Utica home talent scores upset victory over last year's southeast sectional qualifier Jefferson

Brock Wanninger pitched a complete game with six strikeouts for Utica Association, which earned a 5-1 victory over the previously unbeaten Jefferson Blue Devils in Home Talent League Baseball Sunday League action at Utica Park on Sunday, June 2.

Utica scored three times on four hits in the third inning against Jefferson starter Ike Roth. Max Gartzke doubled home a pair of runs with one out, then stole third and scored on Wanninger’s sacrifice fly.

Logan Wagner singled home a two-out run in the Jefferson sixth, cutting the deficit to 3-1.

Lead-off hitter Ben Hildebrandt singled home a pair with two outs in the Utica sixth for the final margin. Hildebrandt finished the game 3x5 with a double.

Wanninger permitted seven hits, all singles, and walked four in the decision for Utica (4-0).

Roth gave up four earned runs on seven hits in five frames in the loss. Heath Renz tossed the final three innings, allowing a run on three hits.

The Blue Devils (3-1) stranded nine runners, five of which were in scoring position.

Nate Gilbert of the Jefferson Daily Union contributed to this article.

Utica 1, Footville 0

The Utica Association continued their perfect start to the 2024 Home Talent League season with a 1-0 win over Footville on Monday, May 27 at Footville Community Park.

Ben Hildebrandt scored the winning run for the A’s, crossing the plate in the top of the eighth inning to break a scoreless tie. Owen Ernest and Connor Kalinowski both recorded two hits for Utica.

On the mound for Utica, Brock Wanninger pitched a complete game shutout. Wanninger recorded five strikeouts, issued two walks and allowed five hits.