Story originally printed in the Winona Daily News or online at www.winonadailynews.com
Published - Friday, May 02, 2008
WSHS BASEBALL: Winhawks' stretch run begins on sour note
 Winona Senior High catcher Austin Rumpca collides with the fence behind home plate as he tries to catch a pop-up Thursday in the Winhawks game against Rochester John Marshall in Winona. (photo by Katie Derus/Winona Daily News) |
Winona Senior High School’s baseball team failed to cash in on its chances to score early Thursday afternoon. Those kind of things happen when there’s no consistency to the season.
The Winhawks played just their seventh game in a season that should be a month old, falling 8-1 to visiting Rochester John Marshall in the Big Nine Conference.
Rain, snow and cold weather have forced the postponement of five dates and six games since the start of April.
WSHS was to play its first game April 1, but did not start the season until April 15.
It means the Winhawks had nine games scheduled in 10 days, starting with Thursday’s home game against the Rockets.
“Just playing baseball is great,” WSHS second baseman Devon Grossell said. “It’s been hard to practice, hard to stay consistent and be error-free, especially mentally.
“We’re not playing our best ball right now, but we’re making do with what the weather gives us. I hope the team comes together.”
After seeing all three games rained out last week, the Winhawks split a doubleheader Tuesday at Austin.
WSHS (3-4, 3-4) is scheduled to play two games Saturday at a tournament in Northfield, then play Tuesday at Owatonna.
The Winhawks return home next Thursday for a doubleheader against Faribault, play two games the following day at home against Mankato West and play at Rochester Mayo on May 10.
“It’s real tough, especially when you start looking at our schedule. We’re playing a major-league schedule,” WSHS coach Matt Smith said. “You get these kids ready to play and it’s a whole emotional roller coaster. You think you’re in a good spot, have your rotation set and then take three rain outs in a week.”
WSHS had a runner on second with one out in the first inning and runners at second and third in the second inning with one out.
Jake Walther bounced out to the pitcher and Arik Jacquart struck out to end the first, while Austin Rumpca and Kyle Woodard struck out to end the second.
“If we could have capitalized, we would have been in a better position to win the game,” Grossell said. “If we score those two runs in the second, our team would have had more momentum.”
John Marshall (9-1, 7-1) took advantage, scoring three runs in the third to grab control. The Rockets added a run in the fourth on a home run by Ben Moen and stretched the lead to 7-0 with three runs in the fifth, including a two-run homer by Jordan Rishavy.
WSHS scored in the fifth, an unearned run off Rockets starter Joe Moen. The right-hander pitched a complete game, giving up one walk to go along with nine strikeouts.
Tom Kreidermacher went 3-for-3 with a double for the Winhawks, who had seven hits. Grossell added a double.
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