Mudcats 11 Run 7th propels WIN over New Ulm Brewers in Week 1.
The New Ulm Brewers have had an interesting 2020 to say the least. Moving from being a host site of the 2020 Tournament, through a shortened Cov19 season (2-1 Tomahawk East League) to Springfield MBA Class “C” having fought through to the #2 Seed out of the MBA Region 2C Tournament taking on the hometown Prior Lake Mudcats, 3rd Seed from MBA Region 3C playoffs and 2nd place in the 2020 DRS League regular season in opening game action of the Springfield/Milroy hosted 2020 MBA Class “C” State Tournament. The Mudcats bagged a win at 2019 MBA “C” Tournament over Foley 4-1 before dropping in Final 32 by Fergus Falls 7-2 at Delano. The Brewers were a top seed with a bye last season at the MBA “C” Tourney losing 4-1 in their Final 32 opener to eventual 2019 Final 4 team, the Buckman Billygoats at Maple Lake.

Much of the story is best told by those who were there as it will be, forever, a comeback of historic proportions that left many fan and player alike in attendance on that hot MBA Tourney Sunday in Springfield, speechless, shocked and amazed. With long time ‘Cat Ben Morrison starting on the hill with capable and deep supporting pitching as well 3 draftees, hopes were high to extend the 2019 run to Final 16 and beyond against a proven and capable opponent. 9 of the Brewers 10 runs were earned on Morrison 6R/5IP and 3rd year Mudcat Alex Wattermann 4R/4IP but the offense in the 7th was the story of the day with an 8 run deficit after 6 complete innings.

The ‘Cats offense was led by Wattermann was 2-4 with a walk and a run and 4RBI bagging the win for PL in relief of Morrison. The only other multi hit Mudcat was right fielder Jake Lehrer who went 2-5 with a walk, run and RBI. While the Mudcats mustered 9 hits across the lineup, they also tallied 12 walks and were plunked 6 times with both of the last 2 categories factoring into the decisive 11 run top of 7th inning. The Mudcats were down in score 10-2 before the charge back to win. Watterman struck out the final New Ulm batter (tying run at plate) out looking in the bottom of the 9th inning with 2 on to end the game and cap the drama. Manager/GM Greg “Fud” Faue may have paced miles as the epic comeback unfolded, but heading into week 2 action, his smile has not diminished heading into the Final 32 of the single elimination tournament championship from bearing witness to the historic win. Click on links below for the story on an epic State Tournament win for the ages.

Minnesota Baseball Association Story (Click): PL MUDCATS VS NEW ULM BREWERS
Jeremy Behnke of the New Ulm Journal Story (Click): NEW ULM VS PL MUDCATS
An incredible win for the Prior Lake Mudcats to continue tourney action in week 2 Final 32 as the ‘Cats will square with Class “C” powerhouse the Kimball Express (Region 15C #1 seed). The winner will advance to Final 16 and play the winner of Bemidji/Maple Lake (also played 8/29 5PM at Springfield) on Labor Day/Championship Weekend.
NEXT UP: Prior Lake Mudcats VS Kimball Express Sat August 29th 500PM at Milroy Riverside Park.
IF YOU GO: Remaining tickets (#69 remain, 8/28 NOON) will be on sale 30 minutes prior to gametime, $7 for ALL. For remaining tickets, one person can purchase up to six tickets at the gate. THANKS in advance for cooperation on MBA Cov19 Protocol at entry. NO PETS, Cash only. You may also email: priorlakemudcats@gmail.com to see if any of team allotment remains.
AND… The winner of PL/Kimball in the Final 32 single elimination will face the Bemidji/Maple Lake winner in Milroy Saturday Sept 5 300PM in Final 16.
IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND: 95.5FM KCHK will broadcast Sat 8/29 as well games to be streamed for purchase at PrepSpotlight.TVand IScore live scoring through MBA Website.
AREA BALLERS REPRESENTING: Elko Express (DRS-Section 1B), New Prague Orioles, St Patrick Irish, Union Hill Bulldogs, Prior Lake Mudcats (DRS-Region 3C) from the Dakota Rice Scott League and Chanhassen Red Birds, Chaska Cubs, Victoria Vics, Prior Lake Jays (RVL East-Section 3B) as well Jordan Brewers, Gaylord Islanders (DRS-Region 6C) from the River Valley League are participants in the MBA 16 team Class “B” and 48 team “C” State Tournaments. With New Ulm opting out of hosting at Historic Johnson and Mueller Parks, The Class “C” Tournament will be hosted by Springfield (was a 2020 3rd Site) and Milroy Riverside Park while the entire Class “B” Tournament will be hosted by Shakopee.
HOTLINKS:
Minnesota Baseball Association (Townballs governing body)
MUDCATS/DRS League- Region 3C Link
2020 MBA Class “C” Tournament Bracket/Info
JAYS/RVL East League-Section 3B Link
2020 MBA Class “B” Tournament Bracket/Info
