The Hatchet baseball team nearly pulled off a four-game home GNC sweep last week, splitting games with Antigo on Thursday two days after taking a double-header from Rhinelander.
Tomahawk-now 7-3 in the conference (although 4-1 until all teams play 12 games) and 9-4 overall-is a half GNC game behind the 5-1 Red Robins (15-2 overall).
Tomahawk broke open a 1-1 game with 3 runs in the 5th inning of Game 1 with Antigo.
“It was a huge win and it shows that we can compete with some of the best teams,” THS coach Wes Roessler said. “We had timely hitting, great pitching and solid defense. Everyone contributed to this win. Trevor (Iwen) had a diving catch to start the game that set the tone for our team. Antigo is a Division 1 team with an honorable mention state ranking.”
Kevin Bolder fired a one-hitter with 1 walk and 12 K’s. The hit was a solo home run.
“Kevin pitched a gem,” Roessler said. “Antigo is a very good hitting team and to hold them to one hit is amazing.”
The Hatchets pounded out 11 hits, paced by Joe Heiner (2-3, 2R), Jordan Roessler (2-3, 2B), Bolder (2-4, 2 RBI) and Jared Jarvensivu (2-4).
Antigo pulled out a 4-3 win in Game 2 with a 3-run 6th.
“We were in position to win this game a couple of times and we just couldn’t pull it off,” Roessler said. “I know the kids are disappointed with the loss but we have to focus on the positives and move on. To come out of the week with three wins out of four against two division 1 teams is a great confidence builder for the playoffs.
“This week helped earn the team the #1 seed for our regional.”
Fletcher Schoone (9 H, 1 W, 1 K, 4 R, 3 ER in 5-2/3 I) took the loss and Jon Nyberg (1 W, 1 K in 1/3 I) relieved.
Iwen (2-3), Jarvensivu (2-4), Lorne Ahrens (1-3, 2B) and Schoone (1-3, 2B) hit.
No-nag Hodag
Nyberg kept his run-free GNC stretch going in a 10-0 opener with Rhinelander.
“Jon pitched another great game,” Roessler said. “He has not given up a run in conference play. That is an incredible feat.
“The bats exploded today with several players getting multiple hit games and extra base hits. The guys were fired up for this double-header and it showed.”
Nyberg (3 H, 0 W, 10 K in 5 I) collected the win.
Hitting was boosted by Bolder (2-3, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI), Roessler (2-3, 2B), Jarvensivu (2-3, 2B), Nyberg (2-3, 2B) and Iwen (2-3).
Game 2 was a considerably tougher task, but THS pulled it out 7-6 in the 8th.
“The team worked together to scratch out a win,” Roessler said.
Heiner (9 H, 1 W, 3 K, 6 R, 4 ER in 5-2/3 I) started, and Jarvensivu (0 H, 0 W, 3 K 0 R in 2-1/3 I) won.
Roessler (3-4, 2 SB), Jarvensivu (2-4, 2B) and Iwen (1-4, 3B) helped the 8-hit offense