The Dell Rapids Mudcats opened up the District 4B Amateur Baseball Tournament in Flandreau with a 4-1 win over Hartford/Humboldt. 10 total hits and three RBIs by 2nd baseman Nate Henry was all the run-support starting pitcher Jared Donahue needed to pick up his third win against H/H. Donahue gave up one run on three hits while fanning 15.
“He pitched real well for us today,” said Manager Jim Wilber. “It was real important to get this first win, and Jared did that. The lineup he faced was a very tough line-up and they hit the ball very well. Jared was great.”
The last time these two teams met, H/H scored 11 runs, however this time they were only able squeeze out one run.
The Mudcats started the scoring early in the bottom of the 1st inning. With one out Grant Olson doubled over the left fielders head. Kris King moved Olson over on a error by the H/H right fielder’s dropped ball. With runners on first and third, Henry drove in Olson on a fielders choice to second base.
The pitching duel continued as both teams made good plays out in the field, and both pitchers were able to locate the pitches they wanted. In the fourth inning, Donahue gave up a run. That would be the closest thing to a struggle for Donahue in the game. H/H scored after Rob Lind worked a one-out walk, only Donahue’s second walk of the game. After Danny Flahiee grounded out and moved Lind to second, H/H’s Cole Rockefellow reached on an error with two outs scoring Lind.
In the bottom of the 5th inning, the Mudcats put the only crooked number up on the scoreboard. Jimmy Bauer led off the inning with his second single of the game. Bauer stole second base. Olson then popped up to short, which then brought up King. King singled and drove in Bauer, which turned out to be the game-winning run. Henry came to the plate and lined a base hit to right field. When the throw to third came up wild, King was able to come home for another run.
The Mudcats added another run in the 7th when Henry drove in King again with a single after King singled and stole second base.
Donahue pitched a complete game with 15 strikeouts, only walking two. The run he gave up was unearned.
Bauer, King, Henry and Aaron Johnson each had two hits. Olson and Colin Karst each had a double.
The Mudcats will play Tuesday, July 28th, at 8:00 p.m. in Flandreau.