Hollanders Can't Hold on Against Winsted

Last Friday night the Cologne Hollanders traveled to Winsted to play the Wildcats for the second game of the three game playoff series. Cologne needed the win to stay alive for the 2017 season and it appeared that would be the case. Cologne was up 1-0 for most of the game as they scored the run in the top of the third as Brandon Fritz led off the inning with a single, Zack Nelson put down the sacrifice to move Fritz to second, and Carter Clemesen drove in the go ahead run with a double to left center. Casey Clemensen would take the one run lead for the length of his outing and not reliquish it. Casey gave the Hollanders the start they needed as he went eight innings giving up zero runs off of only four Wildcat hits. Cologne was able to tack on two more runs in the top of the ninth as Tim Swanson led off with a single. Pinch runner, Jordan Litschewski,  advanced to second on an overthrow by the pitcher, and took third on a wild pitch. Kyle Twait, pinch hitting for Jon Kummer, walked on four straight and reached second on a stolen base. With two outs Zach Nelson hit a ground ball to the shortstop who had to come in and make a tough play to get Nelson. The throw was low and not in time. Jordan scored on the play as well as Twait from second as Winsted's first baseman was unable to make the clean scoop on the low throw. Going into the bottom of the ninth with a three run lead it appeared that Cologne had it in the bag. Kyle Brazil came to try and close it down, but but a walk and a hit batter ended Brazil's night on the mound. Tanner Luebke then came to relieve with two men on, but unfortunately Winsted was able to complete the late inning rally by scoring three and tying the game. The score remained all square after the tenth and Cologne was unable to score in the top of the eleventh. In the bottom of the eleventh, Winsted lead off with a bunt single. The runner advanced to second on the sacrifice and Winsted's lead-off hitter reached on a HBP. Winsted hitting, Jake Prehn, then lined a single down the right-field line to score the game-winning run and ending the Hollanders' season. 

With the 4-3 extra inning win, the Winsted Wildcats advance to the 2017 Crow River Valley League Regional Tournament. Head out to New Germany and Waconia to show support for all the CRVL teams asa they make their way to the Minnesota State Tournament.

The Cologne Hollander players and staff want to thank everyone that came out to support the team this season. It was a fun season and the young Hollander team made some great strides that they look to build on going into the 2018 season. Stay tuned all off-season for more Hollander updates on Bingo nights and other team sponsored events. We'll see everyone next April.

GA HOLLANDERS!