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The Winona LeJetz American Legion baseball team may have found their momentum.
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Kasson-Mantorville's James Peterson, left, takes off towards second base as Winona LeJetz's first baseman, Arran Davis, center, points for teammate Jake Wanek to throw Peterson out at second Thursday during a match-up in Winona. (photo by Katie Derus/Winona Daily News) |
After dominating the second game of a doubleheader with the Rochester Eagles Wednesday by winning 12-2, the LeJetz kept the momentum going by defeating Kasson-Mantorville 5-2 Thursday night at Gabrych Park.
“After yesterday, we just wanted to build some momentum heading into next weeks playoffs,” Winona coach Gary Hoeppner said. “We were looking to get Matt Wolfe some time on the mound and play a good game.”
The LeJetz (19-12) were led by the starting pitcher Wolfe, who went the full seven innings, allowed seven hits, struck out six and walked none. The only runs Wolfe allowed came in the top of the seventh inning.
“It was a well-pitched game,” Hoeppner said. “Matt threw a real good ballgame. He mixed up his pitches and was in total control pretty much until the last inning.”
Winona got the scoring going early. Ryan Speltz hit a towering two-run home run to left field in the bottom of the first to give Winona a 2-0 lead.
The LeJetz scored again in the bottom of the fourth. Devon Grossell led off the inning with a single. Brandon Schmit followed with a perfectly executed hit-and-run to advance Grossell to third. Austin Rumpca drove Grossell in with a bloop single to center.
Later in the inning, Winona loaded the bases with nobody out but failed to score another run.
“We got the early lead and we kind of sat on it,” Hoeppner said. “We had opportunities but we couldn’t get hits with runners in scoring position.
“Lately we haven’t been hitting with runners in scoring position and it showed tonight.”
Schmit went 3-for-3 with two doubles, Rumpca went 2-for-3 with an RBI and Arran Davis went 2-for-3 with a double for the LeJetz.
Trevor Carsen went six innings, allowed 11 hits, struck out two and walked one while going 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs for K-M.
