Outlaws-9 - Webster-1

An injury riddled Outlaws team traveled to Webster on Saturday afternoon to square off in a divisional game against the Wildcats.  The Outlaws only had 9 healthy players as Cory Van Briesen and Chad Wiertzema have been sidelined with injuries.  Another large portion of the Outlaws roster was unable to attend due to family commitments and work.  John Maslow did however make his first appearance for the Outlaws in 2012.  

With the limited roster Sam Baumgartner was the only established pitcher the Outlaws had.  Sammy is experiencing a bit of arm soreness, but did not hesitate to take the ball on Saturday. 

In the top of the first Chris Nelson started things off right by lacing a single to left field.  He would later be stranded as the Outlaws could only muster a Mike Roth walk in support of Nelson's single. 

The home half of the first would bring the Wildcats their only run of the game.  Websters lead off hitter reached on a misplayed ball and eventually came around to score on an RBI single.  

The game would remain at a Webster 1-0 advantage until the 4th inning.  Both pitchers settled in and began an early dual.  The only offense out of the Outlaws prior to the 4th inning was a Ryan Meyer single in the 2nd and Chris Nelson's second hit of the day in the third.  Nellie once again laid down a nice drag bunt to reach base. 

Baumgartner held the Wildcats in check in the 2nd and 3rd innings striking out 5 Webster hitters and only allowing one base runner on a walk. 

The Outlaws evened the score in the 4th as John Maslow reached on a walk with one out.  Ryan Meyer then drilled a double to the right centerfield gap allowing Maslow to score all the way from first. 

Baumgartner continued to keep Webster hitters off balance striking out another two hitters in the bottom of the 4th.  John Maslow also showed off his arm from the catching position, throwing out a would be base stealer at second base.

Baumgartner led off the top of the 5th with a walk.  One out later Mike Roth singled but was later erased on a fielders choice off the bat of Travis Schuett.  With two outs, John Maslow put the Outlaws in front with an RBI double driving in Sammy.

Sammy then put the game in cruise control from the mound.  He set the Wildcats down in order in the 5th adding yet another two strikeouts. 

Jeff Appel led of the top of the 6th with a base hit up the middle and was moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt from Justin Williamson.  With two outs and Appel still at second base, Baumgartner helped his cause with an RBI single. 

The 6th inning was more of the same for Sam as he kept the score at 3-1 Outlaws. 

The Outlaws opened up the flood gates in the top of the 7th.  Mike Roth led off the inning with his second single of the game.  Travis Schuett followed with a $50.00 single to left breaking a borrowed bat in the process.  John Maslow then drove in his second run of the game on his second hit, an RBI single.  One batter later Jeff Appel also collected his second hit of the game with an RBI single to left.  Justin Williamson followed with a walk.  Chris Nelson joined the RBI party driving in Maslow with a sacrifice fly to left field.  Sam Baumgartner opened the lead even further with a 2 RBI single scoring Appel and Williamson.  Robb Larson then reached base after being plunked.  Mike Roth then continued his hitting display with his second hit of the inning and third hit in a row, an RBI single scoring Baumgartner.  When it was all said and done the Outlaws had scored 5 runs and extended the lead to 9-1. 

The lead was more than enough for Baumgartner.  He once again set the Wildcats down in order in the 7th adding (yet again) two more strikeouts.  Sam finished the day with the complete game win, striking out 13, walking 2 and giving up only 2 hits. 

Mike Roth led all Outlaws hitters with 3 hits.  Chris Nelson, Sam Baumgartner, John Maslow, Ryan Meyer and Jeff Appel each had two hits.  Travis Schuett also had a hit.  

Next up for the Outlaws will be a July 1st double header in Le Center against Prior Lake and Le Center.  The off time will hopefully allow Wertz's leg to heal.  Chad did keep a mean book in Webster and provided much dugout banter.  The Outlaws are also keeping their fingers crossed that Van Breisen's shoulder is not severely injured.  Cory is scheduled for an MRI on Monday. 

Wishing all the Welcome/Sherburn/Fairmont boys a safe fishing trip to Canada.  We will put the season on hold until you all get back.  :)