June 11, 2016 at Rochester

Raw strength leads to Jacks' win

Throughout 12 seasons, the Apple Jacks Base Ball Club of La Crescent has gained offensive success with equal measures of brawn, speed, and concentration. This season, however, their reliance on that trinity has seemed futile. Until Saturday, that is, when they used more brawn.

The Jacks overwhelmed perennial rival, the Roosters of Olmsted County, 11-3, at Schmitt Field in Rochester. They pounded out 6 hits and 5 aces (runs) in their first at bat, stunning the usually nimble Roosters, who were stymied until the third inning. The fifth inning saw another meaty display with the Jacks tallying nine hits and another six aces.

The victory over the Roosters came after the Jacks had been overpowered by the Rum River Rovers, who are known throughout the state for their brute physical strength at the bat. That loss may have primed the Jacks for their conquest against the Roosters. “The players soak up every moment of play,” explained Joel “Hefty” Affeldt, the Jacks captain. “Every experience guides them to the next one as it did here.”

Even with the temperature over 90, the Jacks’ white shirts looked as crisp as their defensive play, especially in the infield. At home base, John “Rook” Wilkie readied for a tag, but was rammed by a Rum Rover twice his size; Rook held on for the out and jumped to his feet satisfied with the play. Benjamin “George” Deetz made an incredible recovery when a powerful drive intended for left field struck his chest. He recovered quickly and made the out.