In a crucial Section 3B playoffs elimination game, the Chaska Cubs defeated the Prior Lake Jays 13-1 on Sunday, earning a spot in the State Tournament and ending the Jays 2024 season.
The Prior Lake Jays started strong, getting on the board first in the top of the first inning when David Flasher singled, driving in one run. The Chaska Cubs quickly responded in the bottom of the inning with singles by Nathan Rosenberg and Steve Edlefsen, taking a 2-1 lead.
The Cubs extended their lead in the bottom of the second inning. Pat Fontaine doubled, scoring one run, followed by Maddox Foss, who doubled and brought in two more runs. A fielding error by the Jays allowed another run to score, increasing the Cubs’ lead to 6-1.
Chaska’s starting pitcher, Pete Ohnsorg, earned the win, allowing six hits and one unearned run over seven innings while striking out five and walking one. Joe Stelzig, pitching in relief for the Prior Lake Jays, gave up two hits and six runs (four earned) over four innings, striking out six and walking three. Sam Brower took the loss for the Jays, pitching one and one-third innings and allowing six runs (five earned) on seven hits, striking out one and walking one.
The Prior Lake Jays had contributions from Lance Goeschel, Mitchell Goodwin, Joe Stelzig, David Flasher, Ross Hebel, and Nate Bodine, each collecting one hit. Flasher led the team with one RBI, going 1-for-3 at the plate.
The Chaska Cubs tallied nine hits, with leadoff hitter Pat Fontaine leading the way with a perfect 4-for-4 performance. Maddox Foss added two RBIs, going 1-for-3. Fontaine also stole three bases, contributing to the Cubs’ six stolen bases in the game. Defensively, the Cubs turned one double play.
This decisive win propels the Chaska Cubs to the Class ‘B’ State Tournament, while the Prior Lake Jays season concludes with this elimination game and an overall record of 7 wins and 16 losses.