Justin Larson Hits Grand Slam

The Milbank Firechiefs suffered losses to two league opponents during the weekend of June 4-6. The locals lost to Hamlin 13-8 on Friday night and fell 8-7 to Castlewood on Sunday night.

Firechiefs 8 vs. Hamlin 13 The Firechiefs sparked a blaze in the top of the first inning, when singles from Jonny Ash and Mitch Quade and a walk from Bryan Appl loaded the bases. Ash scored on a wild pitch from Hamlin’s pitcher, and Lance Frogner cleared the bases with one swing by hitting a three-run homer. 

Hamlin faced pitcher Brady Krause and scored two runs in the bottom of the first. Milbank’s offense continued to produce runs in the top of the second led by a solo homerun from Dom Boerger and a three-run homerun from Bryan Appl. But, it was the end of the Firechiefs hot streak. Milbank’s bats fell silent after the second inning and errors added to their woes. 
Brady Krause surrendered six runs in the bottom of the second to bring the score to 8-8 with seven innings to go. Jesse Krause relieved Brady Krause in the bottom of the third. When Hamlin put together a three-run eighth inning, it served as the nail in the coffin for the Firechiefs. 
J. Krause took the loss on the mound. He gave up five runs in six innings, allowed five hits, and struck out six battters. 

Firechiefs 7 vs. Castlewood 8 The Firechiefs were back in action on a windy night at Pribyl Park in Milbank. They took on the Castlewood Ravens on Sunday, June 6. Lance Frogner took the mound for the locals to start the game. He gave up a homerun to Castlewood’s shortstop in the top of the first, but Milbank retaliated when Jonny Ash drew a leadoff walk and scored on a double to left field by Bryan Appl. 

The Ravens’ bats got even hotter in the top of the second. They scored four runs. Milbank answered with a run in the bottom of the third when Dom Boerger scored on a bases-loaded walk drawn by Justin Larson.
Both teams then entered a drought until the sixth inning when they each scored a run, but Milbank took the lead when Justin Larson connected for a grand slam to dead center.
Each team would be held to zero in the eighth inning. Castlewood scored two runs in the top of the ninth to secure the game for the Ravens at 8-7. 
Justin Larson took the loss on the mound. He pitched 3 1/3 innings. He allowed two runs, three hits, and struck out five batters. He also led the Firechiefs on offense with two hits and five RBIs. The Firechiefs travel to Castlewood tonight, Wednesday, June 10, to seek revenge against the  Monarchs.