Rebels Get Hard Fought 5-3 Win Over Cloquet

Wes Vork-NSO

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June 1

Wes Vork-NSO

MOOSE LAKE – One of the most exciting and tightest games in high school playoffs isn’t necessarily the section finals, but rather the #4 vs. #5 seed matchup. This game is usually the most evenly matched game of the first couple of rounds and typically results in a close score. Today’s game between Moose Lake-Willow River and Cloquet was no exception, with the Rebels coming away with the hard fought 5-3 win.

Things started well for Cloquet when the top three players in the batting order all scored in the top of the third inning. It all started when Adam Hanson and Kaleb Kadelbach each drew a two out walk. Hanson stole second and third and with a throwing error was able to score. Derek Anderson singled and singles by Tyler McCauley and Beau Michaud allowed Kadelbach and Anderson to score, giving the Lumberjacks a 3-0 lead.

The Rebels then started to chip away at the lead, Jon Michalsky was able to score when Abe Young stole second and the throw went into center field. ML-WR got two more runs in the bottom of the fourth when Trevor Nummela singled and Spencer Clough unleashed a hard hit double to the gap in right-center that scored Nummela. Clough then scored on a hit by Nathan Van Zee that got behind the Cloquet outfielder to tie the game at three all after four innings.

The Rebels took the lead for good in the bottom of the fifth inning when Tyler Huso and Tony Adamczak scored to give ML-WR the final margin of 5-3.

After the game, Rebels Head Coach Lyle Halverson credited his team’s patience at the plate as a key to the win. “Every one of our kids had at least one quality at bat today, by that I mean a 6-7 pitch at bat or a hit.” He’s [Adam Hanson] a real good pitcher, so we knew we had to work him. Trevor [Nummela] had a great at bat in the first inning; even though he struck out, it was a 10 pitch at bat.” Halverson Explained.

Cloquet Head Coach Rick Stowell expected the tight matchup. “This is playoff baseball; it comes down to doing all the little things right and they did a few more than we did today.” Adding, “They played well and deserved the win today; I tip my hat to them.”

Cloquet finishes the season with a record of 8-11, even though it is a bit below .500, Coach Stowell is proud of what his young team with only three seniors accomplished this season. “With the schedule we play and losing 10 players [from last year’s state tournament team] there weren’t a lot of people expecting us to win eight games. It is a real tribute to the players and assistant coaches.” Stowell explained.

With the win comes the realization that the Rebels will be playing the #1 seed Virginia Bluedevils, a task Halverson is more than up for. “I feel good about that one, we’re not being talked about and there is no pressure.” Halverson also explained we are setting well with our pitching; having Nummela, Clough and Adamczak available. Hopefully we can get to the final four for the first time.”

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com