Carver's Ninth-Inning Rally Tops Cologne

The Cologne Hollanders played the Carver Black Sox during yesterday's Memorial Day contest. The boys were able to jump on top in the top of the first inning as Kyle Twait led the game off with a walk. Tanner Luebke then reached first on a fielder's choice. As Tanner attempted the steal, Carter Clemenson singled to left to further advance Tanner to third. Tanner scored his first run of the day off the throwing error by Carver's left fielder. The lead didn't last long as Carver answered with one run of their own in the bottom on the first off of a double and two singles. But Cologne managed to take it back in the third as Kraig Peterson led the frame off with a walk. Tanner was able to get Kraig to second with his first hit of the afternoon. Kraig was able to show off his wheels as the next batter, Carter Clemensen, singled up the middle. A couple wild pitches later, Tanner was able to score the Hollanders second run of the inning for a two run lead. The lead would be reduced to one during the fourth as Carver scratched one. The Hollanders were great at responding by getting one of their own in the top of the fifth as Tanner singled and then stole second. Carter knocked him in with a single for his second RBI of the game. The top of the sixth brough in two more runs as Jon Kummer and Bradon Fritz led the inning off with a hit-by-pitch and a walk, respectively, and then each advanced on a wild pitch. Kummer was then able to score on a wild pitch and Fritz advanced to third. Kraig Peterson then brought Fritz home on a sacrifice fly. In the bottom of the sixth the wind from an incoming storm suddenly picked up. Carver was able to use that wind as they cut into Cologne's lead and scored three runs. With a one run lead going into the ninth, Cologne was able to add another as Tanner singled and stole second. Kyle Brazil got his first hit of the game as he knocked in Tanner. Starting pitcher, Casey Clemensen, was able to get the first two batters out in the bottom of the ninth, but Carver didn't let that bother them. Carver was able to load the bases. Tanner Luebke was then asked to try to get the final out. Tanner walked the first batter he faced cutting Cologne's lead to one. Then Carver's lead off hitter hit a ground ball up the middle. Casey Clemensen made a great play getting to the roller, but the throw to first was not in time nor on target. Alex Meeker wasn't able to make the pick on the low throw and Carver scored the game winning run  on the throwing error.

Once again the boys played extremely good ball for eight and two thirds innings, but were unable to close it down. Casey Clemenson started on the mound and was able to throw 8-2/3 innings giving up 7 earned runs off of eight hits. The Cologne offense was led by Tanner Luebke as he managed to tally up four runs scored, three stolen bases, and three hits. Carter Clemenson also got three hits in the ballgame. Kyle Brazil and Tim Swanson each both got one hit. 

The Hollanders look to turn a corner over the next week as they will play a string of non-league games. First up, Cologne will host Henderson Wednesday night at Fritz Field. The weekend will bring a true road trip as they travel to Spring Hill for a Saturday double header against New Munich (1:00pm) and Spring Hill (4:00pm).

Ga Hollanders!