Apple Jacks Struggle
Two out in the bottom of the last inning, down by 4, bases loaded, but there was no joy in La Crescent because the batter fouled out to the catcher. The skies were threatening all day but not so much the Apple Jacks bats. Although the pitching and defense were good, they lost to the Highland Prairie Hayseeds 5-2 and the Lanesboro Excelsiors 5-1 with all of the Jacks runs coming in the second inning of each game..
Traditionally these opponents have been some of the weaker teams on the schedule, but they have retooled their lineup and have become formidable foes.
Among the day's highlights for the Apple Jacks were three putouts in the same inning by center fielder Andy "Ziggy" Johnson including an unassisted double play.
Those reaching base three times were Ziggy, Paul "Swiss" Geronime, Eric "Stretch" Deetz and Jim "Red" Johnson. Reaching base twice were Jim "Scoop" Schupbach, Kevin "Hurricane" Knerzer, Jon "Numbers" Jones, Samuel "Roundabout" Deetz and Dan "Skunk" Deetz. Those who reached once were Gary "Big Wease" Pericak, John "Rook" Wilke, Joel "Hefty" Affeldt and Jason "Weasel" Pericak.
Pitching chores were split between Hefty & Big Wease. They pitched alternate innings through both games.
The Apple Jacks next games are at North Mankato on Sunday, July 9th against the Mankato Baltics and the Rum River Rovers.