HUTCHINSON — In a matchup of two former North Star League rivals, it was the Delano Athletics getting the best of things in their matchup with the Hutchinson Huskies. The A’s had the bats rolling in a big way early and often as they cruised to an 11-0 win over the Huskies to reach the Class B state semifinals.
“I didn’t see that coming at all,” Delano manager Steve Eilen said. “Jackson (Hunter) gave us another fabulous game. Our defense has been solid, and the hitting showed up in a big way today throughout our lineup. Trevor got us started early in the game, and then some of our young guys followed suit. They came through big. We’re going to face tough pitching, but if that continues, we’ll be a tough out.”
While Delano certainly got another gem on the mound from Hunter in the win, it was the offense that stole the show in the matchup with their former rival. Veteran Trevor Jaunich got the party started with a solo home run in the top of the second. After Jaunich’s home run gave Delano a spark, they kept things rolling in the top of the third by adding on five more runs to break things open.
“Up and down the lineup, I was pleased with what I saw,” Eilen said. “They really came out swinging today.”
The A’s didn’t let up as the game went on. In the top of the fifth, Delano struck for five more runs thanks to a pair of home runs from Drew Dorsey and Michael Reem to break the game open even more.
Dorsey was one of the nine different players who had at least one hit for the A’s in the win. Of the nine starters for Delano, eight of them scored at least one run as well, as they got production from all over the lineup.
“We played very well,” Dorsey said. “Whether it was pitching, defense, or hitting, we did it all really well. It was a lot of fun. It’s fun to get everybody involved, and that’s what happened today.”
“It’s fun,” Eilen added. “Basically, I can just sit back and watch. Those guys just get it. It’s reminiscent of years past when we won it. If they continue that, we’ll be tough. I’m sure whoever we get will be tough, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Along with the big day at the plate, Hunter continued his dominance on the mound. The Watertown draftee recorded a seven-inning shutout in which he allowed just one hit while striking out seven and walking two. The lone hit of the game for the Huskies came on an infield single by Kyle Schumann in the bottom of the third.
In three games this tournament, Hunter has tossed 24 innings and allowed just three runs and nine hits while racking up 18 strikeouts.
At the plate, Marcus Riewer continued his hot streak. He had three hits and also reached on a walk while scoring two runs. For the tournament through three games, Riewer is 7-for-11 (.636) with four runs scored. Jack Paulson, Toby Hanson, and Dorsey all added two hits apiece as well in the win.
For Hutchinson, Schumann had the lone hit of the game in the loss. Zach Kuseske was tagged with the loss on the mound. He went two and a third innings in which he allowed four runs off six hits.
Delano advances to the Class B semifinals, where a matchup with the Raymond Rockets or Young America Cardinals awaits.
“We have a lot of depth on this team,” Dorsey said. “We’re hitting the ball really well,” Dorsey said. “A lot of the guys in the lineup can really swing it. That’s good to have going into the next game.”
