Section 1A Playoffs: Four run fourth inning propels New Ulm to 9-4 win over Faribault

 The last teams these two teams met was in the Class C Tournament in 2023. Led by pitcher Ethan Stade who three years later was drafted by the Atlanta Braves, the Brewers edged Faribault and Jake Petricka 2-1 to end the Lakers season in Delano. It would not end up being the pitcher's duel like we saw in 2023. The Lakers stayed in the game until the fourth inning and fifth inning when New Ulm did most of their damage scoring six runs to pull away in a 9-4 victory. The loss concludes the Lakers season, one win away from the Class A State Tournament. 

The Brewers struck first with a two out RBI single by Sam Keckeisien. The Lakers avoided further damage as New Ulm attempted a double steal but the runner was thrown out at the plate to end the inning. The Lakers struck back in the bottom of the frame. Joe Grote led off with a walk, and with two outs, Austin Rendler blasted a double to score Grote to tie the game. 

In the second inning, the Lakers took the first lead of the game. Jack Jandro singled to lead off, stole second, advanced to third on a fly ball to right. Tucker Alstead lined to the right fielder but the ball was dropped allowing Jandro to score easily. 

With the bases loaded with one out in the top of the fourth, Colten Schaefer poked a single to right field that scored two runs with a subsequent run scoring on a throwing error to give the Brewers a 4-2 lead. Justin Hoffman followed with a sacrifice fly to make it a four run inning.

In the fifth, the Brewers added on to the lead. Loading the bases with nobody out, Josh Seidl drew a bases loaded walk with Lucas Seuss hitting a sacrifice fly to score another run, staking the Brewers to a five run lead halfway through the game. The Lakers loaded the bases the last half of the frame with one out but could not cash in. 

The Lakers got two runs back as the first two batters walked, advanced to scoring position on a passed ball. A Grote ground out and a Drew Conrad sacrifice fly got the Lakers back to within three runs, 7-4. 

The Brewers got the runs right back in the seventh as a Justin Hoffman tripled scored two runs to stretch the lead back up to 9-4.

Jamie's Deliverymen of the Game.

Folks, I'm going to deviate from the normal format. Kudos to the New Ulm Brewers, you had plenty of players play well tonight and deserve kudos. Congrats on making it to the Class A State Tournament and good luck in the Class A tournament this year and in the years coming up. 

1. Faribault Lakers- In the second year of having to play in Class A, the Lakers showed signs of competing with perennial Class A teams, racking up wins again perennial powers like Dundas and Rochester, beating the Royals twice. Sure there were nights where the crew was a bit shorthanded and it was not a fun night at the park. But the Lakers never showed quit and provided a Summer of fun baseball at Bell Field.

2. Lakers fans- There are some nights when the turnout could be sparse. It's hard to get fans out of air conditioning when the temperature is approaching 100 degrees. But the turnouts to first the road game at Elko last Sunday night and tonight at Bell Field shows me the Lakers indeed have a strong backing. It's neat to cover road games and see so many familiar faces at every game. Your loyalty is noticed.

3. Lakers Volunteers- It takes an army to put games on. Hat's off to the volunteers whether it be ticket takers, concession stand staff and the boys in the Press Box for making the Laker game experience what it is. I'm glad to be a very small part of what is going on at Bell Field every Summer.

Notes:

 With Blaine getting the American Association in 2028, I do not know if next year will be my retirement tour for covering the Lakers, but we'll worry about that in April of 2028. Thanks for everyone that has taken the time to read my work, spread my content on Social media and in general making me feel like a part of the Lakers family. Things are looking up for this team. Bring on 2027.