Gold reaches District 2 finals

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

SLEEPY EYE -- Brandon Rolloff scored on an infield error in the last of the sixth inning as New Ulm Gold advanced to the Second District American Legion Baseball Tournament with a 6-5 win over Sleepy Eye Monday.

Rolloff doubled in Eric Austvold to tie the score before Kyle Helget's bouncer between first and second base was misplayed by Sleepy Eye.

New Ulm, 34-2, will meet either Sleepy Eye, Mankato or Worthington in the District finals at Saturday in Sleepy Eye. An if needed game would follow.

Sleepy Eye will play the Mankato-Worthington winner at 8 p.m. Friday in Sleepy Eye. Mankato and Worthington meet at 6 p.m Friday in Sleepy Eye.

New Ulm scored a run in the bottom of the first inning. Keith McClellan led off with a single, stole second, went to third on infield out and scored on another infield out.

But Sleepy Eye tied the score in the bottom of the second inning. Dusty Mangen led off with a double to the right center gap, took third on Bryce Belseth's bunt that was bobbled and scored on Jake Deibele's infield out.

Sleepy Eye threatened in the third when Cody Walter walked, stole second, reached third on an infield out, but was stranded there.

Sleepy Eye threatened again in the fourth when Darrin Haala was safe at first on an infield error and took second on a passed ball before he was left on base.

Haala retired seven consecutive New Ulm batters -- four with strikeouts -- until Jamie Hoffmann doubled sharply to left center to lead off the bottom of the fourth inning. Hoffmann took third on a wild pitch and scored on Austvold's single to left center. Austvold scored on an infield out, putting New Ulm up 3-1.

In the top of the fifth Chris Reinarts reached on a fielder's choice and scored on Cody Walters' triple to left center, bringing Sleepy Eye within. Walters scored on Andy Cook's groundout to short.

Sleepy Eye scored twice on three hits in the top of the sixth to take a 5-3 lead. Bruce Belseth and Jake Deibele singled, Randy Braun was safe on an infield error before Chris Reinarts unloaded a triple towards the right field corner. Belseth was called out at home plate on a close play, trying on score on an infield error.

New Ulm scored three runs on three hits and a Sleepy Eye error in the last of the sixth. Jamie Hoffmann and Eric Austvold singled, Dusty Fleck's sacrifice bunt advanced the runners before Hoffmann scored on Kyle Marti's infield out. Brandon Rolloff's double scored Austvold. Rolloff scored on an infield error that allowed Kyle Helget to reach first base.

Sleepy Eye threatened in the top of the seventh when Josh Hadley reached second base on an infield error but was left on base.

Hoffmann and Austvold each had two hits for New Ulm. Bryce Belseth had two hits for Sleepy Eye.

New Ulm Coach Dave Kunz says he was relieved after the game.

"Usually when you get out hit and have more errors than the other team, you lose," Kunz said. "I guess we got our hits at the right time. It was a fun game. Both teams played pretty well."

Sleepy Eye coach Bruce Belseth was disappointed with the end result of the game but sounded proud of his team.

"Darrin (Haala) pitched his heart out. They (New Ulm) hit the ball well in a couple situations," Belseth said. "You can't make mistakes against a team this good."

SLEEPY EYE 010 220 0 -- 5 8 1

NEW ULM 100 203 x -- 6 6 3

Haala and Cook; Fleck and Thorson.

2B-Mangen (SE), Hoffmann, Rolloff (NU). 3B-Walter, Reinarts (SE). LOB SE 5, NU 3