Proctor Boys Work Their Way Back Into 7AA Section Finals

Wes Vork-NSO

Click here for the Proctor vs. Virginia box score

Click here for the Proctor vs. Mora box score

Click here for additional Proctor vs Virginia Photos

Click here for additional Proctor vs Mora Photos

June 7

Wes Vork-NSO

HIBBING — Proctor advanced to the section championship for the first time since 1984 as the Rails defeated Virginia 1-0 and Mora 13-3 in five innings in the Section 7AA semifinals at Hibbing’s Al Nyberg Field on Tuesday evening.

In the first game against Virginia, Proctor’s Ben Nelson out-dueled Virginia’s Patrick Anderson as Proctor staved off elimination with a 1-0 victory in the quarterfinals of the Section 7AA Playoffs at Hibbing’s Al Nyberg Field. Nelson allowed four hits and zero walks in a seven inning complete-game effort. He had perfect control all afternoon striking out six while throwing a total of only 19 balls on the entire day.

On a day when runs were at a premium Proctor took the old saying “it all gets started with two out to heart, striking for their only run in the bottom of the third inning. Proctor scored on three consecutive two-out singles by Jimmy Merling, Jesse Scanlon, and Ryan McCarthy. Merling scored from second base on McCarthy’s infield hit.

In the second elimination game Proctor blasted Mora by a five inning score of 13-3 behind Jake Lewis’ five hit, one earned run performance. Lewis struck out five and did not issue a walk.

Tyler Pionk hit a two-run triple. Ryan McCarthy was two-for-three with two runs scored and three RBIs. Justin Scanlon was two-for-three with two RBIs. Pat Everson had a two-run single. Nick Nylund was three-for-four. Evan Scherber was two-for-two with two runs scored and two RBIs. The Rails were able to draw seven walks, including five by Jesse Scanlon and had four hit batsman off of a combined four Mora Pitchers.

With pitching at a premium in the playoffs, Proctor came out as well as they could have hoped for while coming through the elimination bracket. With Nelson having remarkable control of the strike zone, he faced only three batters over the minimum 21 for a seven inning game while the Rails bats allowed Lewis to get the win with only five innings of work.

With nine seniors on a team loaded with senior leadership, the Rails are hoping this is their year. “We feel good where we are at. Hermantown is a very good team and they hit the ball well, we have to take this second game and use it as momentum.” Proctor Head Coach Kyle Wojtysiak commented after the game.

Proctor (19-2) will play against Hermantown (18-4) at Duluth’s Wade Stadium on Thursday, June 9, at 5:00 p.m. with a second game at 7:30pm if necessary for the Section 7AA championship. The game was originally scheduled for Bennett Park in Hibbing but was flipped with the Section 7A championship game for logistical reasons.

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