Garretson hung on for a 4-3 win over Dell Rapids in Region 2B Legion Tournament action on Wednesday, July 15th, at Rickeman Field in Dell Rapids.
Both starting pitchers were in shut down mode through the first six innings of the game. Brett Mogen of Dell Rapids held Garretson to no runs on four hits through six innings, while John Gassman held Dell Rapids to no runs on five hits through six innings.
Garretson was able to break the tie in the bottom of the seventh inning. Lead-off hitter Dereck Veldkamp starting the inning off with a walk. Alex Thorson reached on an error. Then Jacob Fitzgerald, Jesse Brockhouse, and Micah Mader all had RBI singles in a row to give Garretson a 3-0 lead. Mogen was able to get Tyler Willems to ground out, but Willems drove in the fourth run of the inning.
Dell Rapids mounted a rally of their own in the top of the eighth inning. Gassman was able to get two of the first three hitters out in the inning. Carter Gullickson entered the game for Casey Hansen after Hansen hit into a fielder’s choice. Gullickson advanced to second on a passed ball, and Josh Roemen followed with an RBI double. Roemen then stole third base during the Mogen at-bat, and scored on a throwing error. Mogen finished his at-bat with a walk. Joe Muston followed with a single to move Mogen to third. Mogen would score the third run of the inning on a wild pitch. But that was all Dell Rapids could get in the inning, and the game. Willems only faced three batters in the ninth inning for the save, ending the game with a pick-off of Matt Gillogly.
Gassman picked up the win for Garretson throwing eight innings giving up three runs, two earned, on five hits while striking out four and walking three. Mogen took the loss pitching eight innings giving up four runs, three earned on seven hits while striking out six and walking three.
In other tournament action, Madison defeated Castlewood/Clear Lake 14-1 in the 3:00 p.m. game. Madison also defeated Volga 7-6 in the 8:00 p.m. game.
Dell Rapids will play Castlewood/Clear Lake in an elimination game today at 5:00 p.m. Following the conclusion of that game, Madison will face Garretson in semifinal action.