Vultures fall to Dawson in playoff opener
Minneota lost its playoff opener on Tuesday night, falling to Dawson 10-7 in Montevideo.
No other details were available at press time.
Dawson 9, Minneota 8
(Result Thursday, July 14)
Minneota played several of its younger players in this final regular-season game as a tuneup for the playoffs.
"We were ironing out a few positions and pitching scenarios in this game before playoffs, said coach J.D. Pesch. The boys played well and the younger players had a chance to step up and prove themselves."
Dawson outhit the Vultures 11-10 in this slugfest that saw both teams score in all but two innings.
"Eighth grader Carson Javers pitched well and will be useful going into the playoffs, as will several others," Pesch said.
Javers, the third Minneota pitcher, gave up six hits and four unearned runs over the final 3 1/3 innings.
Other eighth graders also played impressed the coaches.
"Joey Lacek played a good second base, Kellen Bradley will step in as a reserve second baseman or outfielder, Easton Johnston will play a starting role in the outfield, and Kyson Arndt will be a reserve outfielder/first baseman and a useful batter on offense," Pesch said. "These five eighth graders had a challenging summer as they chose to move up to the Junior Legion team. They do get less playing time than they would have with the 7th-8th grade team this summer. But they were learning a lot an realizing the game moves a lot faster at this age level."
Ryan Meagher paced the offense with three hits against Dawson. Javers, Ryan Dalager and Adam Dalager had two hits apiece. Javers had a triple and two RBI, and Adam Dalager had a double and two RBI. Brody Larson had the other Minneota hit.
"We are excited to be entering the playoffs this week," said Pesch. "We feel we are ready. Our pitching has been very good lately and the boys have goof confidence."
The Vultures face Dawson in the first round of the playoffs and would face top-seeded Montevideo in the second round if they win.
Minneota will host all playoff games July 26, 29 and 30.
Dawson 9, Minneota 8
Minneota...................................013 012 1 - 8 10 4
Dawson......................................203 310 x - 9 11 2
Minneota hitting: Carson Javers 2-for-4, run, 3b, 2 rbi; Brody Larson 1-for-4, run; Ryan Dalager 2-for-3, 2 runs; Ryan Meagher 3-for-4, run, rbi; Adam Dalager 2-for-4, 2b, 2 rbi; Eli Gruenes 0-for-4; Parker Bradley 0-for-2, hbp, run; Easton Johnston 0-for-1, run, rbi; Joey Lacek 0-for-1; Kelly Bradley 0-for-3, run
Minneota pitching (ip-h-r-er-bb-so): Keaton Jurrens 0-0-2-2-3-0, Eli Gruenes (L) 2 1/3-5-3-3-4-1, Carson Javers 3 1/3-6-4-0-2-1