The Prior Lake Jays and Mudcats both opened their League seasons for '09 on Sunday May 3. Check the League Links in the articles for follow the DRS & RVL Standings in 2009.
The MBA Class B Jays of the River Valley League (LEAGUE LINK) The PL Jays traveled to Burnsville 5/14, coming up short on a 4-3 score in non league action with the Bobcats. Mullenbach had another strong stint starting on the hill for 6 innings yielding to Anderson who tossed the last 2 frames and was solid in his first action of '09. Previously the Jays travelled to 2009 State Tourney Host site Gaylord Walsh Field for 2PM RVL action against the Islanders Sun 5/10 and bagged a 5-3 WIN in the Islanders home opener. Jays Rookie Kyle Zweber started and threw a no hit 4 inning tuner yielding to Winning pitcher Corey Goblirsch who tossed the 5th and 6th. Tim Garceau tossed the 7th & 8th frames and Marshall Mullenbach slammed the door throwing a scoreless 9th and picked up the Save. The Jays again played error free ball and were led at the plate by Goblirschs 2 doubles. Scott Geisler also had a big rip that he scored on a poor throw rounding the pads to score on a double. NEXT UP: non league exhibition action hosting 2008 Class A Champion St Louis Park Saturday 5/16 3:00PM and RVL Home Opener 2009 against Arlington on Sunday 5/17 1:00pm.
The Jays opened their 2009 at Winthrop 5/3 taking on the host Eagles in a birdfight to kick off the RVL docket for '09 and fought from spotting the hosts 2 in the 2nd to answer late in the game in a 10-2 Final with the Jays prevailing. Marshall Mullenbach was solid through 6 yielding the 2 to the Eagles and left with a 5-2 score with Tim Garceau pitching the last 3 frames of shut out ball to bag the Save. Garceau also jumped on a pitch driving an opposite field blast to get the Jays into the game in his 3rd at bat. Travis Johnson had multiple flawless assists in the field with tight D all around and contributions from the entire roster with gloves or sticks. The Jays travel to 2009 State Tourney Host site Gaylord Walsh Field for 2PM RVL action against the Islanders Sun 5/10.
BIRDNEWS: Congrats to former Jays skipper & former PLABA Boardmember Justin Braun & wife Terri on the new addition to their family: Elouise (Ellie) Katherine Braun Born: May 4, 2009 at 6:04 PM 8 lbs. 5 oz. 21.5 in. Uncle Shannon was also a member of early Jays teams.
The MBA Class C Mudcats of the Dakota Rice Scott League (LEAGUE LINK) The Mudcats dropped a close 6-5 game at New Prague Sunday 5/10 in 12 innings. Details to follow, LP-J.Schmidt in relief. Wed 5/13 hosted Mpls Blue Sox in Non League action at the Vet winning 8-0. The 'Cats had a combined 1 hitter between 4 pitchers and contributions across the lineup at the plate on a cool & windy night for hardball. UPCOMING ACTION: HOST St Louis Park Sat 5/16 1:00PM and HOSTING Shakopee Coyotes Sun 5/17 in DRS Action 4:00PM. Season Passes are NOW available at all Mudcats home games!
The 'Cats opened their '09 DRS League & Home schedule hosting Veseli Warriors in a key early Divisional matchup Sun 5/3. In recent seasons the 'Cats & Veseli have traded multiple 1 run games but the 'Cats swam deep on the Warrior bagging a 10-0 (8 innings). Limited details available but Jake Schmidt was winning/starting pitcher throwing 7 innings, with a stingy 1 hit yielded to the V Unit 9. The 'Cats travel to New Prague Sun 5/10 2:00PM vs the Orioles.
'CATNEWS: Welcome Brandon Wayne Schleip 8Lb 6Oz on Monday 5/4 to former Jay & current Mudcat Justin & wife Melissa. Uncle Jason was also on the Mudcats and Grandpa Ron helped Coach the 'Cats for a couple seasons in the late '90's. CONGRATS From PLABA!
Also welcome to Anika Rae Schmidt 7Lbs 12oz 21inches born Tuesday 5/5 to Ben & Vanessa. CONGRATS From PLABA!
Previous '09 Mudcat highlights:
The Prior Lake Mudcats opened up their 2009 season with a win over the Cleveland Condors 14-2 in seven innings on Saturday April 25th. The 'Cats then lost a close battle with Cannon Falls on Wednesday April 29th in wet conditons by the score of 3-2.
Highlights from Saturday were solid pitching performances from newcomers Mike Borgert-Poepping and Jim Hagadorn. Mike pitched 2 2/3 innings of relief for the win. Jim held Cleveland down for another 2 innings.
Wednesday 4/29 nights game was a scoreless battle until the seventh. Zach Lovera threw the first six innings and was no hitting the Bears through those six. Two unearned runs in the seventh, and a solo run in the 8th gave the Bears a 3-0 lead heading to the ninth. A leadoff hit and three walks put the 'Cats within two. A fly ball out and a tag out a the plate put the 'Cats down to their last out. Bryan Bohnsack walked to load the bases and that brought up last seasons leading hitter Noah Rezac. Noah delivered with a hit to left and Jake Lehrer scored and Zach Lovera came around third looking for the tie. A great throw nipped Lovera at the plate and the comeback was done.
W-Templin L-Bohnsack
Sunday May 3rd-
Jake Schmidt pitched 7 2/3 innings of perfect baseball before Luke Geisen got the first and only hit in the 8th inning. Jake was brilliant with 5 k’s and 10 ground ball outs. Jake also was 1-3 at the plate.
Scoring Summary:
1st inning- With two outs Ben Schmidt was hit by a pitch and scored on a double by Greg Faue.
Ves 0 PL 1
6th Inning- Brad Schoenrock doubles to lead off, Defries flies out, Kyle Johnson singles, Schoenrock to third, Noah Rezac singles, scoring Rock, Jim Hagadorn to third, Jake Lehrer runs for Rezac. Lehrer steals second causing wild throw to third, Hagadorn scoring, Lehrer to third. Casey Johnson singles, scoring Lehrer. Bartuzek replaces Beckius. Ben Schmidt singles, wild throw scores Johnson. Faue Doubles scoring Schmidt. Schliep singles, Faue to third. Levi Schneider sac flies, Faue scores.
Ves 0 PL 7
8th inning-With one out, Faue singles. John Barrett singles. Levi Schneider walks. Schoenrock singles scoring Faue. Ryan Defries walks scoring Barrett. Schneider scores on wild pitch to end game.
Ves 0 PL 7
Veseli 000 000 00 0 1 2
Mudcats 100 006 03 10 15 1
WP-Jake Schmidt
LP- Dustin Beckius
Pitchers
Veseli
Dustin Beckius 5 1/3
Mike Bartusek 1
Joe Friedges 1
Jake Schmidt 7 2/3
Bryan Bohnsack 1/3
Hitting
Veseli
Luke Geisen 1-3
Greg Faue 4-5, 2 2b, 2 rbi, 2 r, sb
Ben Schmidt 2-3, 2 r,
Noah Rezac 2-3, r, rbi
Brad Schoenrock 2-4, 2b, r, rbi