Esko Avances in Baseball Playoffs Tops ML-WR 2-0

May 27

Kerry Rodd-NSO

Mitch Reuer pitched a shutout as the Esko Eskomos picked up an impressive 2-0 win over Moose Lake-Willow River in the Section 7AA boys baseball playoffs on Wednesday.

“This was Mitch’s second complete game shutout of the season,” said Esko coach Ben Haugen following the game. “Mitch pitched his way out of jams in four different innings and he got great defensive play behind him.”

Perhaps the biggest play of the day came when Esko’s Aaron Semereau made a diving catch of a Dan Anderson drive with a runner on first base and no outs, which saved at least one run and kept Anderson from picking up an extra base hit.

While Reuer was strong on the mound, the Rebels got a strong effort from both Nate Zuk and Michael Unzen who gave up only three hits, while striking out six. However, the difference in the game was the fact that the Rebel pitchers also allowed eight runners due to walks and hit batters.

Matt Tengesdal and Ryan Vang both had a hit and an RBI for the Eskomos while Rejean Carlson, who had a double, led the Rebels, who finish the season at 14-5.

“It was a great baseball game with a lot of awesome plays, great pitching, close plays, argued calls, just a lot of everything,” Haugen said. “The Rebels really impressed me in defeat as we were shaking hands after the game. Player after player commended our team and wished us luck as we progress through the playoffs. For such a heated game and for two rivals, it was great to see. The Rebel players showed a lot of class and I hope our players learned something from that.”

Esko is 11-9 on the season and will advance to the second round of the Section 7AA tourney along with Cloquet, International Falls, Hermantown and Two Harbors who all won on Wednesday.

Kerry Rodd can be reached at kerry@northlandsportsonline.com