The PL Jays travelled to Chaska Sunday 7/19 to take on the Cubs on Corncob Day at the Athletic Park and left with at hard fought 2-1 Victory and the River Valley League Title for 2009. In a winner take all re-match Matt Lane toed the rubber for the Cubs and Kyle Zweber for the Jays which was the dual in the Cubs 5-2 12 inning win at Prior Lake earlier in the season. The Jays had a leadoff single by Jim Schroeder in the 3rd inning, a stolen base that was followed by an RBI double by RVL 09 All Star Dusty Olynyk that plated Schroeder. RF Adam Cress reached on a fielders choice in the 4th and advanced to third on a pick off attempt sent past the firstbasemens glove. Cress scored when thirdbasemen John Somrock fought with 2 outs in a full count to single up the middle for the decisive Jays run. Justin Johnson had a 2 out hit that scored firstbasemen Josh Korth for the lone Cub run in the 5th. Lane took the loss with Zweber getting the big PL win facing the minimum through the final 4 innings. The win also secured #1 Seed in Section 3B which provides a bye to the Final 4 and home field advantage for the Swarm with Shakopee locking up the #2 spot.
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The PL Mudcats hosted St Benedict on Fan Appreciation Day featuring roast pig and St Benedict came away with a 4-2 win over the 'Cats. The Mudcats also recognized the contributions of the late Karen & Emma Bohnsack who were both long time volunteers for the PL Jays & Mudcats dating to the Jays start in 1987. The Mudcats are locked in a best 2 of 3 with the Veseli Warriors starting Wed 7/29 with the location of Game 1 to be determined for the DRS Blue Division Playoffs.
St. Benedict 000 001 003 4 8 2
Mudcats 200 000 000 2 5 1
WP- Jacob Wolf
LP- Jake Schmidt
The Mudcats scored on a two out single in the first by Kyle Hoover. Ben Morrison led off with a walk and went to second on a hit by pitch by Noah Rezac. Nick Johnson sacrificed them to second and third. One out later Hoover delivered a single for the runs. The Mudcats had another chance to extend the leadwith runners at second and third and out in the seventh leading 2-1. But a line drive turned into a double play and stopped the inning.
St. Benedict rallied for three in the ninth inning. With one out, Andrew Pauly singled, pinch hitter Dave Hartmann also singled off starter Jake Schmidt. Brad Schoenrock relieved Schmidt, walked the first man to load the bases. Steve Weiers tied the game with a sacrifice fly. Scott Eischens was hit by a pitch. Dave Sherry singled to drive in the game winners. The Mudcats failed to score in the bottom of the inning.
Prior Lake is now 10-9 in League play. The 'Cats trail Veseli in standings who is 11-8. Prior Lake holds the tie break on Veseli.
The Playoffs will start on Wednesday July 29th vs. Veseli, and then Friday vs. Veseli, and Sunday if needed at 2 pm. Check the priorlakebaseball.com website or call 952-226-3800 for updates.
Upcoming action is Wed July 22 vs. Glencoe @ Young America
Thurs July 23rd home vs. Montgomery
Sun July 26th @ Webster.
Region Playoffs will start Wednesday August 5th at high seeds.