The Region 2C Amateur Baseball Tournament game between the Hanska Lakers and the Springfield Tigers on Friday night at Eagles Park in Sleepy Eye was a thrilling matchup that ended with a 7-4 victory for the Lakers. The game featured strong performances from both teams, with the Lakers ultimately coming out on top with a five-run fifth inning that propelled them to victory.
The Lakers’ Sam Knowles played a pivotal role in the game, both on the mound and at the plate. Knowles secured the win as the pitcher, striking out six batters while allowing three runs on seven hits in five innings. He also made a significant impact with his bat, going 3 for 5 with two RBIs and a run scored. Additionally, Alex Stresemann and Kevin Larson contributed to the Lakers’ offensive efforts, with Stresemann going 2 for 4 with a run scored and Larson going 2 for 5 with two doubles, two runs scored, and an RBI.
On the other side, the Tigers put up a strong fight, with Jacob Poehler leading the charge at the plate by going 3 for 4 with three runs scored. Ryan Sturm also made a notable contribution with a two-run home run in the first inning. Brandon Wilhelmi added to the Tigers’ offensive efforts by going 2 for 4 with an RBI.
The turning point of the game came in the fifth inning when the Lakers scored five runs to take a 5-2 lead over the Tigers. Knowles kickstarted the rally with a single that brought home Stresemann. The Lakers capitalized on walks, wild pitches, and timely hits to score five runs in the inning, putting them in a commanding position.
Despite Springfield’s efforts to mount a comeback, the Lakers maintained their lead throughout the game. Larson’s double in the sixth inning, followed by an RBI single from Knowles, extended the Lakers’ lead to 7-4. Springfield managed to score a run in the seventh inning, but they were unable to overcome the Lakers’ lead.
With the win, the Hanska Lakers secured at least the No. 3 seed in this year’s Class C state tournament, while Springfield will receive the fourth seed for Region 2C. The Lakers will now advance to the elimination bracket finals against the New Ulm Brewers, with the winner facing off against the Courtland Cubs.
Overall, the Region 2C Amateur Baseball Tournament game between the Hanska Lakers and the Springfield Tigers was a competitive and exciting matchup that showcased the talent and determination of both teams. The Lakers’ strong performance on both offense and defense ultimately led them to victory and a spot in the state tournament.
