2019 OPENER: Hitting barrage sparks Hens

Tyson Sonnenburg belted a three-run home run and Jake Leighton had four hits, including a double and a triple, as the Minneota Mudhens routed the Tracy Engineers 26-10 in their season opener on Sunday.

The game was originally scheduled for Saturday, but a wintry mix of rain, sleet and snow forced the game to be postponed.

"I was very happy with the outcome," said Sonnenburg, the Mudhens' player/manager. "Everyone hit really well and every starter had at least one hit, which is great to see that we are getting it done from one to nine in the batting order."

Minneota scored in every inning except the sixth, en route to invoking the 10-run rule after seven innings.

Danny Hennen started on the hill for the Mudhens and earned the win with a four-inning stint. He allowed four hits and three runs (two earned), while walking two and striking out six. Jake Leighton hurled the next two innings and Zach Nuy finished up with a scoreless seventh.

"Our pitchers threw well and the three guys who threw are going to be big for us this summer, along with our other pitchers," said Sonnenburg.

Sonnenburg had three hits and drove in four runs with his three-run homer in the fourth inning and a run-scoring single in the third. Preston Nuy also drove in four runs with a two-run double in the first, a hit by pitch with the bases loaded in the second, and a run-scoring single in the fourth.

Leighton knocked in three runs with an RBI triple in the third and a two-run single in the fourth. Mike Luke finished with three hits. Preston Nuy, Alex Pohlen and Danny Hennen had two hits apiece. Beau Buysse reached base five times with a hit, three walks and a hit by pitch. Austin Buysse and Jesse Dreger each reached base three times.

"I thought Beau did a good job at the leadoff spot seeing pitches and working the count," said Sonnenburg. "And that kind of set the tone for the rest of the guys in the lineup to come up and have good at bats."

The Mudhens had seven consecutive singles during a 10-run fourth inning that saw 14 men come to the plate.

Sonnenburg was excited about the early hitting barrage.

“We have always pitched well and played good defense, but we've struggled hitting overall as a team," said Sonnenburg. "It's only one game, but hopefully that is something that can continue throughout the season."

The game was played on a cold and blustery afternoon at K.P. Kompelien Field.

“We would like to thank the fans for coming and supporting us on a cold and windy day," Sonnenburg said. "We have the best fans in the league and we appreciate how much they always support us."

Minneota 26, Tracy 10

TRACY (AB-R-H-RBI)): James Fultz 5-0-0-0; Travis Apperson 5-0-0-0; Shane Erickson 3-2-1-0; Jordan Lanoue 1-3-0-0; Trevor Parlberg 4-2-2-1; Cory Apperson 2-1-2-2; Derek Radke 3-1-1-0; Brian Fultz 2-1-0-1; Andy Nelson 2-0-0-0. Totals 27-10-6-4. 

 MINNEOTA (AB-R-H-RBI): Beau Buysse 2-3-1-2; Jake Leighton 6-4-4-3; Tyson Sonnenburg 5-4-3-4; Austin Buysse 3-2-1-1; Preston Nuy 4-2-2-4; Alex Pohlen 4-2-2-1; Danny Hennen 4-3-2-1; Jesse Drager 2-3-1-2; Jaymes Moon 0-0-0-0; Mike Luke 5-2-3-0. Totals 35-26-19-18.

Score by Innings

Tracy                              000     343   0 —  10   6      3 

Minneota                        336  (10)20  x —  26   19    2

E-Tracy 3, Minneota 2. SAC-Minneota: A. Buysse, Drager; Tracy: Fultz, Radke. 2B-Minneota; Leighton, P. Nuy, Luke (2). 3B-Minneota: Leighton. HR-Minneota-Sonnenburg.

Pitching                                      IP       R    ER     H    BB    SO

Tracy

Dan Scamp (L), 2 relievers          6        26    20    19    9       3  

Minneota

Danny Hennen (W)                      4         3     2      4     2        6

Jake Leighton                              2         5     3      1     5         3

Zach Nuy                                     1         0     0      1     0         2  

HBP-Minneota: Drager; Tracy-Lanoue.