt Schultz sacrifice fly.  In the bottom of the inning, Mike Schultz yielded the tie when Mike Koller singled in a pair.

The Tigers would not be heard from again, thanks to starting pitcher Ryan McPartland, who went the distance.  Meanwhile, the Braves scored three runs in the 5th and 6th to win going away. 

To make matters worse a foul ball found Brett Kruschke’s back windshield, and suddenly the old jokes about Brent Meyer always parking a ½ mile away weren’t so funny anymore. 

Tigers 2 @ Le Sueur 8 – Game Two (Sunday, July 15 – 7 innings)
The Tigers were the home team on the scoreboard for Game Two, but it played out a lot like Game One.  Not only was the score the same, but again a close ballgame was broken open by Le Sueur late. 

This time, starter Corey Schaaf headed into the sixth tied at one, only to see the Braves answer with two.  Belle Plaine rifled back with a run in the bottom to make it 3-2, but blew a few opportunities on the bases that could have led to more.

In the 7th, the former “Bunting Braves” (only a couple on this day) sent nine to the plate and scored five, highlighted by Adam Sorenson’s sixth consecutive hit – he went 2-for-4 in the 1st game, and 4-for-4 in the 2nd.  (Note to self for upcoming playoffs:  Sorenson is GOOD.  Don’t let him beat you.)

Darron Culbert matched McPartland’s seven-inning effort, yielding just two runs.

Scott Schaffler fared well against his old mates, going 2-for-2 with an RBI, to go 3-for-4 on the day.  Trace Selly, recovering from a head injury, received his first at-bat since June 2nd and popped out to first.   

Tigers Stop YA's Streak at 14

Runner Stranded at Third in Bottom of Ninth for YA

Manager Johnny Miller brought the "Iron 10" (and Tharly and Kru) into Young America and snapped the Cardinals 14-game winning streak, winning 9-8 in a game that hung in the balance until the final out.  With a runner at 3rd in the 9th and one out, reliever Jeff Miller induced a groundball to third that held the runner, then a pop-out to Nick Volek in left to end the game.  Young America entered the evening with a 17-4 record, and had 10-runned their last five opponents.  http://www.ballcharts.com/teams/schedule.php?team=yacardinals

Josh Terrio picked up his first town team win in relief of starter Shane Hofmann, working 1.2 innings.  Hofmann went 5.1 and yielded 7 runs (6 earned), thanks in large part to a four-run 5th inning.  (Not to mention a ballpark with dimensions about the size of Dressen Field.)

YA looked to be in line for their 15th straight 'W' when the Tigers erupted for five in the 7th to take a 8-7 lead, capped by a 2-out, bases-loaded fly ball off the bat of Jeff Miller that deflected off the left-fielder's glove.  (The play was ruled an error.)  Three batters earlier, Nick Volek delivered the first extra-base hit of his career when he slashed a two-run double to left field, making the score 7-6 in favor of YA.  The drive by Miller brought in two runs and ended with Pat Schultz getting thrown out at home. 

The Tigers did the little things, like stealing five bases and drawing eight walks, as well as laying down three sacrifices.  They collected 12 hits in the ballgame, led by Matt Schultz's 3-for-3.  Tim Huber also hit his team leading 4th home run. 

After the game Miller's right arm looked about a foot longer than his left one, and he might not be able to flip an omlette at work in the morning.  He grimaced more on the mound than he does in a day playing with his baby daughter, but that's the price you pay to be a big-time closer.

Le Sueur Game Rescheduled

Doubleheader to be Played in Le Sueur on July 15th

The Tigers will play two seven innings games in Le Sueur on Sunday, July 15th, making up a for the game that was cancelled in Belle Plaine on July 8th. Belle Plaine will clinch the #2 seed in the CCL Central playoffs and would open at home on Sunday July 22nd if they win one or both games against the Braves on Sunday.

Tigers Middling

BBQ Days is Here Again

July 11, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke - The Tigers posted their worst defensive game yet in a 7-1 loss to Victoria, got rained out Sunday night against Le Sueur, and beat Carver for the second time in 9 days – this time 7-1.

Last night (Tuesday, July 10), the Boys of BBQ Town traveled to St. Peter, as the Carver Central League schedule winds to a close. In fact, the Tigers only have two league games left, both against Le Sueur. One will be Sunday, at Le Sueur, currently scheduled for 2:00 pm. The makeup date is still being determined but should be decided soon; check www.bptigertown.com for any updates.

Before that, however, the Tigers will trek to Young America tomorrow night for a 7:30 pm game. Friday night is the CCL-DRS (Dakota-Rice-Scott) All-Star Game, to be played at 8:00 pm at Joe Schleper Stadium in Shakopee. Representing the Tigers will be second baseman Tim Huber, catcher Pat Schultz, and pitcher Shane Hofmann. (See official release from CCL President Ron Beckman, at Tiger website if not in Herald.)

After Sunday’s test in Le Sueur, the Tigers will host Henderson on Tuesday for “Fan Appreciation Night.” The first pitch will be at 7:30 pm, and there will be free prize giveaways throughout the game, including some 2008 season tickets. As Mean Jean Okerlund would say, “Don’t you dare miss it!”

“Senior Citizens Night”, which was rained out Sunday, will now be held on Friday, July 20, when Green Isle visits. Seniors will be admitted free (Ernie Stumpf still pending). The playoffs begin Sunday, July 22, but more on that next week as things come more into focus.

Belle Plaine’s record is 7-6 in the CCL, 14-12 overall.

Victoria 7 @ Tigers 1 (Friday, July 6)
To give you more time to find the BBQ coin and due to some questionable bookkeeping and the fact I wasn’t there, we will keep this writeup short. The Tigers had seven errors. They finished with two hits. Neither of those are good. Shane Hofmann worked seven innings and gave up five runs (two earned), dropping his record to 6-2.
Left: Vics manager Mike Poppitz

Carver 1 @ Tigers 7 (Monday, July 9)
Aah, a win – much more fun to write about. Mike Schultz scripted his fourth win of the year by working six quality innings, before turning it over to Jonny Schulz for a three-inning save. Schultz yielded six hits and a run, while Schulz gave up just one hit and no runs. Schultz, Schulz – stay with me, people.

The Black Sox struck first with one in the second, and ended the inning when Erik Braund lined out to right field with runners at 2nd and 3rd. While scary at the time, this would end up being Carver’s best scoring chance of the night.

The Tigre Train scored three times in the 3rd, highlighted by a two-RBI single from Jeff “Anniversary at the Ballpark” Bruder, and an RBI double to the wall from Corey Schaaf.

As the game wore on, Pat Schultz just kept on hitting and finished 4-for-4 with a pair of RBIs, a run, and a walk. That’s a 1.000 on-base-percentage for those of you scoring at home. His average, modest by comparison, climbed 30 points to .384. Look for Pat in the beef stand this Saturday from 1 – 3pm, as he misses his 24th consecutive parade. ?

Bradley Lawson was the only other Tiger with mutliple hits, and also stole two of the team’s four bases, to his self-admitted surprise.

Trumping it all was only one team error, a controversial scorer’s decision that is still being politicked.

July Here, As Playoffs Near

Happy Fourth of July

July 4, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke- The Tigers took 2 of 3 league games, beating Brownton and Carver but losing an important matchup with first-place Waconia, which currently holds a two-game advantage in the bid for the CCL Central’s #1 playoff seed. Heck, the Tigers just need to worry about grabbing the #2-seed over 5-4 Le Sueur. Five league games remain for Waconia and Belle Plaine, as the CCL Central plays a 16-game schedule.

BP’s overall record is 13-11.

After a four-day layoff, the TigerTown Express will begin a busy period which will see them finish the regular season with 8 games in 14 days. It begins Friday night at 7:30 pm against Mike Poppitz’s Victoria Vics, as Trinity Lutheran and Lutheran Home residents celebrate “Hope Night at the Ballpark.” On Sunday, Ernie Stumpf will try to throw the Le Sueur Braves out of rhythm as he makes a special appearance for “Senior Citizen’s Day” at Tiger Park – 6:00 pm first pitch.

Monday will be a makeup of a rainout game from May 30, when Carver visits at 7:30 pm. Tuesday will test the Tiger pitching staff (or what remains of it) when the boys travel to St. Peter for the standard 7:30 pm start time.

A public service announcement: you should be warned that although currently in China, PA-man “Dollar Bill” Kruschke is trying to become the first person to find the BBQ Days coin while stationed outside the continental U.S. (Due to multiple time zone changes, the Herald actually arrives three days early over there, giving him a distinct advantage.) His main competition at home is once again thought to be “Zip” Zellmann, who knows where it is.

Brownton 5 @ Tigers 6 (11 innings – Tuesday, June 26)
Belle Plaine blew a 5-1 lead in the ninth and finished with six errors for the second consecutive game, but topped Brownton 6-5 when Pat Schultz singled with one out in the 11th to score Brad Lawson from second base. The win-that-almost-wasn’t snapped the Tigers five-game losing streak.

Shane Hofmann deserved a better fate as he went 7 innings and allowed just one run on four hits. He walked one and struck out one. His seventh win was seemingly in his back pocket when "Hot Dog" Miller took the mound for his second inning of relief in the ninth.

Three singles and an error later, Miller gave way to Tim Huber as the hometown nine clung to a 5-3 lead. After a strikeout for the second out, Huber gave up an RBI single and then consecutive walks to force in the tying run. Corey Schaaf was summoned from the bullpen, and got a huge bases-loaded strikeout of Jake Vacek.

With one out in the 11th, Brad Lawson singled and took second on Brownton's first error of the game, as the left fielder booted the base hit. Pat Schultz then lofted one to left-center that fell safely, while Lawson scampered home with the game winner.

Matt Hranicka was the losing pitcher for the Bruins, working 10.1 innings while surrendering 6 runs (5 earned) on 14 hits. He walked one and struck out five. Josh Wendtlandt faced only one batter, giving up the winner to Schultz.

Corey Schaaf picked up his second win of the season in relief, working 2.1 innings. He gave up one hit and a walk, with four strikeouts and more importantly – no runs.

Huber and Jeff "I'm So Intense It Must Be Football Season" Miller led the way with 3 hits each, while Huber also doubled, drove in a run and pilfered two bags. Pat Schultz, Jeff Bruder, and Corey Schaaf also enjoyed multi-hit games for the Mighty Tigres.

Matt Schultz earned The Sombrero for the second time in two weeks.

Waconia 5 @ Tigers 0 (Friday, June 29)
Rob Wagener did Rob Wagener things – as in, 8 shutout innings – and Waconia used a big inning to topple Brad Lawson and the Belle Plaine Tigers. The loss created some separation for the first-place Lakers and avenged an earlier season 6-3 Tiger win (also against Wagener).

The Tigers unveiled their new composite-Nerf bats, which worked to the tune of four total hits, two by Shane Hofmann. Tim Huber had a single and walked three times, and Lawson had the other.

Defensively, the locals continue to play like they’re wearing oven mitts, committing four miscues to give them 16 in three games. Hopefully, that’s a record.

Waconia’s big blow came in the third when, after a Tiger error prolonged the inning, cleanup hitter Jeremy Salden crushed a three-run blow deep into the night. If you’re looking for a bright side, all four of the runs charged to Lawson were unearned.

Tigers 10 @ Carver 0 (7 innings – Sunday, July 1)
The Tigers used a consistent, aggressive attack and six shutout innings from winner Mike Schultz (3-3) to escape Carver’s Pocket Gopher Park in 7 innings, via the 10-run rule. Schultz was not overpowering but moved it around well, scattering five hits and two free passes.

The Tigers ran rampant on the basepaths, swiping a season-high seven. Brad Lawson stole two, and five other Tigers chipped in with a thievery.

Tim Huber ignited the offense with his team-leading third home run of the year, a no-doubt-about-it blast over the right-field fence. Huber drove in three. Lawson, Pat Schultz and Scott Schaffler paced the 12-hit attack, each contributing a pair. Lawson also scored three runs from the leadoff hole.

More importantly and dang-near reason enough to enter a float in this year’s BBQ Days parade, is that the Tigers only had one error. “Kill the fatted calf”, as they say.

The Pride of Chatfield scored in every inning but the second and fourth. In other game news, no balks were called and Johnny Miller judo-chopped a potential career-ending line drive from the third base coach’s box.

 

It Don't Come Easy

Tigers Blow 4-Run Lead in 9th, Win in 11

June 29, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke- Belle Plaine blew a 5-1 lead in the ninth and finished with six errors for the second consecutive game, but topped Brownton 6-5 when Pat Schultz singled with one out in the 11th to score Brad Lawson from second base. The win snaps the Tigers five-game losing streak, and puts them at 5-4 in the CCL (12-10 overall).

Shane Hofmann deserved a better fate as he went 7 innings and allowed just one run on four hits. He walked one and struck out one. His seventh win was seemingly in his back pocket when "Hot Dog" Miller took the mound for his second inning of relief in the ninth.

Three singles and an error later, Miller gave way to Tim Huber as the hometown nine clung to a 5-3 lead. After a strikeout for the second out, Huber gave up an RBI single and then consecutive walks to force in the tying run. Corey Schaaf was summoned from the bullpen, and got a huge bases-loaded strikeout of Jake Vacek.

With one out in the 11th, Brad Lawson singled and took second on Brownton's first error of the game, as the left fielder booted it. Pat Schultz then lofted one to left-center that fell in, while Lawson scampered home with the game winner.

Matt Hranicka was the losing pitcher for the Bruins, working 10.1 innings while surrendering 6 runs (5 earned) on 14 hits. He walked one and struck out five. Josh Wendtlandt faced only one batter, giving up the winner to Schultz.

Corey Schaaf picked up his second win of the season in relief, working 2.1 innings. He gave up one hit and a walk, with four strikeouts and most importantly - no runs.

Huber and Jeff "I'm So Intense It Must Be Football Season" Miller led the way with 3 hits each, while Huber also doubled, drove in a run and pilfered two bags. Pat Schultz, Jeff Bruder, and Corey Schaaf also enjoyed multi-hit games for the Mighty Tigres.

Matt Schultz earned The Sombrero for the second time in two weeks.

Tigers in Tailspin

After 10-3 Start, Have Lost 7 of 8

June 27, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke - The TigerTown Express is scuffling and there’s no pretty way to put it, as losers of five straight, and 7 of 8. What’s wrong with the Tigers? It seems to be everything. After a 10-3 start as of June 5th, the team was hitting .308 with five home runs, a 3.17 ERA and an average of 1.9 errors per game. Since then, the Red Caps are 1-7 while hitting .229 with zero homers, a 5.20 ERA and an average of 2.9 errors per game.

It is interesting that this streak essentially coincides with Trace Selly’s absence from the lineup – he last played June 2nd and the Tigers are 2-7 since then – but the numbers are too poor to suggest anything other than a team-wide slump in every facet of the game.

Last Tuesday (June 19), Gaylord clubbed the locals 12-2 in 8 innings. On Friday, the hometown nine dropped a 6-3 decision at Jordan and on Sunday, the streak hit five with a 10-4 loss – including six ugly errors – to Winthrop.

On one hand, the Tigers have lost to some reputable ballclubs in Union Hill, Freeport, Green Isle, Blue Earth and Jordan, and those were lost by a combined 10 runs. On the other hand, the recent losses against Gaylord and Winthrop were easily the Tigers two worst of the year.

The Tigers are left with no choice but to try to claw their way out of it, and took on Brownton at home last night (Tuesday, June 26). Check www.bptigertown.com for the results. On Friday night, the first-place Waconia Lakers (7-2 CCL) will look to avenge an earlier 6-3 loss (on May 25th) to the Tigers when they visit Belle Plaine (4-4 CCL) at 7:30 pm. Sunday brings a 2:00 pm game at Carver, before a five day break over the 4th of July. After that, the Tigers will get seriously busy before playoffs, with 8 games in 14 days.

El Tigre’s overall record is 11-10.

Gaylord 12 @ Tigers 2 (Tuesday, June 19 – 8 innings)
The Tigers played, unquestionably, their worst game of the year, getting their behinds handed to them 12-2 in 8 innings by the upstart Gaylord Islanders. Gaylord pounded out 14 hits good for 12 runs, while Belle Plaine could muster only four hits while scraping together a couple of late runs in the bottom of the 7th.

Corey Schaaf (1-3) took the loss on the hill, but proved to be just the appetizer to some shoddy Tiger relief work. To round things out, the Striped Meows pitched in three defensive miscues.

Islander starter Trevor Vaubel went the distance, notching seven strikeouts along the way, including Brad Lawson three times (yes, the Sombrero has been passed around like a hot potato – or Potato Oles' if you’d rather – the last three games). Collin Grams ripped three hits from the leadoff spot for Gaylord, including a three-run dong with two outs in the 4th to provide the winning margin.

Tim Huber went 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI for the Tigers.

Tigers 3 @ Jordan 6 (Friday, June 22)
The Brewers breezed past Belle Plaine behind winning pitcher Tyler Oakes (6 IP, 1 ER). Brad Lawson drew the assignment for the Big Red, taking his second loss in as many decisions. Lawson worked seven innings and gave up five earned runs (six total) on 11 hits.

Jordan opened the scoring in the third with a three-run single (he was thrown out at second trying for a double) from the booming bat of Cullen Bahn. From there, the Tigers would never get closer than three runs down the rest of the game.

Peter Schuneman struck the ball with authority and went 2-for-3. Jeff Bruder delivered two hits in four trips, with two RBI, and Pat Schultz went 1-for-2 with a pair of walks.

Winthrop 10 @ Tigers 4 (Sunday, June 24)
Belle Plaine has not played well defensively this season, and entered with a pair of four error games on their resume’. But you can forget about those, as the Tigers booted the ball a merciless six times against the Eagles. Not to be outdone, Winthrop had four of their own, but more than made up for it by lashing out 16 hits as they have so often done at Tiger Park over the years.

Winthrop struck early with four in the first off losing pitcher Mike Schultz (2-3). Schultz settled down somewhat after that, and the Tiger nine trailed just 5-3 after six. But the Winthrop Lumber Company poured it on late with 2, 1, and 2 runs over the final three innings to win going away, while the Tigers continued to flail against winning pitcher Dan Anderson.

Anderson went the distance on the mound, but also anchored the lineup with four hits in five trips, and three RBI. Chris Fahey and Scott Erdal stroked three hits each to keep the conga line going around the bases.

Pat Schultz continued to swing a torrid bat, going 3-for-5 with two RBI. His average stands at .397, second among team qualifiers to Tim Huber’s .412. Brad Lawson and Matt Schultz also had multi-hit games, both going 2-for-4 in the losing cause.

Gaylord Jinxes Tigers

Gaylord 12 Tigers 2 in (8)

June 19, 2007 -- by Brett Kruschke -- The Tigers played, unquestionably, their worst game of the year, getting their behinds handed to them 12-2 in 8 innings by the upstart Gaylord Islanders. Gaylord pounded out 14 hits to go with their 12 runs, while Belle Plaine could must only four safeties while scraping together a couple of runs in the bottom of the 7th.

Corey Schaaf (1-3) took the loss on the hill for the Tigers, but proved to be just the appetizer for some shoddy Tiger relief work. To balance things out, the Striped Meows threw in three defensive errors.

Islander starter Trevor Vaubel went the distance, notching seven strikeouts along the way, including Brad Lawson 3 times (yes, the Sombrero has been passed around like a hot potato - or maybe, Potato Oles' - the last three games). Collin Grams clubbed three hits from the leadoff spot, including a three-run dong with two outs in the 4th to give Gaylord the winning margin.

Tim Huber went 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI for the Tigers.

Belle Plaine (11-8, 4-2 CCL), losers of three straight and five of their last six, will look to regroup Friday night at Jordan, 7:30 pm.

Whiff City

Pair of State Touranment MVPs Cuff Tigers

June 20, 2007 --by Brett Kruschke -- And you thought the TigerTown Classic was tough. Belle Plaine participated in the “Miller Lite Invitational” in Arlington and Green Isle this past weekend, taking a pair of aces to extra innings, only to lose both contests.

On Thursday night, the Tigers opened the tourney against Green Isle and 2003 State Tournament MVP pitcher Mac Zachow, extending him to 10 innings before losing 5-4. Zachow struck out 18 Tigers in the complete game victory.

On Saturday, the so-called “consolation” bracket led to a matchup up against the defending state champion Blue Earth Pirates and their State Tournament MVP, pitcher Lee Hodges. The right-hander fared equally well, whiffing 16 Tigers in an 8-inning, 2-0 complete-game victory.

On the weekend, the Striped Kittens combined to go 14-for-66 (.212) with 34 of their 54 outs coming via strikeout, not to mention a grand total of zero extra-base hits. Meow. At the same time, Zachow and Hodges are two of the best pitchers Minnesota amateur baseball has to offer.

Last Tuesday (June 12), the Roaring Tigros manhandled Cologne, 14-1 in 7 innings. Last night (June 19), the Tigers opened up a stretch of ten consecutive CCL games (including 7 of the next 9 at home) with a duel against Gaylord. Check www.bptigertown.com for the latest, including all the Tiger boxscores. (Now that would be a real mystery photo.)

On Friday, Belle Plaine visits Jordan – game time 7:30 pm. Sunday will feature a special 6:00 pm start time, at home against Winthrop. Tuesday night will see the Browton Bruins invading Tiger Park for the standard 7:30 pm affair. That night will also be Little League Night, where all Little Leaguers (wear your uniform tops) will receive a free hot dog. And don’t forget – ages 12 and under are always free at town team games.

Cologne 1 @ Tigers 14 (Tuesday, June 12 – 7 innings)
Manager Johnny Miller gave some reserves a chance to shine, and the latter half of the 25-man roster came through in a 14-1, 7-inning win over the Cologne Highlanders. Leading the way was Josh Terrio who went 3-for-5 with 2 RBI, to raise his average to .429 on the season. Paul Dressen and Eric Lyons each bagged two hits, and Peter Schuneman reached base in 4 of his 5 plate appearances. Matt Schultz went a mere 1-for-4, but scored 3 runs and had an RBI.

On the hill, Jonny Schulz earned his first win of the year, working four innings of 1-hit ball, walking nary a soul. Jonny did plunk a couple, but that's because he still has some bottled anger from the Freeport weekend. Dave Feldt gave up a run in two innings but was efficient, and Tim Huber became the Carver Central's first red-headed closer as he worked a scoreless frame and fanned the side in the 7th.

Brett Kruschke saw his perfect season come to an end, and his average plummeted 500 points from 1.000 to .500 (now 1-for-2). He was seeking to become the first 2.000 hitter in the history of baseball.

The real highlight of the night – other than the sprinklers coming on several times – was Trace Selly making his first appearance at the ballpark since suffering a head injury 10 days ago. His moral support was said to account for at least seven runs and two passed balls.

Green Isle 5 vs. Tigers 4 @ Arlington (Thursday, June 14 – 10 innings)
Belle Plaine went toe-to-toe with Green Isle in the opening round of the Miller Lite Invitational at Arlington, dropping a 5-4, 10-inning decision against Mac Zachow and the "Kiss Me, I'm" Irish. Zachow struck out every Tiger starter at least once, on his way to a staggering 18 K's while going the distance on the mound.

Paul Dressen has been lugging around the dreaded "Sombrero" all season long as the last player with 3 K's in a game. Then, Tim Huber got it in the 6th inning, surrendered it to Pat "Mr. Knuckles" Schultz just two batters later, only to see his brother Matt take it when he became Zachow's 18th and final strikeout victim in the 10th.

Shane Hofmann started on the hill for the Tigers, and pretty much thumbed his way through 5 innings. GI struck for one in the 1st and two in the 2nd, and one more in the 5th, before Brad Lawson came on to go the rest of the way. The decision was Lawson's first (0-1) as a member of the town team, but he pitched well, yielding one run while scattering five hits and a walk.

The Tigers uprising all came in the 4th, as they batted 10 and took their only – not to mention short-lived – lead at 4-3. It wasn't exactly picturesque, but five scratchy singles, a walk, and a hit-batsman got the job done.

Belle Plaine left men in scoring position in the 5th, 6th, and 9th, but couldn't come through with one more big hit against Zachow, who struck out nine of the final 16 men he faced.

Scott Schaffler (2-for-4, RBI) and Matt Schultz (2-for-5) both enjoyed multi-hit games for the Tigers, and Schultz could have had a third that painted the line in the 10th, but was called foul. Instead, he will now answer to "El Schultzo”.

Blue Earth 2 vs. Tigers 0 @ Green Isle (Saturday, June 16 – 8 innings)
As covered above, getting Blue Earth in the consolation round is like some kind of cruel, twisted joke. But it’s all in a day’s work for Mike Schultz, the fearless hurler from the prairie.

Schultz was outstanding, carrying a two-hit shutout through seven, where the Tigers would need just one run in the home-half to put a mighty impressive feather in their cap. Like, a pterodactyl feather. (And oh by the way – Hodges took a 3-hit shutout of his own into the 7th.)

The inning opened with Hodge’s 13th strikeout, when Matt Schultz drew a free pass. Another strikeout made it two away, but pinch-hitter Jeff Miller walked to put a man in scoring position. Shane Hofmann pinch-hit and delivered a base hit to the outfield, but Schultz was held at third before another Tiger strikeout ended the rally.

In the eighth, the state champs finally got to Sergeant Schultz, who finished out the frame but allowed two runs on three hits and a hit-batsman. In the Tigers last-cracks, a two-out walk was followed by Hodges’ 16th strikeout to end the ballgame (Sombrero to El Brudero), and all the Tigers could do was throw down their beer and go home.

"K" Me I'm Irish

June 14, 2007 --by Brett Kruschke -- Belle Plaine went toe-to-toe with Green Isle in the opening round of the Miller Lite Invitational at Arlington, dropping a 5-4, 10-inning decision against Mac Zachow and the "Kiss Me, I'm" Irish. Zachow struck out every Tiger starter at least once, on his way to a staggering 18 K's while going the distance on the mound.

Paul Dressen has been lugging around the dreaded "Sombrero" all season long as the last player with 3 K's in a game. Then last night, Tim Huber got it in the 6th, surrendered it to Pat "Mr. Knuckles" Schultz just two batters later, only to see his brother, Matt (pictured) , take it from him near game's end when he became Zachow's 18th and final strikeout victim in the 10th.

Shane Hofmann started on the hill for the Tigers, and pretty much gutted (or thumbed) his way through 5 innings. GI struck for one in the 1st and two in the 2nd, and one more in the 5th, before Brad Lawson came on to go the rest of the way. The decision was Lawson's first (0-1) as a member of the town team, but he pitched well, yielding one run while scattering five hits and a walk.

The Tigers uprising all came in the 4th, as they batted 10 and took their only - not to mention short-lived - lead at 4-3. It wasn't exactly picturesque, but four singles and a walk, a hit-batsman, and an error got the job done.

Belle Plaine left men in scoring position in the 5th, 6th, and 9th, but couldn't come through with one more big hit against Zachow, who struck out nine of the final 16 batters he faced.

Scott Schaffler (2-for-4, RBI) and Matt Schultz (2-for-5) both enjoyed multi-hit games for the Tigers, and Schultz could have had a third that painted the line in the 10th, but was called foul. Instead, he will now answer to "El Schultzo."

The TigerTown Express will look to make hay in the consolation bracket, starting Saturday with a 1:15pm game at Green Isle, against the winner of last night's Blue Earth / Moorhead game.

Tigers Wipe Off Cologne

June 12, 2007 --by Brett Kruschke -- Manager Johnny Miller gave some reserves a chance to shine, and the latter half of the 25-man roster came through in a 14-1, 7 inning win over the Cologne Highlanders. Leading the way was Josh Terrio (pictured) who went 3-for-5 with 2 RBI, to raise his average to .429 on the season. Paul Dressen and Eric Lyons each bagged two hits, and Peter Schuneman reached base in 4 of his 5 plate appearances. Matt Schultz went only 1-for-4, but scored 3 runs and had an RBI.

On the hill, Jonny Schulz earned his first win of the year, working 4 innings of 1-hit ball, walking nary a soul. Jonny did plunk a couple, but that's because he still has some bottled anger from the Freeport weekend. Dave Feldt gave up a run in two innings but was efficient, and Tim Huber became the Carver Central's first red-headed closer as he worked a scoreless frame and fanned the side in the 7th.

Brett Kruschke's perfect season finally came to an end, as he saw his average plummet 500 points from 1.000 to .500 (now 1-for-2). "I'm not even mad - that's amazing."

The real highlight of the night - other than the sprinklers coming on several times - was Trace Selly making his first appearance at the ballpark since suffering a head injury 10 days ago.

Tigers 0-2 in Classic;
Union Hill Wins Again

June 13, 2007 --by Brett Kruschke -- The Tigers led last year’s state championship runners-up – Union Hill – 3-1 with four outs to go in the tournament opener, then watched the Bulldogs rally for a 4-3 win en route to their second consecutive TigerTown Classic championship. Union Hill beat Elko 5-4 in the semis and Marshall 2-1 (in 11 innings) in the title game to take home the hardware.

The locals followed up their heart-breaking loss with a 5-2 dud at the hands of Freeport, and tended to the rakes for the rest of the weekend. Black Sox starter Nate Klaphake carried a no-hitter into the sixth, until Pat Schultz singled with one out.

Le Sueur took the consolation championship with consecutive shutouts of Blue Earth (1-0) and Freeport (6-0), and there was an astounding six shutouts among the 10 games, including three that were 1-0. Henderson pulled off perhaps the all-time upset in TigerTown Classic history by beating defending state champion Blue Earth 1-0 in the opening round, but tallied just one hit in each of their games.

Last year, Union Hill and Blue Earth met in the Class ‘C’ state championship (won by Blue Earth, 4-1) after meeting in the TigerTown Classic championship the last two years. Draw your own conclusions!

Last week (Tuesday, June 5), the Tigers loaded up the bus for Glencoe and came back 12-1 victors in 8 innings. Last night (Tuesday, June 12), the Tigers kept the “too late for the Herald”-thing alive when they hosted Cologne. As always, check bptigertown.com for details and boxscore.

The Red Caps are in the “Miller Lite Invitational” tournament in Arlington and Green Isle this weekend, and try to stay with me here – they open up AT Arlington AGAINST Green Isle at 8:00 pm on Thursday night. The Tigers will play again Saturday IN Green Isle – time pending their first game result – and mutliple times Sunday if all goes according to plan. For the rest of the 16-team tournament bracket and potential Tiger game times, see the attached or visit greenisleirish.net.

On Tuesday, El Tigre finally returns to Carver Central League play, and will defend their 4-1 league mark at home against Gaylord, 7:30 pm. Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but it will be Take # 3 of “Dollar Dog Night.”

Overall, the Sons of Chatfield are 10-5 on the year, after finishing 9-21 last year.

Tigers 12 @ Glencoe 1 (Tuesday, June 5)
Corey Schaaf picked up his first major league win, and the Tigers broke open a 2-1 game after six to win 12-1 in 8 innings. El Tigre sent 12 men to the plate in the 7th while scoring seven times, then tacked on three more in the 8th for the final margin of victory.

In a statistical oddity, the Tigers scattered their 11 hits among 11 players. RBI-wise, Brad Lawson had three while Jeff “The Foutain of Youth” Bruder and Matt Schultz each had two. Aiding the Tiger cause was eight walks off Glencoe pitching, three drawn by the watchful eye of CCL Rookie of the Year canidate Schaaf.

Tigers 3 vs. Union Hill 4 – TigerTown Classic (Friday, June 8)
With a potential three games in three days, Manager Johnny Miller went for the jugular early by starting 6-0 ace Shane Hofmann. And things were looking pretty good as the Tigers held a 3-1 lead with two gone in the 6th, before an RBI-single by Adam Gill made it 3-2.

Being tournament play, home team is determined by a coin flip and the Bulldogs would have last at-bats (breaking news to some in a Tiger uniform). A leadoff walk to leadoff hitter Jesse Bastyr proved ominous, as after being sacrificed to second he soon scored on an RBI-single by #3-hitter Rick Bell. An error put Dan Smith on base, before starting pitcher Matt Sticha delivered the closest thing to a home run all weekend – a booming double to left that allowed Union Hill to “walk off” with the win.

The Tigers left the field in stunned silence, knowing not even $5-All-You-Can-Eat Pork Burgers could make them feel better. Stuck in their craw even more than the porky goodness was three fielding errors, not something you’ll often get away with against a team of Union Hill’s caliber.

In other news, RV-owner Jeff Bruder avoided getting plunked by his former mates.

Tigers 2 vs. Freeport 5 – TigerTown Classic (Saturday, June 9)
Their championship aspirations dashed for the 9th straight year, the Tigers tried to climb back on the horse in the consolation bracket, against the always tough Freeport Black Sox.

Instead of saving a horse and riding a cowboy, the Tigers found themselves with no hits and five outs to go, and by the end of the game four more errors would pollute the Tigers’ ledger on the scoreboard. Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a treat for the healthy hometown crowd that had made their way out to Tiger Park.

As bad as it seemed, Pat Schultz’s two-RBI single in the 6th made it 3-2, with only one out. But the Tigers could not plate the tying run, and Stearns County’s Finest added two more in the bottom of the inning, thanks largely to two Tiger miscues.

Mike Schultz matched Hofmann from the night before by taking his first loss of the year, falling to 2-1.

The Tigers could never “gitter goin’”, as they say in Stearns, and finished with just two hits. For the weekend, the hometown nine went 8-for-48 (.167) with no extra-base hits, not to mention 7 errors in 14 innings.

Tigers Put Quagmire on Glencoe

Photo in Memory of Ploetz's Barber!

June 6, 2007 --by Nick Kornder-- Team TigerTown picked up their 10th win of the year as they overwhelmed Glencoe 12-1 in eight innings of a non-league affair. Corey Schaaf (1-2) picked up his first win as a Tiger as he went five innings giving up one run on three hits.

The Tigers had 11 hits in the game, all coming from different players. Shane Hofmann and Jeff Bruder each had doubles while Bruder had two RBI. Brad Lawson was one for six at the plate but did have three RBI. The Tigers also drew eight walks in the game, three coming from Schaaf who is now hitting .533 on the season.

The weekend welcomes the TigerTown Classic to Tiger Park. Click here for tournament bracket.

TigerTown Classic on Tap

Click For Tiger Golf Open Photos

June 6, 2007 --by Brett Kruschke -- After victories over Arlington (8-7) last Tuesday (May 29) and Webster (9-1) on Saturday, the Tigers have already matched last year’s win total. Belle Plaine was 9-21 in 2006, but sits at 9-3 overall as of June 2, with a 4-1 CCL record to boot. The pride of Chatfield played last night (Tuesday, June 5) at Glencoe; check bptigertown.com for results.

Scheduling note: the Carver at Belle Plaine game on May 30 was rained out and has been rescheduled for Monday, July 9.

This weekend is the world famous Tigertown Classic – the 9th annual for those of you keeping track. The 8-team tournament kicks off Friday night at 6:30 pm, with a battle between Jeff Bruder’s two favorite teams: defending champion Union Hill and the Fighting Tigros of Belle Plaine. Freeport, Elko, Blue Earth, Henderson, Marshall and Le Sueur comprise the rest of the field, with a winner to be determined over 10 games and 3 days at Tiger Park.

Come out early and leave full Friday night, as it’s $5 All-You-Can-Eat Pork Burger Night. With Freeport and Elko scheduled for the 8:30 pm game, that’s 14 innings worth of pork-ingesting goodness to take advantage of. The Tigers have negotiated to have the summer swimsuit season delayed two weeks just for this special cause.

Saturday will feature five games and non-stop baseball at Tiger Park from 10:30am until approximately 10:00 pm. If that’s not enough for you, Sunday will see three games, including the Championship (that’s with a capital ‘C’) at 3:30 pm. See the accompanying bracket for further details.

On Tuesday night when the smoke has cleared, Cologne will pay a visit to Tiger Central for a 7:30 pm affair. Championship bunting could still be in effect, so don’t you dare miss it.

SPECIAL THANKS: Friday was the 4th annual Tiger Open at Valley View, and I don’t need to tell you that the proverbial good time was had by all. “Team Hartmann” (Dave Hartmann, Mike Hartmann, Doug Olsen and Fred Roufs) repeated as champions – congrats to them. Many thanks to all the golfers, and to the generous sponsors of this year’s tournament: Brad's Barbershop -- A-1 Stripes, Inc.-- ReMax Home Choice -- Friendly Chevrolet -- Mortgage & Investment Consultants -- Westerman Lumber -- Behnke Auto -- Innovative Graphics -- Tidy Disposal -- Lichliter Brothers Plumbing -- Rainbow Discovery Center -- Le Sueur County Abstract -- Huber's Super Valu -- Fridley Roofing -- State Farm Insurance --Perfection Plastering -- Cornerstone State Bank -- Kinetico-Haferman Water Conditioning --Riesgraf-Bruder Photography -- Johan's Bar -- CMD Landscaping -- Minnesota Valley Electric Company -- Brent Jaeger Drywall -- Andy's Bar & Grill -- Borough Bowl -- Siemon Implement -- State Bank of Belle Plaine -- Vector Engineering -- Salon Pacific-Paula Stier -- Ravenroad Kennels -- Rucks Meats -- SBG Benefits Group -- Diversified Financial Resources -- Belle Plaine Chevrolet/Buick -- Riverland Bank -- Ken Worm Construction -- Annie's Cafe & Catering -- Progressive Printing -- Red Door Bar -- Sparetime Tavern -- Daly & Daly, Inc. --RRT/The Mulch Store -- Canopy Group -- Michelle's Art Gallery/Carver Company -- Hartman Cabinets.

Special note: the Tiger family’s thoughts and prayers are with Trace Selly as he recovers from a head injury sustained this weekend. The prognosis is good for a full recovery, in time. All the best, #35.

Tigers 8 @ Arlington 7 (Tuesday, May 29)
Special to the Belle Plaine Herald via “Bill Shakespeare”, aka Shane Hofmann

The Tigers traveled to rival Arlington, with the traveling trophy, the Red Helmet, on the line. Arlington was 4-3 overall heading into the contest, with a 1-2 league record. Their league win was an impressive one, beating class B powerhouse Jordan. Belle Plaine came in with a 7-3 record, 3-1 in the league, good for first place in the Carver Central "Central" division.

Arlington got the scoring started in the 3rd when Shane Henke lead off with a double, and later scored on a single by Scott "Crusher" Dose to go up 1-0. That was the last lead of the night for the A's as El Tigre brought 11 to the plate in the 4th, plating 7 runs. Included in those 7 runs was a 2-run bomb by Dan Weldon. The A's were also their own victims as the Tigers were helped out with two walks, a hit-by-pitch and an error.

Corey Schaaf started and threw well for Belle Plaine, pitching in to the 7th inning, which is exactly where the A's got back in the game. Arlington batted around in the inning, scoring 5 runs to again make things interesting at 7-6. Schaff got one out in the 7th, was relieved by Johan Miller, who struggled and only got one out. Shane Hofmann then relieved Dogger to get the last out in the 7th, but the damage was done. Now it was a ballgame. In the bottom of the 8th a leadoff walk by Hofmann put the tying run on and sure enough, he scored on an infield hit to tie the score at 7 after 8 innings.

In the 9th, Tim Huber hit a double with one out and promptly stole 3rd. With Johan Miller at the plate and 2 down, Huber took off for home and stole home easily and the Tiger bench erupted!! Tigers up 8-7.

Hofmann made things interesting by loading the bases in the bottom half of the inning, but a pop up ended the game.

Leading the way offensively for the Tigers was Tim Huber, who finished 3-5 with 3 RBI's and the steal of home to win the game. Dan Weldon went 1-4 with 2 RBI with the aforementioned home run, his 2nd on the year.

Tigers 9 @ Webster 1 (Saturday, June 2)
The Tigertown Exrpress loaded up the wagons for a 2:00 pm Saturday affair at Webster. This was the first battle between Belle Plaine and Webster in at least 15 years, and quite possibly, ever.

Mike Schultz got the start from Manager Johnny Miller, and worked a complete game 3-hitter. The only run Schultz allowed was unearned, and although he walked four he struck out seven. The win improved the weekend warrior to 2-0 on the young season.

Belle Plaine found themselves deadlocked at one after four innings, but posted crooked numbers in four of the final five innings to win going away. Not even the Webster Hot Dog Guy could stop the Tigers once they got rolling.

Brad Lawson (formerly Bradley, but now that he’s graduated high school it’s “Brad”) and Pat Schultz led the way by each going 3-for-5. Trace Selly was the only other Tiger with multiple hits, while the team posted 11 on the day. The Tigers also sprinkled in five stolen bases for good measure.

The Emmanuel Lewis of the Tigers, Eric Lyons, did not throw out the ceremonial first pitch despite the obvious irony.

Tiger Open Golf Tournament

Tiger Open Champions
Click Here for More Information

June 1, 2007-- The 4th Annual Tiger Open Golf Tournament was a little wet, but it didnt stop the team above from dominating the Tournament. More information and photos to come...

Valley View Assistant Greenskeeper Josh Muehlenhardt, a former TownTeamer himself, has worked all spring to get the course ready for this event. "We spent extra time on the greens this past week getting them ready. They should be comparable to that of Augusta," Muehlenhardt said at a press conference held at Neil's Pub Thursday afternoon between games of Sheephead. Click Here for Photos of Last Year's Event.

<<Josh Muehlenhardt - 12 year veteran of VVGC - File Photo

Tigers Win Wild One 8-7

Dan Weldon Hit a Bomb Last Night (File Photo)

May 29, 2007--by Shane Hofmann -- The Tigers traveled to rival Arlington last night, with the traveling trophy, the Red Helmet, on the line. Arlington was 4-3 overall heading into the contest, with a 1-2 league record. Their league win was an impressive one, beating class B powerhouse Jordan. Belle Plaine came in with a 7-3 record, 3-1 in the league, good for first place in the Carver Central "Central" division.

Arlington got the scoring started in the 3rd when Shane Henke lead off with a double, and later scored on a single by Scott "Crusher" Dose to go up 1-0. That was the last lead of the night for the A's as El Tigre brought 11 to the plate in the 4th, plating 7 runs. Included in those 7 runs was a 2-run bomb by Dan Weldon. The A's were also their own victims as the Tigers were helped out with 2 walks, a hit by pitch and an error.

Corey Schaaf started and threw well for Belle Plaine, pitching in to the 7th inning, which is exactly where the A's got back in the game. Arlington batted around in the inning, scoring 5 runs to again make things interesting at 7-6. Schaff got one out in the 7th, was relieved by Johan Miller, who struggled and only got one out. Shane Hofmann then relieved Dogger to get the last out in the 7th, but the damage was done. Now it was a ballgame. In the bottom of the 8th a leadoff walk by Hofmann put the tying run on and sure enough, he scored on an infield hit to tie the score at 7 after 8 innings.

In the 9th, Tim Huber hit a double with one out and promptly stole 3rd. With Johan Miller at the plate and 2 down Huber took off for home and stole home easily and the Tiger bench erupted!! Tigers up 8-7.

Hofmann made things interesting by loading the bases in the bottom half of the inning, but a pop up ended the game. The Tigertown Express improved to 8-3 on the year, including 4-1 in the Carver Central.

Leading the way offensively for the Tigers was Tim Huber, who finished 3-5 with 3 RBI's and the steal of home to win the game. Dan Weldon went 1-4 with 2 RBI with the aforementioned home run, his 2nd on the year.

Shane Hofmann got the win in relief, throwing 2 1/3 innings, to improve to 6-0 on the year.

Next up for the Tigers is the hated Carver Black Sox, who Belle Plaine fell victim to 3 times last year, including a season ending 2-1 loss in the playoffs. Game time is set for 7:30pm tonight at Tiger Park.

Tigers Move Into First

Defeat Waconia 6-3

May 30, 2007--by Brett Kruschke -- This week's makeshift article comes to you from the Phoenix airport. The Tigers were rained out Wednesday night (May 23) against the Plato Blue Jays, the second time "Dollar Dog Night" has been cancelled and believe me, the conspiracy theorists are having a field day. Worry not, sodium will get its day and a new date will be announced soon.

On Friday night, the Tigers beat Waconia 6-3 in a game that saw them move into first place in the CCL Central. Team Tigertown and the Lakers are both 3-1, but the head-to-head win gives BP the early tiebreaker. Shane Hofmann improved to 5-0 and the Tiger bats lashed out 13 hits. Beef O'Brady was held hitless, but did hit a few balls hard.

Last night (Tuesday May 29), the locals ventured to Arlington. (Check www.bptigertown.com for results.) Tonight, the Pride of Chatfield hosts Carver, the team that bounced BP from the playoffs before advancing to Region play. First pitch, 7:30pm. On Saturday, the Tigers will trek to Webster, for a 2:00pm non-league game. On Tuesday, El Tigre plays at Glencoe, 7:30pm.

Next weekend is the Tigertown Classic, but don't worry - you will get plenty of pub on that in next week's Herald.

TIGERS TAKE 3RD
IN BLACK SOX TOURNEY

May 23, 2007--by Brett Kruschke --The Belle Plaine Tigers continued their winning ways, taking 2 of 3 at the Black Sox Tournament in Freeport and New Munich to capture 3rd place. (“The City With a Smile” – Freeport – was home to all three Tiger games.) After opening with a dramatic 7-6 comeback win over Maple Lake, the hometowners suffered a sound defeat to tourney namesake Freeport in the semi-finals – 11-5. In the 3rd place game, the Tigers beat Avon in a rain-shortened affair, 6-1.

Freeport took the title with a 6-2 victory over Kimball; see the accompanying bracket or www.bptigertown.com for all the details, as well as any Tigers that might have made the all-tournament team (yet to be named).

After grounding Hamburg 12-3 last Wednesday (May 16), the Tiger Train is rolling along at 6-3 overall (2-1 CCL). The Tigers host Plato tonight on “Dollar Dog Night” (May 23), before three straight Carver Central tilts, beginning with a big matchup Friday in Waconia. After breaking for Memorial Day weekend, the Tigers will visit Arlington Tuesday before entertaining Carver on Wednesday (May 30). After that, the Tigers won’t play another league game until June 19. All of the above game times are 7:30 pm.

Finally folks, don’t forget about the fast-approaching Tiger Open, to take place at Valley View Golf Club on Friday, June 1st. Put your foursome together today! Or even a onesome, and we will pair you up. Again, visit the team website for flier and details or call Shane Hofmann at 952-484-2319.

Hamburg 3 @ Tigers 12 (Wednesday, May 16)
The hometown of “Rock and Roll” Larry Heckmann (and Buck Zumhoff) caught the wrong end of a Tiger hitting flurry in a 12-3 victory. Hamburg nearly matched the Tigers’ 13 hits with a dozen of their own, but El Tigre put more of them together with big innings of 3, 6, and again 3 runs.

Jeff Bruder vultured in like one of his side-arm pitches to get the win, offering two innings of quality relief work following starter Jonny Schulz. “Super”David Feldt came on to record the save with 3 innings of death-defying hire-wire walking.

Hitting heroes for the Tigros began with Corey Schaaf, who cooly went 3-for-3 in his first three official town team at-bats. High school was hard – this is easy. Trace Selly went 2-for-3 with three RBI and a pair of doubles, while Brad Lawson and Ryan Dressen also recorded multi-hit games.

Maple Lake 6 vs. Tigers 7, at Freeport (Saturday, May 19)
The Tigertown Express scored five runs in their last at-bat, blasting back from a 6-0 deficit to score seven unanswered runs and stun Maple Lake and themselves, 7-6. The big sixth inning saw the Tigers bat around and included clutch two-RBI doubles from Ryan Dressen and Pat Schultz, the latter of whom provided the clincher with two outs.

Shane Hofmann didn’t have his best stuff and was nearly chased from the game in the 4th inning, but hung around to finish with three straight zeroes and collect his fourth win against no losses. Last year, Hofmann led the Tiger pitching staff with three wins.

The Tiger defense didn’t have their “best stuff” either, committing four errors.

The locals lashed out 13 or more hits for the fourth consecutive game, getting two each from Schultz, Dressen, Huber and Jeff Miller. The Tigers thought they might have blown their chance after leaving the sacks full in the fifth, but began the sixth with four straight hits from the 6-9 spots in the order.

Tigers 5 vs. Freeport 11, at Freeport (Saturday, May 19)
Freeport manager Craig Meyer gave the starting nod to veteran Rob Mettenburg, a name that should be familiar to Tiger faithful. For it was Sauk Centre’s Mettenburg who dueled well into extra innings with Belle Plaine draftee John Schaffler back in the 2001 State Tournament, a 4-1 Tiger loss in 14 innings. In that game Mettenburg went 11.2 innings to Schaffler’s 13; on this day he worked but a mere six while picking up the victory.

Formerly Melrose, Freeport broke in a new ballpark last year, and by the end of the game should have broken in the warning track as Belle Plaine chased down six doubles. Three came off the bat of Grant Hess, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with 3 RBI.

Offensively, the Tigers still reached a double-digit hit total (11), including two each from wunderkinds Corey Schaaf and Ryan Dressen. Brett Kruschke even chipped in with his first hit since 2003, taking advantage of (and excusing) his defensive-looking swing by brilliantly starting down in the count 0-2.

Tigers 6 vs. Avon 1, at Freeport (Sunday, May 20 – 3rd Place Game)
Belle Plaine blazed an early trail, putting Avon in a corner by taking a 6-0 lead after 2 ½ innings. Things escalated quickly as Nick Volek, Schaaf, and Huber began the game with base knocks. Although only two more hits would come the Tiger way, one was a prodigous blast from Huber in the second, who arm-wrestled one over the wall to plate two.

Mike Schultz handcuffed the Lakers all day, yielding just two hits and one run in 5.1 innings. When the floodgates opened with one gone and one on in the Avon sixth, the teams agreed to call the game, giving Schultz the complete game and the Tigers the 3rd place bragging rights.

TIGERS PICKLE HAMBURG

Three Big Innings Turn into 12-3 Win

May 16, 2007 --by Nick Kornder-- The Tiger's scored three in the first, six in the fourth and three in the eighth on their way to a 12-3 non-league win over Hamburg Tuesday night at Tiger Park. Jeff Bruder pitched two middle innings to pick up the win while Super Dave Feldt earned his first save of the season going three innings. The Tigers are now 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the CCL.

The Tigers scored their 12 runs on 13 hits, while the Hawks scored only three runs on 12 hits. Trace Selly (pictured) was 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and runs scored. He also batted in three. Corey Schaaf was 3-for-3 on the night as well for the Tigers.

TIGER BATS COME ALIVE

10-run Shakopee, Lose Late at Chaska

May 16, 2007 --by Brett Kruschke-- It was a good weekend with the bats for the B.P. Nine, as they nearly ran their record to 3-0 against CCL ‘B’ teams. After pounding the Shakopee Indians into submission with a 13-run, 17-hit attack on Friday night, the Tigers put up 8 and 14 at Chaska before falling short. On the weekend, Miller’s Crew went 31-for-78 (.397), lifting the team batting average 77 points (from .231 to .308). The team also slugged their second and third homers of the campaign, surpassing last year’s total of… two.

After the perfect season ended last Tuesday (May 8) with a 7-3 loss to Northfield, the Tigers beat Shakopee 13-3 before losing 10-8 to Chaska on Sunday. The Tigers record is 2-1 in the Carver Central, 3-2 overall.

Tonight (Wednesday, May 16) the Striped Warriors will host the Hamburg Hawks at 7:30 p.m. Then it’s off to Freeport and Stearns County to play in the 1st Annual “Black Sox Tournament” this weekend. The Tigers open with Maple Lake at 11:00 am Saturday, and play shortly thereafter at either 1:15 pm or 3:30 pm. Please see the bracket accompanying this article for the remaining scenarios.

Note: “Dollar Dog Night” has been rescheduled for Wednesday, May 23 against Plato. It was originally set for the May 4 game with New Prague, but was rained out.

Northfield 7 @ Tigers 3 (Tuesday, May 8)
Other than the fact it was a key destination on Little House on the Prairie and that one of the Golden Girls went to college there, not much was known about Northfield coming in. However, winner T.J. Sigstad performed his best Rose Nylund and shut down the Tigers with four perfect innings of relief.

Belle Plaine led 3-1 after six, but allowed 11 Knights to bat in a painful five-run seventh. Northfield tacked on one more in the eighth for good measure, but it was unnecessary as Sigstad went 12 up and 12 down, striking out four along the way.

Corey Schaaf took the loss in his Tiger debut, although three of his five runs were unearned.

The only Tiger with multiple hits was Tim Huber, who went 2-for-2 with 2 RBI, a double, a walk, a run, and a steal.

Shakopee 3 @ Tigers 13 (Friday, May 11 – 7 innings)
The Chatfield Cheetahs pounded out 17 hits against a beleaguered Shakopee pitching staff, catching the always-tough Indians on an off-night in a 13-3 win. The Tiger at-bats started out the night by reaching on consecutive errors, and ended when a Jeff Miller infield pop up landed just a few feet in front of home plate to give the Tigers victory via the 10-run rule.

The Big Two with the bats were Dan Weldon and Pat Schultz. Weldon went 3-for-5 with a double and a home run, driving in five. Schultz spanked four singles in five trips, and scored three runs. Jeff Bruder, Nick Volek, and Miller also had multi-hit games to give the hearty “Dollar Beer Night” crowd plenty to crow about.

On the hill, Shane Hofmann was in charge and tossed the complete game, scattering eight hits and yielding three runs. Hofmann led the staff in wins last year with three, but picked up his 3rd win already in just the fourth game of the season. He’s on pace for 27-0 and that seems reasonable at this point in time.

A farewell wish for longtime Indian Rich Rhinesmith, who after a long and esteemed career has finally hung 'em up. It won't be the same playing Shakopee without Rhino at the hot corner.

Tigers 8 @ Chaska 10 (Sunday, May 13)
What do you get when you combine Mother’s Day with the Greatest Show on Dirt? Apparently a 10-8 Chaska win in which the Tigers once led 6-2, then trailed 8-6, tied it up 8-8, only to see Chaska pull it out with two in the eighth – that’s what.

Tim Huber opened the festivites with a two-out homer in the first. After the Cubbies plated two in the second, El Tigre answered back with three in the third and two in the fourth for a 6-2 lead. But little did the Tigers realize how short-lived their comfy lead would be.

Chaska batted twelve men in a never-ending fourth, scoring six runs on seven hits while heavily aided by two Tiger errors. Mike Schultz gave way to Cory Schaaf, and the Tigers again had some work to do with the bats.

A Nick Volek single and Brad Lawson double in the sixth put Tigers at 2nd and 3rd with no outs, when Cubs manager John Seifert decided he had seen enough. He summoned his son Ryan – a former minor leaguer and quite likely the best pitcher in the Carver Central – from the bullpen.

Trace Selly grounded out to the right side to score one, and after Tim Huber was plunked, Jeff Bruder delivered a big RBI single down the 3rd base line to tie the score at 8. That was one of only two hits the Tigers would get off Seifert in four innings of work, the other being a Huber laser in the eighth that ironically lined off the pitcher’s thigh.

Schaaf, the rookie hurler, admirably kept the Tigers in the game and left after walking the leadoff man in the eighth. Three consecutive singles off reliver Jonny Schulz led to two runs and provided the final margin of victory, as Seifert struck out the side in the ninth to end it.

 

10 Run Tiger Win

Tigers Ten Run Shakopee Indians 13-3

May 11, 2007 --by Nick Kornder-- The Tigers, possibly inspired to end the night early and partake in Dollar Beer night ten runned the Shakopee Indians 13-3 in seven innings at Tiger Park Friday night. Stats were unavailable following the game due to Global Warning. Check back for updated story and boxscore.

$ Bill Beer Night

Tigers Host Shakopee Indians Friday Night

May 11, 2007 --by Nick Kornder-- In what could be the most anticipated night at Tiger Park since Dollar Dog Night, Team Tiger Town will host the Shakopee Indians on Dollar Beer Night. Unofficial rumors have self proclaimed "Ace of the Staff" Shane Hofmann on the mound, but three starts in four games may lead to a surly veteran taking the mound or a crafty young rookie. Come out to the park, enjoy a beautiful evening, and catch your Tigers in action. First pitch is set for 7:30 p.m.

 

ITS OVER

Northfield Hands Tiger 7-3 Setback

May 8, 2007 --by Nick Kornder-- The perfect season is over! Team Tigertown was handed its first loss of the season, a 7-3 home setback to Northfield. The main pain in Belle Plaine Tuesday night was Northfield hurler T.J. Sigstad. The Knight’s sunshine was perfect in the four innings he pitched, retiring all 12 tiger batters, four by the way of strikeout.

Corey Schaaf (pictured - disappointed) took the mound in his Town Team debut as he went 3.1 innings giving up five runs (two earned) on five hits. The Tigers committed two errors in the game, a third could have been leaving veteran Brett Kruschke on the bench the duration of the game.

Tim Huber was the Tiger offense for the night as he was 2-for-2 with 2 RBI, a walk, a double, a stolen base and a run scored. No other Tiger had more than one hit.

REMEMBER $1 Beer Night Friday Night May 11th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TIGERS START 2-0

Tigers Defeat Prior Lake to Improve to 2-0

May 9, 2007 --by Brett Krushke-- The Tigertown Express rode the pitching combination of Shane Hofmann and Mike Schultz to victories over the Shakopee Coyotes and Prior Lake Jays, to open the 2007 campaign at 2-0 (1-0 CCL). In each game, Hofmann notched the win and Schultz the save, with the former having chucked 11 scoreless innings so far.

Friday night’s home game against New Prague was rained out, and will not be made up this season. Look for “Dollar Dog Night”, however, to be rescheduled soon. Last night (Tuesday, May 8th) the locals hosted Northfield – check www.bptigertown.com for all the details.

This Friday night will be the ever-popular “Dollar Beer Night”, as the Class ‘B’ Shakopee Indians come to town for a 7:30 pm Carver Central League affair. On Sunday, the Tigers stick with the tour of CCL ‘B’ teams as they invade the Chaska ballpark as so many billions of mosquitoes have done before them. Game time, 2:00 pm.

Another scheduling note – the bracket is out for the “Black Sox Tourney” in Freeport, to be played May 19-20. The Tigers will play a pair of games on Saturday, opening at 11:00 am against the Maple Lake Lakers of the North Star League.

Shakopee Coyotes 1 @ Tigers 11 (Tuesday, May 1st – 7 innings)
An air of curiosity filled Tiger Park on Opening Night, as a good crowd wandered/wondered out to see what this latest era of Johnny Miller baseball was all about. Early on it looked pretty familiar, as zeroes filled the “Runs” column of the scoreboard as we headed to the home half of the fourth.

Tim Huber walked and stole second, then came in on an RBI single by Jeff “Please Union Hill, don’t bean me when we play” Bruder. The run was timely as it made an eventual winner of Shane Hofmann, who allowed just two singles and no walks against four strikeouts.

In the fifth, the floodgates opened as ten Tigers batted and six scored, making it 7-0. Huber and Pat Schultz both had two-RBI singles to highlight the damage. The flurry continued in the Tiger sixth as they batted around again and four more scored, making it 11-1. The big hit of the inning was from Player of the Game Hofmann, who drove in two on a single and finished the night 3-for-4 with 3 RBI.

Mike Schultz threw the final three innings to pick up the save, yielding one run on two hits and a walk, while striking out four. Yeah, he hit a few people, but that’s what Mike Schultz does. It’s not intentional – he wouldn’t hurt a flea. And if he did, he’d mend it back to health and feed it the world’s tiniest hot cup of soup before sending it on its way.

Bradley Lawson also went deep for the Tiger cause, noteworthy because the Chatfield Warriors had a grand total of two long balls last year.

Tigers 3 @ Prior Lake Jays 2 (Sunday, May 6th)
As wind whipped, rain fell, and parts of Belle Plaine sat without power Sunday morning, it didn’t seem like a beautiful day for a ballgame nor likely that the Tigers would avoid their second rainout in three days. However there was free popcorn to be had by those wearing red on Sunday, so it was imperative the game go on as scheduled. (Sweet Lou, I’m talking to you.)

Shane Hofmann once again toed the hill for the Tigers, but seemed to have met his match in Jays starter Chris Swaitkiewicz. The two traded zeroes until the seventh, when Belle Plaine broke the scoreless tie when the aforementioned Hofmann was plunked with the bases loaded. Trace Selly’s single in the inning was only the Tiger’s second hit to that point – the other being a Selly double in the fourth.

The Tigers expanded their 1-0 lead in the eighth when they grabbed two more, making it 3-0. The damage all began with two outs, and was capped by a Jeff Bruder RBI-single.

Mike Schultz came in to close it down, and while he didn’t hit anybody, things certainly did get hairy. The Jays plated a run in the 8th to make it 3-1, while leaving a pair on. After recording the first two outs of the ninth in order, the old cliché “the toughest out to get is the last one” came into effect.

The #9-hitter reached on an error, and back-to-back singles brought #3-hitter Kyle Oldenkamp to the plate with a 3-2 Tiger lead and men on first and second. I couldn’t tell exactly what happened because I was watching through the eyelets of my cap, but I’m told third-sacker Jeff Miller knocked down a hot smash and won a foot race to the bag (sic) to end the game.

The Tigers collected just four hits on the day, compared to Prior Lake’s ten.

Shane Old Thing

Tues., May, 1	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Shakopee	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	X	X	1	4	2
Belle Plaine	0	0	0	1	6	4	X	X	X	11	11	2

May 1, 2007 --by Nick Kornder -- The 2007 season started on a high note for Team Tiger Town as they smacked the Shakopee Coyotes 11-1 in the season opener. With the return of multiple players from years past, it was some regular names that highlighted the box score. Shane Hofmann, the self proclaimed 'Ace of the Staff', came out and threw four innings of shutout ball, giving up only two hits while striking out four. Hofmann helped himself on the way to the win as he was 3-of-4 at the plate with three RBI. Mike Schultz picked up the save as he went three innings giving up one run on two hits while striking out four. Jeff Bruder added two more hits to his already illustrious career as he was 2-of-4 with a pair of RBI. Young Brad Lawson showed some power at the plate as he was 2-for-3 with a home run and an RBI.

The Tigers continue a two game homestand when they host New Prague on Friday, May 4th at 7:30 p.m. Its Dollar Dog Nite at Tiger Park, will there be a shot at the Hot Dog Record? Check back to find out.

TIGER SEASON UNDERWAY

May 2, 2007 --by Brett Kruschke -- The Tigers town team opened their season last night (Tuesday, May 1st) at home, against the Shakopee Coyotes. Go to www.bptigertown.com for the results, and an embellished write-up if we won.

Friday night is Prom Night, so those wearing their prom outfits to the ballpark… should be careful not to get mustard or ketchup on their fancy pants. After all – it is Dollar Dog Night at Tiger Park! (Feel free to make the “grand march” up to the concession stand and make it “a night to remember.”) Game time is 7:30 pm against the New Prague Orioles, oh by the way.

On Sunday, league play begins for Johnny Miller and crew, with a 2:00 pm visit to the Prior Lake Jays. On Tuesday, the Tigers will wrap up a busy first week with a home game against Northfield, at 7:30 pm.

To be redundant, season tickets are available at the gate, Brad’s Barber Shop, or through any board member. Season tickets are $25, or $50 for the “Dugout Club” version – which also includes a free beverage (of your choice) and hot dog at each game, plus a spanking new Tiger baseball cap. These caps are sure to be all the rage, as they are “one size fits most” Flex-fits, and the same design as Belle Plaine’s popular navy caps with the red bill. A few Tigers might be even wearing them, just to show you there is no difference. I believe these hot cakes will be selling for $15, if purchased individually.

Lastly, I want to take a few precious Herald inches to mention the upcoming Tiger Open fundraiser golf tournament. The 18-hole scramble will take place on Friday, June 1st – now less than a month away. This fun event is the Tigers main fundraiser, and anyone and everyone is welcome to join. See the accompanying flier for the rest of the details, but let me just say we would love to see you out there on that coming-soon June afternoon!

Note: While the registration deadline is May 27, you may pay the day of the tournament. The flier is also available to be printed from the team web page.

Businesses: please contact a Tiger if interested in a hole sponsorship ($100, which among many benefits includes a free golfer), or call Shane Hofmann at 952-484-2319.

TIGERTOWN REUNION

‘New’ Skipper Welcomes Return of Old Faces

April 25, 2007 --by Brett Kruschke -- Trace Selly is back. Tim Huber is back. Jeff Bruder is back. “Hot Dog” Miller is back. Dan Weldon is back – even though he never really left. Scott Schaffler is back. Even the master of the Tiger garage sale, Eric Tharaldson, is back. And managing the return of these prodigal sons to Tigertown? None other than former player-manager Johnny Miller, who last ran the team back in 1976. Yes, the Tigers are reunited, and it feels so good (thank you, Peaches & Herb).

Miller replaces Dave Kreft, previous helmsman of the U.S.S. Tigertown. Kreft retired this winter as both player and manager. Rounding out his foursome on the golf course will be Tim Schuster, Brad Connolly, and Ben Jass – great teammates who will be missed.

The returnees from last year’s 9-21 squad are Peter Schuneman, Jonny Schulz, Eric Lyons, Bradley Lawson, Brett Kruschke, Dave Feldt, Nick Volek, Ryan Dressen, Matt Schultz, Shane Hofmann, Adam Hoffman, Ryan Witt, Nate Hartmann, Paul Dressen, Nick Selly, Pat Schultz, and Mike Schultz. This year’s equipment carriers I mean rookies are Corey Schaaf and Josh Terrio.

The Tigers will kick off the 2007 campaign at home on Tuesday, May 1st, 7:30 p.m., against the Shakopee Coyotes. Looking ahead, the New Prague Orioles will visit Tiger Park on Friday, May 4th for “Dollar Dog Night”. (Please see the accompanying season schedule for the full schedule, including promotions.)

Belle Plaine will compete this year in the newly-named Carver Central League “Central” Division (Class ‘C’), which also contains Carver, Le Sueur, and Waconia. The CCL “West” (Class ‘C’) will consist of Arlington, Brownton, Gaylord, St. Peter, and Winthrop. The CCL “East” (Class ‘B’) will house Chaska, Jordan, Prior Lake, Shakopee and Victoria.

Season tickets are available at the gate, Brad’s Barber Shop, or through any Belle Plaine Baseball Association board member. You can purchase a season ticket for $25, or the $50 “Dugout Club” version, which also includes a free beverage (beer, pop, water, Gatorade, etc.) and hot dog at each game, plus a Tiger apparel item (shirt or cap).

Both season tickets include free admission to the 9th annual Tigertown Classic, to be held June 8-9-10. The Tigers will play a minimum of 33 regular season games (success in three tournaments pending), with 18 of those at the friendly confines of Tiger Park.

Be sure to check out the new-and-improved www.bptigertown.com, which has all of this information and much, much more. This week’s tip: check out the “History of Tiger Baseball” link, which includes newly-added team pictures from 1991-1995, plus team pictures of the 1948 and 1952 Class ‘A’ State Champion Runners-Up.

NOTE: If you have any Tiger pictures – old or new – that you are willing to share, please email them to Brett Kruschke at bkru11@yahoo.com, or contact me and I will arrange to pick up your hard-copy photos. I will scan them at home and return to you promptly.