Minneota Vulture Jacob Hennen slid into second trying to tag out Canby’s Jordan Ries, who was safe.

Vultures go 1-1

"They all work hard and are ready to contribute when the time comes,” said Coach J.D. Pesch.

 The Minneota Vultures Junior Legion lost their opener to Canby, 5-2, but bounced back with a six-inning, 12-2 win over Dawson and are still alive in the double elimination tournament.

Canby 5, Minneota 3

The Minneota Vultures were handed five walks by Canby pitcher Evan Stoks and he and his teammates committed seven errors. That's 12 baserunners. But Stoks gave up just two hits and stunned the Minneota Jr. Legion Vultures in the first game of the playoffs, 5-3.

Minneota defeated Canby twice during the regular season. "We're down, but not out," said Coach J.D. Pesch.

Minneota will come back Monday for the second tournament game. "Stoks is a good pitcher and if they lose, we'll likely see him again," said Pesch.

Starting pitcher Landon Rolbiecki gave up three runs in the first inning as the first four batters reached safely. A leadoff triple by Tyler Sayre set the tone. Jordan Reis walked and later scored in the second and Parker Viessman doubled and scored in the fourth. Minneota picked away with a run in the first on three Canby errors. They got two more in the third on three more Canby errors. Sam Buysse singled, stole second and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jacob Hennen in the third.

Austin Sorensen scored the second run. They got just one more hit the rest of the way, a single by Rolbiecki. Teddy Pesch relieved but Rolbiecki took the loss.

Minneota 12, Dawson 2 (6)

“Grady Moorse pitched fantastic,” said Coach J.D. Pesch after a 12-2, six-inning win Monday night.

“We were short players from the mission trip but Trey Gronke stepped up and went 2-2 with two RBIs, Cole VanOverbeke had two putouts in left field and Tony Starodub also started and had three putouts in the field, going 1-4 at the plate,” said the coach.

“We had non-starters step up to fill spots and were ready to play and had a great night. The team is first and they all understand that. They all work hard and are ready to contribute when the time comes,” he said.

The Junior Legion plays next at 6 p.m. in Canby on Monday, July 24. If they win, they play in Madison on Tuesday, July 25 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. if needed. The winner goes to state.

Minneota leadoff hitter Sam Buysse had four hits, scored four runs and stole two bases. He knocked in a run and amongst his hits was a double. Austin Sorensen and Josh Laleman also had two hits for the Vultures.

Minneota 12, Dawson 2 (6)

MINNEOTA (AB-R-H-RBI) Sam Buysse, cf 4-4-4-1; Jaymes Moon, c 4-0-1-2; Tate Walerius, 2b 4-0-0-0; Jacob Hennen, ss 3-2-0-0; Austin Sorensen, 1b 4-2-2-2; Josh Laleman, 3b 4-1-2-1; Cole VanOverbeke, lf 1-0-0-0; Trey Gronke, lf 2-0-2-2; Grady Moorse, p 4-1-1-1; Tony Starodub, rf 4-1-1-1. Totals 36-12-13-10. DAWSON (Totals) 24-2-1-1. Score by Innings Minneota 123 141 — 12 13 4 Dawson 020 000 — 2 1 6 LOB-Minneota 6; Dawson 3. SB-Minneota: S. Buysse 2; Hennen 2; Sorensen; Laleman 2; Moorse. SAC-Minneota: Walerius. 2B-Minneota-S. Buysse.

Pitching IP R ER H BB K

Minneota Grady Moorse (W) 6 2 0 1 1 5

Dawson All 6 12 6 13 1 2

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