May 24, 2006
TIGERS PITCHING WELL
--by Brett KruschkeThe Tigers blew a golden chance to run off three straight wins, dropping a 5-4 decision in the 9th at Carver on Sunday. Nonetheless, the locals have used good pitching to wind up at 3-2 after five games. Shane Hofmann shut out St. Peter 2-0 on Friday night, and last Tuesday, the Tigers rode a solid start from Mike Schultz to beat New Germany 3-2 on the final play of the game.
The defense has also improved for Tigertown, although that’s kind of like saying Dennys Reyes has shed a few pounds. Belle Plaine’s error totals in the five games so far: eight, five, five, two, and three. Not exactly the 2001 Twins, but we’re trying.
On Friday, the Prior Lake Jays will visit for a CCL-affair, first pitch 7:30 pm. It will be the first of two “Locher Bros. / Miller Lite Nites” out at Tiger this summer, as there will be giveaways and dollar beers during select innings. After the Memorial Day weekend, Waconia will drop by Tiger Park on Tuesday for a 7:30 pm duel. See you at the ballpark!
Another reminder – Friday, June 2 nd is the Tiger Open golf tournament fund-raiser. Visit us online for more info, and let us know if you need help putting a group together.
New Germany 2 @ Tigers 3 (Tuesday, May 16)
The Tigers snuck one out in breath-taking fashion, scoring two runs on the final play of the ninth, to shock the Dutchmen 3-2. Down to their last out and the bases loaded, Shane Hofmann sent a grounder toward first base. Runner Nate Hartmann screened the first baseman, who already had one error earlier in inning. He added another here, as Hofmann won the race to the bag (picture that), while Peter Schuneman scored from third to tie it. But on a play inspired by the movie “Major League”, pinch runner Brett Kruschke kept running from second base, and beat the throw home by a frog hair. There was joy in Constructionville!
Mike Schultz made his first start of the year for the Chatfield Warriors, and was sharp as he surrendered just one run in seven innings. His rival on the hill was his equal – former Tiger T.J. Aalid – who also yielded one run over seven.
The game was turned over to the bullpens, and Tiger rookie Ben Jass was on top of his game, fanning four in two innings. However, he was victimized by not one, not two, but three ninth-innings errors, which allowed New Germany to push across the go-ahead run.
Lefty Mike Schrup deserved a better fate, but also fell victim to his team’s cast-iron gloves.
Tigers 2 @ St. Peter 0 (Friday, May 19)
This game belonged to two men: pitcher Shane Hofmann, who threw a complete game shutout; and second baseman Jonny Schulz, who delivered a pair of two-out, RBI-singles, to drive in both Tiger runs.
Hofmann yielded just four hits, all singles, and whiffed 10. He lowered his ERA to 0.69 on the year, which is one earned run in 13 innings.
Schulz’s clutch hits came in the 4 th and 6 th innings, and proved to be all that Belle Plaine would need. Jonny is economical, if you can’t tell by the lack of an ‘h’ in his first name, and ‘t’ in his last.
Tigers 4 @ Carver 5 (Sunday, May 21)
The Tigertown Express started out early, plating two in the first on RBI-safeties from Nate Hartmann and Jonny Schulz, both of whom easily lead the team with .438 averages. Each went 3-for-5, with an RBI, on the day.
Carver responded with one in the first, and Belle Plaine tacked on another in the 2 nd to go up 3-1, although they left a pair of men in scoring position.
Black Sox starter Mike Brokofsky was quickly dispatched, and would exit after two for reliever Ross Tichy. It was a prudent move, as the left-hander gave up only one run the rest of the game, and wound up the winning pitcher.
Throwing the Big Red’s second complete game in a row was Dave Kreft, who struck out 10 and walked nary a soul. He was, however, touched for 11 Carver hits.
Belle Plaine tied it up at four in the 8 th, when Tim Schuster alertly scored on an infield single by Ben Jass. Jass advanced to third to represent the go-ahead run, but died on the vine, a result that would cost the Tigers.
In the bottom of the ninth, consecutive one-out singles put the Tigers on the ropes. Then nine-hitter Greg Sayuk dropped a bunt which allowed the runner from third to score the winning run, on a very close play at the plate. Kreft fielded the ball, rolled over and flipped it home, but catcher Pat Schultz’s tag was somehow too late.
Meanwhile, after 15 years of driving to Carver, I again got lost on the way home. I think I need OnStar.
This page was created and maintained by Nick Kornder, Sports Information Director at Northern State University. The views and ideas on this page are that of the author, and not those of Northern State University.