Waseca Legion downs Marshall to open sub-state tournament

The Waseca Senior Legion baseball team began postseason play Wednesday afternoon in New Ulm when they faced off against Marshall, who served as the home team in the game. A strong pitching performance from Sabastian Teague and aggressive baserunning performance led Waseca to earn a 6-2 victory to advance in the tournament.

Teague pitched six and one third inning of two-run ball, allowing just six hits throughout the game. Tyson Reger entered the game in relief and earned the final two outs of the day with a groundout to second and strikeout to secure the win.

The game got off to a great start for Waseca in the top of the first with Reger drawing a leadoff walk before Payton Garza lifted a single into shallow centerfield. Keato Roeker put down a perfect bunt along the third base line and had the throw to first beat, but on top being late, the throw was wide of the base and allowed both Reger and Garza to score.

Waseca attempted a squeeze with Roeker at third and Nate Engel-Mueller at the plate, but the ball was quickly gathered by the Marshall pitcher and the throw to home was in time to make a play. Engel-Mueller stole second and reached third on a wild pitch during the next at-bat and a fielders' choice to second base allowed him to score, putting Waseca ahead 3-0. In the bottom of the first, Marshall responded with a run of their own that came on an RBI double, but that would be the only run Waseca would allow until the bottom of the seventh.

In the top of the second, an error allowed Garza to reach first safely and after a steal of second, he was able to score when Roeker ripped a single into left field. Waseca added two more runs in the top of the fourth inning after Reger led off with a bunt single followed by a liner to right from Garza and another bunt single from Engel-Mueller that scored Reger.

A wild pitch then allowed Garza to score, giving Waseca a 6-1 lead. Marshall would attempt to rally in the seventh after a one-out error was followed by a pair of singles, including an RBI single to left field, resulting in Reger taking the mound to secure the win for Waseca. Legion playoffs continue in New Ulm Through July 27, and if Waseca reaches the state tournament, it will begin Thursday, Aug. 1, in Osseo.