Baseball Preview (April 2024)

2024 PREP

WEST CENTRAL TRIBUNE

Willmar Cardinals look improved: 2 …. NLS Wildcats are loaded: 5

Paynesville Bulldogs look to load: 20

Here’s where to find your

Willmar freshman Jordan Ellingson sets to throw to first base to complete a double play in Game 1 of a Central Lakes Conference doubleheader against St. Cloud on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at Swansson Field in Willmar.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Cards ready to climb back to the top

After starting fresh in ‘23, Willmar returns 7 starters this spring

BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune

WILLMAR — The Willmar baseball team had to begin anew last season. Returning almost no varsity experience in 2023, the Cardinals struggled to a 5-15 overall record, including a 3-11 mark in the Central Lakes Conference. After taking their licks last season, Willmar is ready to make its climb back up.

“This year, we are returning seven starters, with four who saw 17-plus innings on the mound,” said Cardinals head coach Tom DeBoer, who is going into his 10th season. “The experience is a valuable part of being a competitive team.”

Hoping to lead Willmar’s rebound is senior Dylan Staska. Catcher, infield, outfield, pitcher, Staska played them all in ‘23 on the way to All-CLC honors.

“Dylan is one of the most important players on our team,” DeBoer said. “He can slot in anywhere on the diamond defensively, give us solid innings on the mound and be a bat at the top of the lineup that we will rely on.”

Two other seniors return as starters. Cullen Gregory will play in the infield and at pitcher while Mason Thole will play infield, pitch and play catcher.

CARDINALS: Page 4

Willmar junior Cullen Gregory throws a pitch in Game 1 of a Central Lakes Conference doubleheader against St. Cloud on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at Swansson Field in Willmar. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Willmar freshman Tyler Madsen throws across the diamond to first base in Game 1 of a Central Lakes Conference doubleheader against St. Cloud on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at Swansson Field in Willmar. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Willmar Cardinals Varsity Baseball 2024

Tuesday, April 9

Game 6:00PM St Cloud Crush St Cloud Municipal Athletic Complex

Thursday, April 11

Game 5:00PMFergus Falls

22, 2023 at Target Field in Minneapolis.

CARDINALS

From Page 2

“Cullen moved from the left side of the diamond last year to first base and I think he will be a lot more comfortable there this year,” DeBoer said. “Mason did a great job catching for us last year. … Mason is a guy that I could see stepping up and having a very good season for us.”

From the junior class, Braeden Fagerlie and Blake Reiman are back. Fagerlie slots in as an infielder and catcher. Reiman is pegged as an infielder, outfielder and pitcher.

“Both are well-rounded players that will be key factors in our lineup,” DeBoer said of Fagerlie and Reiman. Stepping in as freshmen last season, DeBoer is looking for big steps from

sophomores Jordan Ellingson and Tyler Madsen. Ellingson is an infielder and pitcher. Madsen is an infielder, catcher and pitcher.

“It was a big step for both players to take last year to play as freshmen,” DeBoer said. “I would expect them both to feel a lot more comfortable and confident this year.”

DeBoer believes that defense will be paramount to an improved Cardinals roster.

“The area where we need to improve the most this year is playing consistent defense,” DeBoer said. “We have a solid core of players with position flexibility that should help make this happen.”

Willmar begins the 2024 season on April 9 against the St. Cloud Crush. The home opener is April 18 at Bill Taunton Stadium against Alexandria.

Fergus Falls High School

Tuesday, April 16

Game 5:00PMSauk Rapids-Rice

Sauk Rapids-Rice High School

Thursday, April 18

Game 5:00PM ��������������������������������������Alexandria Area

Willmar - Baker Field

Friday, April 19

Game 4:00PMMarshall

Legion Field

Tuesday, April 23

Doubleheader 4:00PM Rocori

Cold Spring - Springer Park

Thursday, April 25

Game 5:00PM ���������������������������������������������������Brainerd

Willmar - Baker Field

Tuesday, April 30

Game 5:00PM ����������������������������������Sauk Rapids-Rice

Willmar - Baker Field

Thursday, May 2

Game 5:00PM ���������������������������������������������Fergus Falls

Willmar - Baker Field

Tuesday, May 7

Game 7:00PM Alexandria Area

Alexandria - Knute Nelson Field

Thursday, May 9

Game 5:00PM �������������������������������������� St� Cloud Crush

Willmar - Baker Field

Tuesday, May 14

Doubleheader 4:00PM ����������������������������������������Sartell

Willmar - Baker Field

Thursday, May 16

Game 5:00PMBrainerd

Brainerd High School

Saturday, May 18

Triangular 12:00PM ���������������������������Multiple Schools

Willmar - Swanson Field

Tuesday, May 21

Game 5:00PM ������������������������������������������������Little Falls

Willmar - Swanson Field

Friday, May 24

Game 4:30PMBecker Becker High School

Willmar junior Dylan Staska fields a chopper during a Central Lakes Conference game against Alexandria on Saturday, April

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Wildcats plan to make some noise

With a talented senior group, NLS figures to be a top conference contender

BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune

SPICER — Despite graduating a large, impactful senior class, the New LondonSpicer baseball team is positioned for another competitive year in 2024.

The Wildcats return six starters to their team which finished 10-4 in the Wright County Conference and 15-6 overall a season ago.

“We have a talented group coming through with four seniors going on to play college baseball and a younger group that has some serious talent,” NLS co-head coaches Eric Terres and Kyle Lieser said via email. “We are hoping to compete against some of the best teams in the state in the Wright County Conference and Section 3AA. Both look to be the most competitive in the state this coming season with many talented players.”

Luke Knudsen and Carson McCain, both coming off All-Wright County Conference campaigns, are back for their senior seasons and will help lead the Wildcats.

WILDCATS: Page 6

NLS

27, 2023

NLS WILDCATS

Varsity Baseball 2024

Thursday, April 11

Game 4:30PM ��������������������������������������Dassel-Cokato

Green Lake Baseball Diamonds

Monday, April 15

Game 4:30PM ���������������������������������������������������������������Litchfield

Litchfield High School

Thursday, April 18

Doubleheader 4:00PM ������������������������������������Rockford Area

Rockford Area High School

Monday, April 22

Game 4:30PM ������������������������������������������������������������Annandale

Annandale Rec Park

Thursday, April 25

Doubleheader 4:00PM �����������������Watertown-Mayer

Green Lake Baseball Diamonds

Friday, April 26

Game 4:30PM ��������������������������������Minnewaska Area

Green Lake Baseball Diamonds

Saturday, April 29

Game 4:30PM �����������������������������������������������������Dassel-Cokato

Veteran’s Memorial Park - Cokato

Thursday, May 2

Doubleheader 4:00PM ������������������������Glencoe-Silver Lake

Glencoe - Vollmer Field

Monday, May 6

Game 7:00PM �����������������������������������������������Litchfield

Green Lake Baseball Diamonds

Tuesday, May 7

Game 4:30PM ������������������������������������������������Paynesville Area

Paynesville Area High School

Thursday, May 9

Doubleheader 4:00PM �����������������������������������Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted

Green Lake Baseball Diamonds

Tuesday, May 14

Game 4:30PM ���������������������������������������������Annandale

Green Lake Baseball Diamonds

Thursday, May 16

Game 4:30PM �������������������������������������������Montevideo

Green Lake Baseball Diamonds

Friday, May 17

Game 5:00PM �����������������������������������������������������������Morris Area Morris Area Schools

Monday, May 20

Game 4:30PM �����������������������������Lac Qui Parle Valley New London-Spicer High School Baseball Field

We are proud to support our local high school athletes!

junior Carson McCain lines up a pitch during a Section 3AANorth playoff game against Montevideo on Saturday, May

at Green Lake Diamonds in Spicer. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

New London-Spicer junior second baseman Luke Knudsen throws the ball to first baseman Chi Schneider in a game against Morris/ChokioAlberta on Friday, May 19, 2023, at the Green Lake Diamonds in Spicer. Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

WILDCATS

From Page 5

Knudsen, a 5-foot-9 second baseman/ shortstop, was a West Central Tribune All-Area First Team member and is committed to the NCAA Division III Concordia College-Moorhead. He averaged .443 at the plate and had a .529 on-base percentage, recording 31 hits, 29 runs, 24 RBIs and 19 stolen bases.

McCain, a 6-0 outfielder/pitcher, is committed to NJCAA Division III St. Cloud Technical & Community College. He hit .364 with 20 hits and was 3-1 on the mound with a 3.20 earned-run average in 24 innings.

Also back for the Wildcats are seniors Grant Paffrath and Christopher Schneider.

Paffrath, a 6-3 pitcher/first baseman, will also be competing at Concordia

College-Moorhead next year. He had a .321 average and a 3.70 ERA in an injury-riddled junior season.

Schneider, a 6-1 third baseman/ first baseman/pitcher, has committed to the NCAA Division II Upper Iowa University. He averaged .383 at the plate and a 1.043 on-base plus slugging percentage with 23 hits, five doubles, one triple and a home run.

Brayden Skindelien leads the “serious” talent among the Wildcats’ youth. The 6-0 sophomore shortstop/pitcher batted .309 and had nine stolen bases and had a 2-0 record on the mound with a 3.50 ERA.

Also looking to make impacts are Nolan Johnson, Blake Schultz, Kaden Toutges and Garret White.

“This is a group of talented juniors that can help the team in many ways,” said Terres and Lieser, who will be assisted by Corbin Schwartz, Michael Thompson and Matt Quade.

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NLS junior Grant Paffrath follows through on a swing during a Section 3AANorth playoff game against Montevideo on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Green Lake Diamonds in Spicer.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

NLS freshman Brayden Skindelien throws across the diamond for an out during a Section 3AA-North playoff game against Montevideo on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Green Lake Diamonds in Spicer.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Falcons believe things are looking up in ‘24

ACGC returns a lot of experience after a rough ‘23 season

BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune

ATWATER — The Atwater-CosmosGrove City baseball team got much needed experience in the 2023 season and it hopes that equates to more wins this spring.

ACGC, which was 1-13 in the Central Minnesota Conference and 2-19 overall, returns eight starters to its lineup for 2024.

“We are very excited about the upcoming season ahead of us,” Falcons third-year head coach Chris Fellows said. “We have a great group of players now with varsity experience coming back from everyday varsity starters to role players who we saw positives everytime they stepped on the field.”

As the Falcons get a fresh slate, they also have new beginnings in 2024. ACGC competes in Section 4A, a switch from last year, when it was in Section 3AA.

“We are excited for the new challenges and different competition,” Fellows said.

FALCONS: Page 11

ACGC junior Jonas Morrison tosses a pitch during a non-conference game against Minnewaska on Friday, May 12, 2023 at Grove City.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

ACGC sophomore Jaxon Drange-Leyendecker lunges down to catch a ground ball during a non-conference game against Minnewaska on Friday, May 12, 2023 at Grove City.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Thursday, April 11

Game 4:30PM ...................................................MACCRAY Kingery Field - Atwater

Friday, April 12

Game 5:00PM ..........................................Mayer Lutheran Kingery Field - Atwater

Monday, April 15

Game 4:30PM ........................................................................BBE Elrosa Baseball Field

Thursday, April 18

Doubleheader 4:00PM ..................................Holdingford Kingery Field - Atwater

Monday, April 22

Game 4:30PM .................................................Paynesville Area Paynesville Area High School

Thursday, April 25

Doubleheader 4:00PM ........................Royalton High School Royalton High School

Saturday, April 27

Game 2:30PM .....................Trinity School @ River Ridge Kingery Field - Atwater

Monday, April 29

Game 4:30PM .................................Eden Valley-Watkins Kingery Field - Atwater

Thursday, May 2

Doubleheader 5:00PM .........................................Maple Lake Joe Faber Field

Monday, May 6

Game 4:30PM ..............................................................BBE Kingery Field - Atwater

Thursday, May 9

Doubleheader 4:00PM ........................................Kimball Area

Kimball High School

Monday, May 13

Game 4:30PM .........................................Paynesville Area

Kingery Field - Atwater

Schedule sponsored by:

Thursday, May 16

Game 4:30PM ..........................................Eden Valley-Watkins Watkins Elementary School

Friday, May 17

Game 4:30PM .................................................................B.O.L.D.

BOLD High School - Bird Island

Saturday, May 18

Invitational 11:00AM .......................................Multiple Schools Montevideo High School

Monday, May 20

Game 5:00PM .......................................................Lester Prairie Lester Prairie Municipal Field

Check the schools website for a updated events list

Late state run inspires BBE this season

The more-experienced Jaguars hope to earn their way back to the tournament

BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune

ELROSA — A late run pushed the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa baseball team into the Class A state tournament a season ago and the Jaguars are looking for more of the same in 2024.

BBE finished the regular season with an 8-11 record before going 6-2 in the playoffs to finish with a 14-13 overall record. The Jaguars were 5-9 in the Central Minnesota Conference.

“We are excited to build on the state run from last year,” said BBE head coach Ben Klaphake, who enters his second season with the Jaguars and will be assisted by Bryce Bergeron, Pat Illies and Jason Langer. “We lost quite a bit of pitching from last year, but we

have some young players excited to fill the roles left by them.

“We return seven full-time starters, but we play in a tough conference along with being in a tough section.”

The Jaguars have veterans across the board and are led by a mix of seniors and juniors.

BBE’s three senior returning starters are 6-foot-4 third baseman/pitcher/ first baseman Luke Dingmann and 5-10 outfieldersRyan Jensen and Kaden DeRoo.

Dingmann returns as a three-year starter and a mainstay in the Jaguars’ lineup. He batted .349 and had a .943 on-base plus slugging percentage in 2023.

JAGUARS: Page 12

Thursday, April 11

Game 4:30PM...........................Parkers Prairie

Friday, April 12

Parkers Prairie High School

Game 4:30PM .......................................KMS

Elrosa Baseball Field

Monday, April 15

Game 4:30PM .....................................ACGC

Elrosa Baseball Field

Thursday, April 18

Doubleheader 4:00PM ..............Maple Lake

Elrosa Baseball Field

Our Mission is to create a safe and caring climate & culture in which we prepare, engage, educate, empower, and inspire all learners in partnership with their surrounding community to be successful in today’s and tomorrow’s society.

Tuesday, April 23

Game 4:30PM.................Eden Valley-Watkins

Eden Valley Baseball Park

Thursday, April 25

Doubleheader 4:00PM ..............Kimball Area

Kimball High School

Monday, April 29

Game 4:30PM ...................Paynesville Area

Elrosa Baseball Field

Thursday, May 2

Doubleheader 12:00PM...............Holdingford St. Cloud - Putz Field

Monday, May 6

Game 4:30PM..........................................ACGC

Kingery Field - Atwater

Thursday, May 9

Doubleheader 4:00PM ...............Royalton HS

Royalton High School

Friday, May 10

Invitational 4:30PM ..........Multiple Schools

Elrosa Baseball Field

Saturday, May 11

Invitational 11AM ..............Multiple Schools

Elrosa Baseball Field

Tuesday, May 14

Game 4:30PM .............Eden Valley-Watkins

Elrosa Baseball Field

Thursday, May 16

Game 4:30PM.......................Paynesville Area

Paynesville Area High School

Tuesday, May 21

Game 4:30PM .......Long Prairie-Grey Eagle

Elrosa Baseball Field

Thursday, May 23

Game 4:30PM.........................................Upsala Upsala High School

BBE sophomore Hayden Sobiech goes through his windup for a pitch during a Class A state semifinal game against Fosston on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

BBE sophomore shortstop Luke Illies throws to first base for an out during a Class A state semifinal game against Fosston on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Braves plan for steady for improvement in ‘24

Benson, which upped its win total by 3, aims higher

this season

BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune

BENSON — The Benson baseball team brings back seven starters and hopes to stay on its upward trend.

Benson went 4-17 last season with a 1-13 record in the West Central Conference. That was a three-win improvement from the Braves’ 1-18 mark in 2022.

Four of those returners are from the junior class. Leading that group is Alex

Claussen. The pitcher/first baseman tossed a team-high 42-1/3 innings in 2023, going 2-4 with 55 strikeouts and a 3.97 earned-run average.

“He has really grown as a pitcher,”

Braves head coach Tom Foley said of Claussen. Foley is entering his third season at the helm.

“Alex averaged 1.3 strikeouts per inning pitched last year and is really good at keeping batters off balanced.”

BRAVES: Page 12

Tuesday, April 9

Doubleheader 4:00PM .................Melrose Area

Melrose Area High School

Friday, April 12

Doubleheader 4:00PM ......................... RCW

Benson High School - Chiefs Field

Tuesday, April 16

Doubleheader 4:00PM ....................B.O.L.D.

Benson High School - Chiefs Field

Friday, April 19

Game 5:00PM.............Long Prairie Grey Eagle MAC - St. Cloud

Tuesday, April 23

Game 5:00PM .........Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta

Benson High School - Chiefs Field

Tuesday, April 30

Doubleheader 4:00PM ............Sauk Centre

Benson High School - Chiefs Field

Tuesday, May 7

Doubleheader 4:00PM ....................Montevideo Montevideo High School

Friday, May 10

Game 4:30PM ...............................Ortonville

Benson High School - Chiefs Field

Monday, May 13

Doubleheader 4:00PM .................................... HLA Hillcrest Lutheran Academy

Tuesday, May 14

Doubleheader 4:00PM ..Minnewaska Area

Benson High School - Chiefs Field

Thursday, May 16

Game 5:00PM....Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta

Morris Area High School

Check the school’s website for an updated events list

Benson sophomore Zach Wrobleski throws the ball to first base against Hancock on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Benson.

Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

Benson freshman Max Nygaard shows bunt during an atbat against Hancock on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Benson.

Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

BOLD seeks to continue its upswing

The young Warriors improved from ‘22 to ‘23 and hope to do the same in ‘24

BY JOE BROWN

West Central Tribune

BIRD ISLAND — Going from three wins in 2022 to six in ‘23, the BOLD baseball team is hoping to stay on that track.

Last season’s Warriors squad finished 6-11 overall, with a 5-9 mark in the West Central Conference.

Brian Kingery is back as BOLD’s head coach. He is going into his 13th season with a 210-97 record.

Helping in the Warriors’ upward ascension is having eight starters back from last season’s team.

The top returner is senior catcher Tate Sheehan. The West Central Conference’s offensive MVP last season, Sheehan hit for a .435 average, a .674 slugging percentage and a .594 on-base percentage. He tallied five doubles, three triples, 20 runs, nine RBIs and 12 stolen bases. Sheehan is a four-year starter. BOLD also gets a boost with senior

Rylan Gass returning to the rotation after injury derailed his junior season.

Other seniors on the roster include Max Benson, Gavin Hammerschmidt and Hunter Malvin. Juniors on the squad are Owen Flann, Jack Kaiser, Evan Olinger, Jonah Walton and Daylen Weber. There are nine sophomores listed on the roster: Jason Amberg, Brody Beckler, Gavin Edwards, Hayden Edwards, Emmitt Flann, Brody Kaufenberg, Lane Osterfeld, Kole Uhlenkamp and Jaime Zamarron. Freshman include Casen Anderson, Gavin Augustine, Nolan Braulick, Mitchell Brummer, Wyatt Collins, Enrique Espinoza, Bryce Henslin, Ethan Herdina, Joel Kadlec, Riley Lang, Jacob O’Halloran and Tyce Weigel.

BOLD’s season is set to start on April 4 at home against Mankato Loyola. The Warriors’ West Central Conference opener is a home doubleheader against Minnewaska on April 9.

BOLD junior Hunter Malvin, left, goes to tag Montevideo’s Cooper Dack out on a stolen base attempt during Game 1 of a West Central Conference doubleheader on Friday, May 5, 2023 in Bird Island.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

BOLD freshman Hayden Edwards lunges forward to catch a throw to first base for an out during Game 1 of a West Central Conference doubleheader against Montevideo on Friday, May 5, 2023 in Bird Island.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Big 3 hope to maintain Bluejays’ winning ways

Braelin Rime, Peyton Meyer and Kadin Dehmlow hope to lead CMCS

BY JOE BROWN

West

Central Tribune

PRINSBURG — A trio of seniors hope to push Central Minnesota Christian’s baseball team even further this spring.

The Bluejays are coming off a 14-13 record and a two seed in Section 3A-North. It was CMCS’ first winning record since 2017.

“We will lean on the three seniors for a lot of key roles not just on the field but also for the qualities of leadership and attitude towards the season,” said Bluejays head coach Jordon Daugherty. He is 32-36 over six seasons.

“We have a very young team and low numbers, so everyone will have to be willing to work on everything every day to get better.”

The three senior leaders are Braelin Rime, Peyton Meyer and Kadin Dehmlow. Rime and Meyer are outfielders, with Rime in center field and Meyer in left. Dehmlow will play catcher. Both Rime and Dehmlow will also see time at pitcher.

BLUEJAYS: Page 12

FALCONS

From Page 7

“We are very proud of the hard work that the guys have put in to be ready for this upcoming season and are looking forward to where it takes us.”

Fellows, assisted by Dave Zaeska and Jordan Olson, listed four players as ones to watch.

They are seniors Jonas Morrison, a 6-foot-3 pitcher/outfielder/first baseman, and Isaiah Renne, a 6-3 pitcher/outfielder/first baseman, and juniors Jaxon Drange, a 5-11 shortstop/ pitcher/outfielder, and Tucker Johnson, a 6-0 outfielder/catcher/pitcher.

“These guys have had the most varsity experience on the team,” Fellows said. “They have shown to be great leaders and proven themselves to be in the lineup.

“We expect great things from them and we have no doubt that they will prove that.”

Also returning as starters for the Falcons are: juniors Marcus Forsythe (6-6, OF/P) and Eric Fester (6-1, OF/1B) and freshmen Brody Straumann (5-10, C/IF/P) and Regan Elton (5-8, IF/P).

Tuesday, April 9

Game 4:30PM �����������������������������������������������������Hancock

CMCS - Prinsburg

Thursday, April 11

Game 4:30PM ����������������������������������������������������������LQPV

CMCS - Prinsburg

Tuesday, April 16

Game 4:30PM ��������������������������������������������������MACCRAY

CMCS - Prinsburg

Thursday, April 18

Game 4:30PMKMS

KMS High School

Friday, April 19

Tournament 4:00PM Multiple Schools

Morris Area Schools

Saturday, April 20

Tournament 10:00AM Multiple Schools

Morris Area Schools

Tuesday, April 23

Game 4:30PMDawson-Boyd Dawson-Boyd School

Friday, April 26

Game 4:30PMOrtonville

Ortonville High School

Saturday, April 27

Game 12:00PM����������������������������������������������������Hancock

CMCS - Prinsburg

CMCS

Wesley Fussy looks to make a throw to first base for an out during a Camden Conference game against MACCRAY on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Lilleberg Field in Raymond.

Tuesday, April 30

Game 4:30PM ������������������������������������������������������������ RCW CMCS - Prinsburg

Thursday, May 2

Game 4:30PMCanby

Canby High School

Tuesday, May 7

Game 4:30PMMinneota

Minneota High School

Thursday, May 9

Game 4:30PM ��������������������������������Tracy-Milroy-Balaton

CMCS - Prinsburg

Monday, May 13

Game 3:00PM Osakis Osakis High School

Thursday, May 16

Game 4:30PMLakeview Lakeview High School

Saturday, May 18

Game 11:00AM Edgerton Edgerton High School

Monday, May 20

Game 4:30PM ���������������������������������Buffalo Lake-Hector CMCS - Prinsburg

Tuesday, May 21

Game 4:30PM ������������������������������������������������������������YME CMCS - Prinsburg

sophomore

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

ACGC eighth-grader Brody Straumann sprints to first base after a dropped third strike during a non-conference game against Minnewaska on Friday, May 12, 2023 at Grove City.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

JAGUARS

From Page 8

As for the juniors, there are 6-5 shortstop/pitcher shortstop/pitcher Luke Illies, 6-3 pitcher/centerfielder Hayden Sobiech, 5-10 catcher/ pitcher Ethan Mueller and 6-2 second baseman/shortstop/third baseman/ pitcher Brett DeRoo.

Illies is a two-year starter who was named to the Class A All-Tournament team. Sobiech was strong on the

mound (1.44 ERA), served as BBE’s leadoff hitter as a sophomore and is someone Klaphake believes will make a “monster” impact. Mueller is a “rock” at catcher and should play a “major role” on the mound. DeRoo is a “phenomenal” infielder and will impact “winning” in many ways.

“We will pride ourselves on solid pitching and defense,” Klaphake said. “We look forward to seeing who steps up this year and getting hot at the right time.”

BBE head baseball coach Ben Klaphake reacts to the dugout after the Jaguars got out of a jam in the sixth inning of a Class A state quarterfinal game against South Ridge on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud.

Tribune

BBE

Luke Dingmann takes a swing at a pitch during a Class A state quarterfinal game against South Ridge on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud.

BRAVES

From Page 9

Senior Garrett Lenz is back in the fold. He’ll see time at third base and on the pitcher’s mound. He had the Braves’ highest on-base percentage at .516 last season with a .279 batting average. He scored 10 runs and drove in six RBIs.

Other returning juniors are second baseman Zach Wrobleski, catcher Grant Gunlogson and outfielder Noah Goosen.

BLUEJAYS

From Page 11

Junior Wesley Fussy and sophomore Isaiah Swart will be counted on as the Bluejays’ top pitchers. Both will also see time at shortstop.

“Wesley and Isiah will be key factors in our season to set the tone for getting good quality starts that set up our relief pitchers very well,” Daugherty said. “And hopefully, the offense will score a lot of runs.”

Fussy and Riley Broberg are the two juniors on the roster. Broberg is slated to play at right field and pitcher.

CMCS has five sophomores: Swart; Jake VerSteeg (third base/pitcher), Carson Meyer (catcher/right field), Preston Dehmlow (first base) and Trypp Slagter (center field). Freshman Andrew Broberg will provide depth in the corner outfield spots.

“We will be looking for a well-rounded team that can do it all with pitching, defense and offense,” Daugherty said. “Working hard in practice is where it will all start.”

The Bluejays open the season at home on April 9 against Hancock. The Camden

At shortstop, sophomore Max Nygaard is back. Nygaard had a .771 on-base plus slugging percentage with six doubles and a team-high 17 runs scored.

“He is continuing to develop into a solid hitter and fielder,” Foley said of Nygaard.

Benson are scheduled to open the season with a conference game at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 at Melrose. The Braves then have a doubleheader planned with Renville County West at 4 p.m. Friday, April 12.

CMCS junior Peyton Meyer connects with a swing of the bat during a Camden Conference game against Lakeview on Monday, May 15, 2023 at Prinsburg.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Conference opener is April 11 against Lac qui Parle Valley in Prinsburg.

Joe Brown / West Central

Benson head coach Tom Foley sports a smile before his Braves took on Hancock on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Benson. Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

junior

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Blackjacks bank on 8 returning starters

Dawson-Boyd’s

BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune

DAWSON — An experienced, deep group returns for the Dawson-Boyd baseball team in 2024.

“We have eight returning starters that will help us out this year in their experience,” said Dawson-Boyd head coach Daren Swenson, who enters his eighth year at the helm. He will be assisted by Josh Staab.

The Blackjacks, who finished 7-5 in the Camden Conference and 8-7 overall in 2023, return one senior starter and a core of juniors and sophomores.

Blake Thompson, a three-year starter, is Dawson-Boyd’s one senior returnee. He hit .300 with 15 hits, 14 runs and 10 stolen bases. He had a 1-1 record with

experience makes it plan on improving on last season’s 8-7 record

a 7.70 ERA in 20 innings pitched and seven appearances on the mound.

Thompson is a swiss-army knife for the Blackjacks. He plays shortstop, third base, second base, first base and is a pitcher.

Grayson Olson, a catcher/shortstop/ third baseman, leads the way for Dawson-Boyd’s junior class. The AllCamden Conference Honorable Mention hit .375 and recorded a .563 slugging percentage with 18 hits, six coming as doubles and another as a home run.

Also in the junior class are Beau Johnson (CF/P), who batted .275 with 11 hits, Tygan Long (2B/3B), Collin Olson (1B/P) and Ashton Swendra (OF/P).

BLACKJACKS: Page 24

D-B sophomore Tygan Long takes a swing at a pitch during a Camden Conference game against YME on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Nelson Field in Dawson.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

D-B sophomore Grayson Olson, left, throws home to teammate Nathan Hansen after a wild pitch during a Camden Conference game against YME on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Nelson Field in Dawson.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg designated hitter Logan Rudningen prepares to see a pitch against Ortonville in a Section 6A matchup on

Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Willie Reigstad Park.

Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

New coach seeks to continue KMS’ success

Fighting Saints return solid core from 19-4 team that Chris Pappackis inherits

BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune

SUNBURG — There will be a lot of newness surrounding the KerkhovenMurdock-Sunburg baseball team in 2024.

KMS graduated four impactful seniors a season ago and makes the jump to Class AA this year. That moves the Fighting Saints from Section 6A to Section 3AA.

KMS will also have a new head coach. Chris Pappadackis replaces Wade Adamson following Adamson’s multi-year stint as head coach. Justin Johnson remains the Fighting Saints’ assistant coach.

Despite these many changes and the key losses led by All-Area Second Team member Jaiden Henjum, the Fighting Saints will look to continue their success in the Camden Conference.

KMS finished 11-1 in conference play and 19-4 overall in 2023.

“We will look to continue to build off of last season despite graduating four seniors that led the team in many statistical categories, including a Camden Conference championship,” Pappadackis said. “There will be plenty of opportunities for many players to step up and fill those roles, especially on the mound.”

Jared Cortez, who is committed to Division II Southwest Minnesota State University and a West Central Tribune All-Area First Team member, will be at the forefront of guiding KMS to another winning season. The 6-foot senior pitcher/catcher held a 5-2 record on the mound with a 1.50 earned-run average and 59 strikeouts in 32-2/3 innings pitched.

FIGHTING SAINTS: Page 24

KMS FIGHTING SAINTS

Varsity Baseball Schedule 2024

Friday, April 12

Game 4:30PMBBE

Belgrade-Brooten-ElrosaElrosa Field

Tuesday, April 16

Game 4:30PMCanby

KMS HS SunburgWilly Reigstad Field

Thursday, April 18

Game 4:30PMCMCS

KMS HS SunburgWilly Reigstad Field

Friday, April 19

Tournament 4:00PM Morris Area Morris Area High School

Saturday, April 20

Tournament 10:00AM Multiple Schools Morris Area High School

Tuesday, April 23

Game 4:30PMYME

Yellow Medicine East High School

Thursday, April 25

Game 4:30PMMinneota

KMS HS SunburgWilly Reigstad Field

Saturday, April 27

Tournament 10:00AM Paynesville Paynesville High School

Tuesday, April 30

Game 4:30PMMACCRAY

MACCRAY - Raymond Field

Thursday, May 2

Game 4:30PMOrtonville

KMS HS SunburgWilly Reigstad Field

Tuesday, May 7

Game 5:00PM Tracy-Milroy-Balaton

TMB - Milroy Baseball Field

Thursday, May 9

Game 4:30PMLakeview Lakeview High School

Tuesday, May 14

Game 4:30PM RCW

KMS HS SunburgWilly Reigstad Field

Thursday, May 16

Game 5:00PM LQPV Lac Qui Parle Valley - Madison Field

Tuesday, May 21

Game 4:30PMDawson-Boyd

KMS HS SunburgWilly Reigstad Field

Nearly everyone is back for LQPV

Eagles return 9 starters who expect to improve on last season’s 6-8 record

BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune

MADISON — There will be no shortage of veteran experience for the Lac qui Parle Valley baseball team in the 2024 season.

LQPV, which was 6-6 in the Camden conference and 6-8 overall, returns nine starters led by an All-Area Second Team member.

“We should be able to compete this year if we are able to keep our errors down,” Eagles head coach Darby Bjorgan said. “We have a lot of experience returning.”

“We have competition at all positions, which is a positive. This team is excited to play baseball.”

Dylan Keimig is LQPV’s all-area player> He was also an All-Camden

Conference selection. The junior infielder/pitcher hit .465 and had .558 slugging percentage. He recorded 18 runs and six RBIs.

“Dylan was an electric leadoff hitter for us last season,”Bjorgan said. “He worked very hard in the weight room (over the off-season).”

Keimig is one of the Eagles’ pitchers along with seniors infielder/ pitchers Dyllon Geiser and Kaden Mortenson and junior infielder/pitcher Brock Bjornjeld.

Geiser, an All-Camden Conference pick who recorded a 3.71 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 34 innings pitched, will play baseball at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton next year.

EAGLES: Page 24

LAC QUI PARLE VALLEY EAGLES

Varsity Baseball 2024

Thursday, April 11

Game 4:30PMCMCS

Central Minnesota Christian School

Monday, April 15

Game 4:30PMHancock

Hancock High School

Tuesday, April 16

Game 4:30PMOrtonville

Ortonville Sports Complex

Thursday, April 18

Game 5:00PM ��������������������������������������������� RCW

LQPV HS - Madison Baseball Field

Tuesday, April 23

Game 4:30PMTracy-Milroy-Balaton

Milroy Baseball Field

Thursday, April 25

Game 5:00PM �����������������������������������MACCRAY

LQPV HS - Madison Baseball Field

Tuesday, April 30

Game 5:00PM ����������������������������������������������YME

LQPV HS - Madison Baseball Field

Thursday, May 2

Tuesday, May 7

Game 4:30PMDawson-Boyd Dawson Baseball Field

Game 4:30PMLakeview Lakeview High School

Thursday, May 9

Game 5:00PM ������������������������������������������Canby

LQPV HS - Madison Baseball Field

Saturday, May 11

Tournament 11:00AM �������������Multiple Schools

LQPV HS - Madison Baseball Field

Tuesday, May 14

Game 5:00PM ���������������������������Pipestone Area

LQPV HS - Madison Baseball Field

Thursday, May 16

Game 5:00PM ����������������������������������������������KMS

LQPV HS - Madison Baseball Field

Monday, May 20

Game 4:30PMNL-S New London-Spicer High School

Tuesday, May 21

Game 4:30PMMinneota Minneota - KP Kompelien Field

LQPV head baseball coach Darby Bjorgan talks to his players between innings during a Camden Conference game against Ortonville on Friday, April 14, 2023 at Madison Memorial Field.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

LQPV sophomore Brock Bjornjeld tosses a pitch during a Camden Conference game against Ortonville on Friday, April 14, 2023 at Madison Memorial Field.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Litchfield needs some new players to step up

Dragons will rely on underclassmen after making it to the Section 5AA final last year

BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune

LITCHFIELD — With many new faces in its flight of dragons, the Litchfield baseball team

looks to continue its path of success following a deep playoff run last spring.

The Dragons, who were 12-14 overall and 5-9 in the Wright County Conference, made it to the Section 5AA championship, losing 8-7 to Holy Family Catholic.

“After the loss of eight seniors, including five full-time starters and the majority of our pitching staff, we will need to have some young sophomores and juniors step up and fill positions at the varsity level for the first time,” Litchfield head coach Jeff Wollin said. “The good news is that we return four starters and the newcomers had success at the JV and VFW level last spring and summer.

“This group is excited to build on the playoff success from last year that got them to the Section championship game and hungry to compete in the always rugged Wright County Conference and Section 5AA.”

On top of the losses highlighted by Caden Besemer and Cam Baalson, who are both playing at Century College an NJCAA Division III in White Bear Lakes, the Dragons also lost Jack McCann and Tucker Liestman to track and field and golf, respectively.

Yet, most importantly, Litchfield returns Anthony Estrada to its lineup.

The 6-foot-2 junior enters his third season as a starter after hitting .312 with 29 RBIs and 14 runs. He was a West Central Tribune All-Area Second Team member, an All-Section 5AA pick and an All-Wright County Conference selection.

“Anthony will be one of the most dangerous hitters in central Minnesota and one of the top juniors in the state,” Wollin said. “He will also be asked to provide more leadership this year and play a bigger role on defense at both third base and catcher.”

Another key returnee is Hunter Schultz. He is a 6-0 senior who will spend the majority of his time on the mound and in left field.

“Hunter is a third-year returning starter who will provide experience and leadership for our relatively young team,” Wollin said. “He will be our top pitcher and also bat near the top of the lineup.”

Also back is 6-0 senior catcher/third baseman Jaxon Marquardt.

“Jaxon will look to continue to build on his performance and contributions at the end of last season,” Wollin said. “He should be our top catcher and hit in the middle of the lineup.”

Other newcomers looking to make impacts are: juniors Ethan Holtz (IF/C), Ben Olson (IF/P), Carson Brummond (C/OF) and sophomores Alex Medina (IF/OF), Jordan Abbott (IF/P), Tripp McCann (OF/C), Gideon Boerema (P/IF) and Beau Schultz (IF/OF).

LITCHFIELD DRAGONS VARSITY BASEBALL 2024

Monday, April 8

Game 4:30PM………………….Providence Academy

Litchfield High School Optimist Park

Tuesday, April 9

Game 5:00PM………………….Norwood Young America

Norwood Sports Complex

Thursday, April 11

Game 4:30PM………………….Rockford Area

Litchfield High School

Monday, April 15

Game 4:30PM………………….New London-Spicer

Litchfield High School

Thursday, April 18

Doubleheader 4:00PM………………….Glencoe-Silver Lake

Glencoe - Vollmer Field

Saturday, April 20

Game 4:30PM………………….Southwest Christian

Litchfield High School Optimist Park

Monday, April 29

Game 7:00PM………………….Rockford Area

Rockford High School

Thursday, May 2

Monday, April 22

Game 4:30PM………………….Watertown-Mayer

Litchfield High School Optimist Park

Thursday, April 25

Doubleheader 4:00PM………………….Howard LakeWaverly-Winsted

Winsted: Denis M. Campbell Field

Doubleheader 4:00PM………………….Dassel-Cokato

Litchfield High School

Saturday, May 4

Game 12:00PM………………….Maple Lake

Maple Lake High School

Monday, May 6

Game 7:00PM………………….New London-Spicer

Green Lake Baseball Diamonds

Thursday, May 9

Doubleheader 4:00PM………………….Annandale

Litchfield High School

Saturday, May 11

Game 1:00PM………………….Zumbrota-Mazeppa

Litchfield High School Optimist Park

Monday, May 13

Game 7:00PM………………….Watertown-Mayer

Watertown Mayer - Highland City Park

Friday, May 17

Game 7:00PM………………….Eden Valley-Watkins

Litchfield High School Optimist Park

Litchfield junior Jaxon Marquardt catches a ball while coming towards the dugout between innings in a Section 5AA first-round game against Maple Lake on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Optimist Park in Litchfield. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Litchfield sophomore Anthony Estrada is greeted by teammates at home plate after hitting a 3-run home run in a Section 5AA first-round game against Maple Lake on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Optimist Park in Litchfield. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

MACCRAY

enters

‘24 with an experienced squad Wolverines, after making state in ‘22, played mostly sophomores last season

BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune

RAYMOND — Last season was a youth movement for the MACCRAY baseball team.

After making the Class A state tournament with a senior-heavy team in 2022, the Wolverines had a sophomoreladen squad in ‘23. They ended up going 3-12 overall, with a 3-9 record in the Camden Conference

A season later, MACCRAY is more experienced and ready to go back on the upswing.

“We look to build off the experience we gained last year and put together a competitive baseball team,” said Wolverines head coach Nate Hebrink. He heads into his 14th season with a 106-96 record.

The junior class is led by the trio of Xavier Noble, Ethan Strommer and Jase Dirksen.

Noble is one of MACCRAY’s top returning batters. Playing shortstop and pitching, Noble hit for a .318 average

Tuesday,

with 13 runs scored and 11 RBIs.

Strommer joins Noble in the middle of the infield at second base. Strommer hit for a .370 average with 10 runs scored in 2023.

Dirksen will be one of the Wolverines’ top returning pitchers after tossing 16 strikeouts with a 2.95 earned-run average in 23 innings last season. He’ll also see time at first base.

Junior Grayson Ahrenholz is expected to play third base and pitcher. Keegan Rand and Angel Mendoza will patrol the outfield, with Rand also on the mound. Hebrink also has Wyatt Swenson available to play in the infield, outfield and at pitcher.

There is one senior back in the starting lineup with Garrett Struxness playing catcher.

MACCRAY opens the season at Adrian/ Ellsworth on April 4. The Wolverines’ Camden Conference opener is April 8 at Minneota. The home opener is April 9 against Yellow Medicine East.

Thursday, Apr 25

Game 5:00PM………………….LQPV Madison

Tuesday, Apr 30

Game 4:30PM ..KMS Public Schools Raymond Baseball Field

Thursday, May 2

Game 4:30PM ...Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Raymond Baseball Field

Tuesday, May 7

Game 4:30PM………………….RCW Sacred Heart

Thursday, May 9

Game 4:30PM…………Ortonville Raymond Baseball Field

Thursday, May 16

Game 4:30PM………Dawson-Boyd Raymond Baseball Field

Friday, May 17

Game 4:30PM…Russell-Tyler-Ruthton Raymond Baseball Field

Saturday, May 18

Triangular 11:00AM……Multiple Schools Montevideo High School

Tuesday, May 21

Game 4:30PM………………Canby Raymond Baseball Field

MACCRAY sophomore Jase Dirksen waits on the ball for an out during a Camden Conference game against CMCS on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Lilleberg Field in Raymond. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Loaded Lakers filled with experience, talent

Minnewaska returns 8 starters from a 15-5 team that shared its conference title

BY JOE BROWN

West Central Tribune

GLENWOOD — The Minnewaska baseball team was 15-5 last season and won a share of the West Central Conference at 13-1.

With eight returning starters and talented youth on the bench, the Lakers hope that trend continues for 2024.

“As a third-year high-school coach, but someone that has been with this group since they were 5, it excites me when I think of the potential this team has,” said Minnewaska head coach Joe Alexander. “They have been winners their whole career and are primed to have an outstanding season. As good as they are in baseball, they are better friends and outstanding students and young men.

“Returning eight starters from a successful 2023 season, combined with many talented underclassmen pushing for playing time is a formula any program would love to have.”

Minnewaska has a second team AllArea player back in senior catcher/ outfielder/pitcher Dylan Alexander. Committed to Division II MinnesotaCrookston, Alexander hit for a .356 average and a .945 on-base plus slugging percentage with two doubles, five triples and a home run. He also went 2-0 on the mound with 23 strikeouts and a 1.59 earned-run average in 17-2/3 innings.

“He has the ability to hit for a high average and has outstanding power to all fields, often with an exit velocity at or over 100 mph,” Joe Alexander said.

“On defense he is as good of a catcher and outfielder as you will see. He has an outstanding arm and will have an impact from both positions.”

Seniors Jack Majerus, Alex Panitzke, Ryland Martin, Austin Ballhagen, Austin Weber, Nathan Dell and Thomas Poegel are all back in the lineup.

Majerus is a three-year starter at center field.

“There are not many balls driven to either gap that Jack will not get to,” Joe Alexander said.

Panitzke is slated to be the top pitcher in the Lakers’ rotation.

“He has outstanding control of three pitches,” Joe Alexander said. Also back in the fold are juniors Noah Jensen and Levi Johnson. Sophomore Connor Erickson also saw time with the Lakers last spring.

“For us to have a successful season and reach our lofty goals, they will all need to fill the many roles each will be asked to do,” Joe Alexander said. “There is no doubt they have the ability, knowledge, and passion for the game of baseball, to make our 2024 campaign a great one.”

Minnewaska opens on April 9 with a doubleheader at BOLD. The home opener is April 30 against Montevideo.

MINNEWASKA LAKERS

Varsity Baseball Schedule 2024

Tuesday, April 9

Doubleheader 4:00PM ����������������������B�O�L�D� BOLD High School - Bird Island Campus

Friday, April 12

Game 4:30PM ����������������������������������������Osakis Osakis High School

Tuesday, April 16

Doubleheader 4:00PM �����Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta Morris Area Chizek Field

Friday, April 19

Game TBD ������������������������������������Fergus Falls Gustavus Adolphus College - St� Peter

Tuesday, April 23

Double Header 4:00PM�������������Sauk Centre Sauk Centre High School

Friday, April 26

Game 4:30PM ��������������������������������������������NL-S New London-Spicer - Green Lake Baseball Diamonds

Tuesday, April 30

Doubleheader 4:00PM ������������Montevideo Minnewaska Area High School

Tuesday, May 7

Doubleheader 4:00PM ����West Central Area Minnewaska Area High School

Tuesday, May 14

Doubleheader 4:00PM �����������������������Benson Benson High School

Friday, May 17

Game 7:00PM ����������������������������Paynesville Minnewaska Area High School

Minnewaska junior Alex Panitzke sets to fire a pitch during a nonconference game against ACGC on Friday, May 12, 2023 at Grove City.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Minnewaska junior Dylan Alexander sets to throw to first base during a nonconference game against ACGC on Friday, May 12, 2023 at Grove City.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Thunder Hawks look for young guys to step up

Montevideo, after tying for the West Central title, looks to its youth to supplement 6 returning starters

BY MICHAEL LYNE

West

Central Tribune

MONTEVIDEO — Following the departure of a strong leading senior class, the Montevideo baseball team will turn to many of its players from its junior legion roster to keep it a contender in the West Central Conference this spring.

The Thunder Hawks, who finished 13-1 in conference play and 18-4 overall, will be without many key players, including Brady Snell, a Montevideo graduate who was a Class AA All-State selection and an All-Area First Team selection.

“We will be looking to defend our conference title, but know it will be difficult with all the quality teams in the West Central Conference,” Montevideo head coach Tim Epema said. “The Thunder Hawks will also be looking to make a deeper run in the section playoffs.

“Section 3AA is loaded with great baseball, so we will need to play well at playoff time.”

Montevideo retains two key pieces from last year’s squad that returns six starters. They are senior Cooper Dack and freshman Griffin Epema. Dack, a 5-foot-11 pitcher/shortstop/ catcher, and Epema, a 6-1 pitcher/

shortstop/centerfielder, both return as All-West Central Conference selections. Dack was an All-Area Honorable Mention and Epema was an All-Area Second Team member.

Dack hit .270 with 21 RBIs, 19 runs and nine stolen bases. He was 6-2 with a 2.23 earned-run average and 43 strikeouts in 31-1/3 innings.

Epema batted .459 with 22 RBIs, 17 runs and eight stolen bases. He was 1-0 with a 1.87 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 15 innings.

Montevideo seniors Jackson Baldwin (6-0, 3B/LF/P) and Dan Gunlogson (5-10, 2B/LF) and juniors Gannon Reidinger (6-5, P/1B) and Landon Olson (5-11, C/3B) all return as starters.

Also noted as players to watch: seniors Zach DeBeer (6-1, OF/1B/DH) and Jace Goslee (6-1, P/OF), junior Sam Knoop (5-11, SS/CF/P) and sophomores Brody Dack (6-1, OF/IF/P/C) and Ben Gunlogson (5-9, 2B/OF).

MONTEVIDEO THUNDER HAWKS Varsity Baseball 2024

Tuesday, April 9

Doubleheader 4:00PM ���Morris Area/Chokio Alberta

Morris Area Chizek Field

Tuesday, April 16

Doubleheader 4:00PM Sauk Centre

Montevideo High School Varsity BSB Field

Friday, April 19

Game 5:00PM ����������������������������������������������������YME

Yellow Medicine East High School

Tuesday, April 23

Doubleheader 4:00PM ��������West Central Area

WCA Secondary School, Barrett

Friday, April 26

Game 5:00PM ��������������������������������������������B.O.L.D.

Montevideo High School Varsity BSB Field

Tuesday, April 30

Doubleheader 4:00PM ��������Minnewaska Area

Minnewaska Area High School

CCM Health 824 N 11th St

Montevideo, MN 56265 320-269-8877 ccmhealthmn.com

Schedule sponsored by:

Tuesday, May 7

Doubleheader 4:00PM Benson

Montevideo High School Varsity BSB Field

Friday, May 10

Game 5:00PM �����������������������������Redwood Valley

Redwood Valley High School

Tuesday, May 14

Doubleheader 4:00PM �����������������Melrose Area

Melrose Area High School

Thursday, May 16

Game 4:30PM����������������������New London-Spicer

Green Lake Baseball Diamonds

Saturday May 18

Invitational 11:00AM��������������� Multiple Schools

Montevideo High School Varsity BSB Field

Tuesday, May 21

Game 5:00PM Paynesville Area

Montevideo High School Varsity BSB Field

Montevideo junior second baseman Dan Gunlogson snags the ball during a Section 3AA-North playoff game against NLS on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Green Lake Diamonds in Spicer. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Bulldogs plan to reload for 2024

Paynesville, despite losing a strong senior class, returns a bevy of talent from a 20-4 team

BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune

PAYNESVILLE — With the loss of key pieces, the Paynesville baseball team will look for players to step up in order to rekindle the well-founded success it had from a season ago.

The Bulldogs went 12-2 in the Central Minnesota Conference and 20-4 overall. Paynesville’s 2023 season came to a close following a 6-3 loss to Fairmont in the Section 3AA playoffs.

From last year’s team, the Bulldogs graduate Grayson Fuchs, Max Athmann and Austin Pauls.

Fuchs, a shortstop/pitcher, was a West Central Tribune All-Area First Team pick who is currently a freshman infielder at St. Cloud State University. Athmann, a catcher/outfielder, was an All-Area Second Team pick who is currently a freshman utility/right-handed pitcher at Ridgewater College. Pauls, a senior outfielder, was an All-Area Honorable Mention.

“We lost five starters from last year’s team,” said Bulldogs head coach Brad Skoglund, who will be assisted by Ron Fuchs, Rick Hendrickson and Chad Campbell. “We could be a solid team come tournament time

“It should be a fun year of baseball. Our section is absolutely loaded with top teams that are all very well coached.”

Yet, for the Bulldogs, they still retain an All-Area First Team member in Isaac Lieser.

The senior catcher/pitcher hit for a .478 batting average and a 1.367 on-base plus slugging percentage, scoring 27 runs and driving in another 26. He also went 3-1 on the mound with a 1.99 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 24-2/3 innings.

Paynesville brings back senior pitchers Bryce VanderBeek, Josiah Utsch and Brandon Carlson to join the mix with Lieser.

“We will have to find an ace pitcher,” Skoglund said. “We have good pitching depth, but we need someone to step up and be an ace.”

Also returning as seniors are second baseman Brayden Pung, centerfielder Abe Brunner and outfielder Charlie Stang.

“We have the potential to be a solid defensive team,” Skoglund said. “The development of our defense up the middle is crucial for our team’s success. We need to be strong defensively up the middle.”

Other players to look out for include: junior Peyton Hemmesch; and sophomores Reed Johnson, Esau Nelson, Brock Bruntlett, Gavin Bulthuis and Eric Paulson.

“Offensively, we lost some powerful hitters,” Skoglund said. “We will have to improve as the season goes on.”

Saturday, April 27

Thursday, May 2 Doubleheader 4:00PM

Monday, May 6

Game 4:00PM ..................Eden Valley-Watkins Paynesville Area High School

Paynesville Area High School

Tuesday, May 7

Game 4:30PM ....................New London-Spicer Paynesville Area High School

Thursday, May 9

Doubleheader 4:00PM .....................Maple Lake Maple Lake High School

Monday, May 13

Game 4:30PM .............................................ACGC Atwater - Kingery Field

Thursday, May 16

Game 4:30PM ..............................................BBE Paynesville Area High School

Friday, May 17

Game 7:00PM ........................Minnewaska Area Minnewaska

Paynesville junior Isaac Lieser takes a swing at a pitch during a Central Minnesota Conference game against BBE on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Paynesville.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Paynesville junior Brayden Pung, right, throws to first baseman Josiah Utsch for an out during a Central Minnesota Conference game against BBE on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Paynesville.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Renville County West head coach Steve Agre smiles while talking to the umpires before taking on MACCRAY on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Lilleberg Field in Raymond.

Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

RCW banks on 6 returning starters

Jaguars hope are a big senior class will lead to improvement in 2024

BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune

SACRED HEART — Under secondyear head coach Steve Agre, the Renville County West baseball team looks to rebound from a rough 2023 season.

The Jaguars were 2-14 overall and 1-10 in the Camden Conference.

“We hope to improve from last year and make an upgrade in defense in pitching, along with all facets of the game,” Agre said.

Helping in that potential improvement is six returning starters.

Seniors Jack Wertish, Trevor Peterson, Brendan Peterson and Zac Gustafson are back in the fold. Wertish plays in the outfield and had a .256 batting average last season. Peterson is slated to play first base. Peterson and Gustafson are both infielders.

Two juniors — Griffin Howard and Austin Rice — are back as two top returners for the Jaguars.

Howard hit for a .277 average. He’ll see time at shortstop and at pitcher. His battery mate at catcher is Rice, who batted .450 in 2023.

RCW JAGUARS: Page 22

RCW Jaguars Varsity Baseball 2024

Tuesday, April 9

Game 4:30PM ������������������������Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley

Clinton High School

Friday, April 12

Double Header 4:30PM������������������������������������������������Benson

Benson High School

Tuesday, April 16

Game 4:30PM ������������������������������������������������������Lakeview RCW - Sacred Heart Campus

Thursday, April 18

Game 4:30PM �����������������������������������������������������������������������LQPV Lac qui Parle Valley High School

Tuesday, April 23

Game 4:30PM ����������������������������������������������������������������Minneota Minneota High School

Thursday, April 25

Game 4:30PM ������������������������������������������������������������Canby RCW - Sacred Heart Campus

Tuesday, April 30

Game 4:30PM �������������������������Central Minnesota Christian Prinsburg

Thursday, May 2

Game 4:30PM ��������������������������������������������������������������������������YME Yellow Medicine East - Granite Falls

Tuesday, May 7

Game 4:30PM ���������������������������������������������������MACCRAY RCW - Sacred Heart Campus

Thursday, May 9

Game 4:30PM ����������������������������������������������Dawson-Boyd RCW - Sacred Heart Campus

Monday, May 13

Game 4:30PM ��������������������������������������������������������������GFW RCW - Sacred Heart Campus

Tuesday, May 14

Game 4:30PM KMS Public Schools Kerkhoven

Thursday, May 16

Game 4:30PM ������������������������������������������������������Ortonville

RCW - Sacred Heart Campus

Tuesday, May 21

Game 4:30PM Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Tracy High School

Check the schools website for an updated events list

Sponsored by

RCW JAGUARS

From Page 21

“We hope that pitching and defense will keep us in games,” Agre said. “And we have a big senior presence.”

Senior Isaiah Schroeder will play at pitcher and infield after missing his junior season due to injury. Players from last year’s junior varsity that Agre hopes will make a jump are juniors Braylon Hinderks and Jacob Valdovinos and sophomores Jacob Savig and Connor Peterson. “We’re inexperienced at a few positions,” Agre said. “Focus at times is not there.”

The Jaguars’ season opener is set for April 5 at home against Red Rock Central/ Westbrook-Walnut Grove. The Camden Conference opener is April 16 at home versus Lakeview.

Renville County West junior pitcher

Brendan Peterson throws the ball toward home plate against MACCRAY on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Lilleberg Field in Raymond.

Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

Renville County West shortstop Griffin Howard hits the ball against MACCRAY on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Lilleberg Field in Raymond.

Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

YME seeks a state tourney encore

The Sting have 6 returnees from a team that took 6th in Class last June

BY JOE BROWN

West

Central Tribune

GRANITE FALLS — In hope of repeating an historic 2023 season, the Yellow Medicine East baseball team is breaking in a new cast of characters. Gone are nine seniors from a Sting squad that took the school to its first state tournament. YME placed sixth in Class A, finishing 18-5 overall. That included a share of the Camden Conference championship with a 11-1 mark.

While there’s plenty to replace in the lineup, Sting head coach Trevor Schulte has seen a different mood at practice this spring.

“Last year’s success has brought a new energy and excitement to this year’s team,” said Schulte, who’s in his 13th season. “The players are looking forward to competing and improving every day.”

Among the graduated players are Class A All-State outfielder Cody Dahlager and No. 1 pitcher Bryce Sneller. Dahlager hit for a .473 average, .562 on-base percentage, 35 runs, 18 RBIs, 11 doubles and 16 stolen bases. Sneller tossed 59 innings, going 6-2 with 98 strikeouts and a 0.83 earned-run average. Dahlager is a freshman at Division II Southwest

Minnesota State University.

But, the Sting’s cupboard is not bare.

“We return six players from last year’s team who were key contributors and we will be relying on them to provide strong leadership for our team,” Schulte said.

At the top of that list is Drew Almich. The senior pitcher/infielder had a .367 average with a .472 on-base percentage, 14 RBIs and 15 runs. The No. 2 pitcher last year, Almich tossed 47-1/3 innings, compiling a 6-1 record with 51 strikeouts and a 2.07 ERA en route to All-Camden Conference honors.

Like Almich, Connor Fagen and Braden Nelson will see time in both the infield and on the mound. Fagen is a senior and Nelson is a junior. Another returning starter is senior outfielder Andrew Flaten.

Other seniors in the lineup are Adam Stengel and Owen Cherveny. Along with Nelson, Kian Christianson, Brady Dahlager, Eric Jimenez, Jacob Peterson, Connor Schmitz and Gage Wilke make up the junior class.

The Sting open at Slayton against Murray County Central on April 4. The Camden Conference opener is April 9 at MACCRAY. The home opener is April 16 against Tracy-Milroy-Balaton.

YME junior Drew Almich makes a throw to first base during a Class A state quarterfinal game against New Ulm Cathedral on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud.

Joe

Brown

/ West Central Tribune

Good Health Starts with Great Water!

YME sophomore Braden Nelson takes a swing at a pitch during the Section 3A championship against RTR on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Irish Yard in Milroy.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

YME Sting Varsity Baseball 2024

Tuesday, April 9

Game 4:30PM………………….MACCRAY MACCRAY - Raymond Field

Friday, April 12

Game 4:30PM………………….Red Rock Central Red Rock Central High School

Tuesday, April 16

Game 4:30PM………………….Tracy-Milroy-Balaton YME High School

Friday, April 19

Game 4:30PM………………….Montevideo YME High School

Tuesday, April 23

Game 4:30PM………………….KMS YME High School

Tuesday, April 25

Game 4:30PM......Lakeview YME High School

Tuesday, April 30

Game 5:00PM………………….LQPV LQPV High School

Thursday, May 2

Game 4:30PM………………….RCW YME High School

Tuesday, May 7

Game 4:30PM………………….Ortonville Ortonville High School

Thursday, May 9

Game 4:30PM………………….Minneota YME High School

Saturday, May 11

Tournament 12:30PM………………….Multiple Schools LQPV High School - Madison Field

Tuesday, May 14

Game 4:30PM………………….Dawson-Boyd YME High School

Thursday, May 16

Game 4:30PM………………….Canby Canby High School

Friday, May 17

Game 4:30PM………………….Redwood Valley YME High School

Monday, May 20

Game 4:30PM………………….Russell-Tyler-Ruthton RTR High School

Tuesday, May 21

Game 4:30PM………………….CMCS Central Minnesota Christian School

BLACKJACKS

From Page 13

Olson and Long return as two-year starters in the infield. Johnson returns as a two-year starter to the outfield.

Dawson-Boyd’s sophomore class is led by All-Camden Conference pick Nathan Hansen.

Hansen, a shortstop/third baseman/ second baseman/pitcher, hit a

team-best .412 and had a .490 slugging percentage with 21 hits, 11 stolen bases, 10 runs and eight RBIs.

Kameron Sather (C/OF/P) and Eli Olson (2B), both juniors, return as twoyear starters in the infield.

Dawson-Boyd begins its season against Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley at 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 5, at Graceville. The Blackjacks’ home opener against Russell-Tyler-Ruthton is set for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at Dawson.

Dawson-Boyd’s Eli Olson makes a throw to second base against Central Minnesota Christian in a Section 3A-North matchup on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Prinsburg.

Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

Dawson-Boyd’s Blake Thompson throws a pitch against Central Minnesota Christian School in a Section 3A-North matchup on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Prinsburg.

Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg starting pitcher Jared Cortez fires a pitch toward home plate against Ortonville in a Section 6A matchup on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Willie Reigstad Park.

Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

FIGHTING SAINTS

From Page 14

He batted .444 with 36 hits, 31 RBIs, 25 runs and 10 stolen bases.

“Jared has a smooth yet powerful swing that has power to all fields,” Pappadackis said. “When he’s not pitching, he will be behind the plate catching.”

Luke Jeseritz, a 5-7 pitcher/second baseman, enters his senior year after batting .299 with 20 hits, 23 runs, 12 RBIs and eight stolen bases in 2023.

“Luke will look to add to his successful 2023 season,” Pappadackis said. “He’s a crafty bat from the left side and has smooth hands at second base.”

Evan Zimmer also returns as a senior

EAGLES

From Page 15

Back at full strength and joining the rotation for LQPV are senior outfielder/ pitcher TJ Mitchell, who played with a broken finger last year, and junior Davis Patzer, who was injured in the first game of 2023 and was sidelined for the remainder of the season. Patzer competes for a starting pitching and

starter. He is a 5-10 pitcher/first baseman who was 4-0 on the mound, allowing zero earned runs in 22⅔ innings pitched.

“Evan seeks to match or best his 2023 performance by continuing to improve by putting time in the weight room in the offseason and getting into the batting cage before and after practice,” Pappadackis said.

Logan Rudningen, a 5-10 junior, is looking to solidify a starting position in the diamond. He will follow Cortez for playing time behind the plate and on the mound.

Jett Olson, a 5-10 junior, contributed in many ways and gained valuable experience in multiple positions last year, according to Pappadackis.

fielding position.

Also returning to the starting lineup for the Eagles are seniors Cael Benson (IF) and Bradyn Danzeisen (C/DH), Kaden Molden (IF) and junior Landen Weber (C/OF).

Bjorgan, who enters his second season as LQPV’s head coach, will be assisted by Josh Benson, Mark Bjornjeld, Braiden Kittelson, Wyatt Halvorson, Brian Moen and Chad Kranz.