Mahtomedi entered Grossman Field on Monday as the #10 team in the Metro, but #1 in the State in Class 3A (the 9 teams ranked ahead of them were all 4A), looking to continue their multi-sport dominance of Hastings that has occurred throughout the school year. Fortunately for the Raiders, this time things went the right way… in a big way at that.
Mahtomedi would strike first in the top of the first after two HBPs and a walk would load the bases, but the Raiders would only give up a single run and the Zephyrs led 1-0 after 1. Hastings would respond with 2 in the bottom of the 1st however, little did they know that those would be the winning runs. After a scoreless 2nd, the Raiders would plate two more in the 3rd to go up 4-1 as Hastings both found life offensively and Mahtomedi severely struggled with fielding.
Hastings continued to slowly build an advantage, opening up a 6-1 cushion. The Zephyrs would get one back, and Hastings needed a run or two to put some distance between them again. Eddie Peine would deliver, bringing in 2 in the inning and a 6-run advantage 8-2. After the Zephyrs were stonewalled in the 6th, Evan Nelson delivered the dagger, with a two run shot to far left field to make it 10-2. Mahtomedi would start the 7th with multiple base runners, but Hastings would get out of the inning and secure the win 10-3.
The Raiders had 8 hits in the contest, led by Evan Nelson and Cade Kimmes with 2 each, while, Peine, Al Hendrickson, Tanner Anselment and Mitch Iliff each added one. Nelson had 4 RBIs, with Peine, Hendrickson, Iliff and Anselment each bringing one home.
On the mound, Matt Sherry got the start and the win, pitching a fantastic 4 1/3 innings with 3 hits, 2 runs, 2 earned, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts and an ERA of 3.23. Mark DeNoyer finished things off, going 2 2/3 with 1 hit, 1 run, 1 walk and 1 strikeout.
Hastings faced Simley on Tuesday, STA on Wednesday and takes on Hill-Murray Friday and Tartan Saturday morning looking to make a statement in the Metro East this week.
