Junior Legion continues with hot bats

By JEREMY BEHNKE

Journal Sports Writer

NEW ULM -- For the second straight game, the New Ulm Junior Legion team ran into a pitcher who they knew they could attack.

And for the second straight game, they did just that.

The Junior Legion defeated Shakopee 12-2 in eight innings at Mueller Park in a game that was originally scheduled to go nine innings.

Dan Drexler went 3-for-3, walking twice. He scored four runs.

"He's been telling us to be more aggressive at the plate lately, and it's been working out and we've been swinging at better pitches," Dan Drexler said. "If you're aggressive, you start off good and hit the ball the first try."

The Junior Legion again had no problems getting on base, picking up nine hits and 13 walks.

"We haven't seen the best pitching the last two games to be honest with you, but when we see pitching like that, you have to be a disciplined hitter, and we had to do that again tonight," coach Jay Backer said.

Brady Mosenden pitched the first seven innings for the win. He struck out six, allowed five hits, and walked two. Sam Verschaetse pitched the final inning, striking out two.

"I thought Brady Mosenden pitched an excellent game, and Sam relieved a good two innings," Drexler said.

Drexler drove in the game's first run after he knocked in Jonathon Curry -- who also doubled -- to go up 1-0. Drexler later scored on Mike Penkert's double.

New Ulm scored two more in the bottom of the third after Drexler walked with the bases loaded for a 3-0 lead. Andy Kitzberger scored on a passed ball for the fourth New Ulm run.

New Ulm scored two more runs in the fifth and Shakopee scored twice in the sixth, giving New Ulm a 6-2 lead.

In the seventh inning, Drexler, Penkert, and Ryan Domeier all scored as New Ulm went up 9-2. New Ulm scored three more runs in the bottom of the eighth when Gary Wilfahrt and Drexler started the inning with base hits. Ryan Bauer walked to load the bases, and Shakopee reliever Alex Gregor walked the next two batters for an 11-2 lead. He then threw a wild pitch that scored Bauer for the game's final run.

New Ulm (18-8) hosts Farmington at 5 p.m. today at Mueller Park. With consecutive 10-run wins, Drexler said the confidence of the team is high.

"A lot of us feel we have a good chance at state, and I think we can pull it off," Drexler said.

Backer was also pleased by his team's pitching performance.

"Pitching's coming around," Backer said. "I think we're playing ball right where we want to play right now going into sub-districts, and that's the main focus is next Friday."