The Tigers defeated the Wolves 14-4 on Thursday, April 25
Heading into its game against Milaca on Thursday, April 25, at Solheim Field, the Tigers scored on average of 10.29 runs per game and scored at least 10 runs in three of their previous seven games.
That trend continued as Princeton (7-1, 5-1) clobbered Milaca’s pitching for a 14-4 win in six innings over the Wolves (1-5, 0-3).
Tigers head coach Brian Julson said Princeton took advantage of opportunities offensively on Thursday that it didn’t in a 3-2 loss to North Branch (4-5, 4-3) on Tuesday, April 23.
“It was nice to get some of those clutch hits, get some runs on the board and take advantage of some guys in scoring position,” Julson said. “We have some guys that can run and get up the line in a hurry. It’s nice to put some pressure on the defense.”
The Tigers scored four runs in the bottom the first inning thanks to an RBI double by senior Tyler Peters and RBI singles by sophomore Nolan Peters and senior Niko Bratulich. Princeton scored an additional run on a Milaca error.
Princeton scored on an error again in the second inning before Wolves junior Bryce Mehrwerth cut Milaca’s deficit to 5-3 with a three-run double to the outfield.
The Tigers scored five runs in the fourth. Tyler Peters drove in two with a double and three more scored on a passed ball that got past Wolves senior catcher Brian Martindale.
Down by seven entering the top of the fifth, Mehrwerth gave Milaca hope when he sent the ball into orbit over the right field fence for a solo home run off of Tigers senior pitcher Lane Olson. The homer cut Princeton’s lead to 10-4.
That was all the momentum the Wolves would get, as the Tigers scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to win 14-4.
Olson earned the win. He threw four innings and allowed five hits, three runs and two walks and struck out five.
Julson said Princeton pitchers have to do a better job attacking the strike zone.
“We call it pitching to contact,” he said. “It’s hard to play defense behind guys that are walking, and our pitchers have done a nice job all year. We stress pitching to contact and controlling that strike zone. That’s our focus day in and day out.”
Player of the Game
Tyler Peters was 3-for-4 with three doubles and four RBIs. He threw two innings in relief of Olson and allowed one run, one hit and two walks while striking out a pair of Wolves.
“He’s seeing the ball well and swinging [the bat] well,” Julson said. “He’s one of the top hitters in the conference and in the state, for sure.”
What’s next
Princeton hosts St. Francis (5-2, 4-2) on Thursday, May 2, at 7 p.m. at Solheim Field.
Milaca hosts Mora (2-4, 1-4) on Thursday, May 2, at 5 p.m. at the Milaca High School baseball field.
Julson said it’s always fun to play Milaca every year.
“They always have a lot of good athletes and players,” he said. “We’re such close neighbors. We’re fortunate because we didn’t play our best. They hung around, and we were fortunate that we broke it open at the end.”
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