Luke Routh had four hits for the Reds including a home run. Schlaak and Aaron Gilliland had three hits. Somage went the distance on the mound allowing 12 hits.
“It was an excellent comeback win considering we were down 5-2 at one point,” said Jason Churchill, player/manager. “We played much better on both sides of the ball than we did in a doubleheader against Mankato.”
Reds 10, Waseca Braves 7
The Reds traveled north to Waseca on June 16 to meet the Braves at Tink Larson Field. The home team scored first as Loonan doubled and later scored on a fielder’s choice. The Reds tied the game in the top half of the third when Colton Schlaak doubled and scored on a hit by Aaron Gilliland. The Braves added three runs in the bottom of the fourth to take the 4-1 lead. The Reds somehow answered in the fifth with three runs of their own to knot the score at four. Reds hurler Sam Lundberg shut down the Braves’ bats in the bottom of the fifth.
It was all the Reds needed as they unleashed another three-run frame as Lundberg walked and scored followed by Churchill and Schlaak. The Braves managed a run in the bottom of the sixth to close to a 7-5 deficit. The Reds were held scoreless in the eighth but Waseca managed to plate another run to make it a one-run game.
The ninth was the deciding inning for the Reds and they had yet another three-run outburst. The Braves tried to come from behind but could only manage a single run.
Schlaak led the hitting attack for the Reds with four hits, two of them doubles, and driving in three. Gilliland, Tukua, Routh and Lundberg all added two base knocks apiece. Lundberg went the distance on the mound, striking out 10.
“We had three three-run innings, which was nice to see,” said Churchill. “The three insurance runs in the ninth were huge. Sam [Lundberg] pitched a great game getting those 10 strikeouts. He allowed a few runs but our offense scored when we needed to.”
Blue Earth Pirates 4, Reds 3
The Blue Earth Pirates are the No. 4 ranked team in the state. The Reds traveled to take on the Pirates June 17th and hoped to ride their two-game winning streak in Blue Earth. The Reds managed to strike first right after the umpire shouted “play ball” as they plated two runs and sent seven batters to the dish. The Reds went down in order in the top of the second as the Pirates came to bat and scored once to pull within 2-1. The Pirates plated another run in the third to tie the game at two. There wasn’t any scoring until the seventh when Schlaak singled and scored on a double to right center by Gilliland. Try as they may the Reds couldn’t hold their slim lead and allowed the Pirates two runs in the bottom of the eighth to make it 4-3.
In the telltale ninth, Churchill led off with a walk and stole second. Schlaak struck out for the first out. Gilliland also walked to put runners at first and second. Tukua popped out to the pitcher and Routh grounded out to the shortstop to end the Reds’ threat.
Gilliland garnered three hits to lead the Reds’ offense. Schlaak added a pair of singles. Tukua had a hit and two big RBIs. Harrington allowed the Pirates 13 hits while striking out four.
“It was a heartbreaking loss after outplaying the No. 4 ranked team,” said Churchill. “Blue Earth remains undefeated this season. Adam Harrington threw a nice game keeping their hitters off balance. We had the tying run in scoring position but couldn’t get that clutch hit when we needed it.”
Gilliland garnered three hits to lead the Reds’ offense. Schlaak added a pair of singles. Tukua had a hit and two big RBIs.
The Reds play Sunday at 2 p.m. at Wells. They entertain the Morristown Morries at New Richland’s Legion Field on Wednesday, June 27 with the first pitch at 7:30 p.m. The Cleveland Spiders are in town on Sunday, July 1 for a 2 p.m. tilt with the Reds. Everyone is invited out to watch some fine amateur baseball.
