By Eric Kraushar
Contributing Writer
Raymond knew hits were going to come at a premium facing Springfield’s Jordan Milbrath, a former minor league pitcher in the Cleveland, Miami, Arizona, and Minnesota organizations. Milbrath backed up those pre-game thoughts, not allowing a hit through five innings.
“We knew Milbrath was going to be tough coming in. And he proved that today. We really had to wait him out, get some action plays. We just had to trust it was a nine-inning game,” Raymond’s Mike Jeseritz said.
When Milbrath began to tire in the sixth inning, Jeseritz drawing a lead-off walk, Raymond’s offense came to life. The Rockets broke open a 2-1 game with seven runs in the seventh inning, knocking off Springfield by a 10-1 score. It was the Tigers’ first trip to state since 2017.
Much of the Raymond line-up has turned over since a state championship season in 2017. Jeseritz, now in his 29th season, along with catcher Tyler Steen, tournament MVP in 2017, remain.
“It’s pretty special. Tyler was my batboy when I first started playing. These young guys are so much fun to play with. They’re so athletic; they play the game the right way. They do the right things on the field. All of the guys I’ve played with, Tyler has played with, we enjoy this for sure,” Jeseritz said.
Early on, it was all pitchers. Milbrath struck out the side in the fourth inning, converting three putouts among Raymond’s first six batters as well. His counterpart, John Sawatsky of Raymond, allowed just a single run in the second inning on an Ashtin Johnson RBI-single after Aiden Moriarty led off with a double. Sawatsky struck out five batters in five innings of work before Granite Falls draftee Bennett Knapper worked three scoreless frames for the win.
“Johnny Sawatsky has had a really great year. He’s been our guy all season, and he threw well again today. Benny came in and did a great job, too,” Jeseritz said.
Caleb Ditmarson led Raymond’s offense with a pair of double and three RBIs, two coming in the seven-run seventh inning. Jeseritz (RBI-single), Eli Nelson (two-run double) and Cooper Dack (2-RBI double) broke open the game in the inning as well. Steen finished off the scoring with a solo homer onto Eagle Street in right field in the eighth inning.
“It’s super contagious. And that’s this team. One guy starts it, the next guy follows, and everyone else picks it up. Ditmarson, the player of the game today, has been just fantastic all season. He’s a fun, athletic player that’s fun to play with. He’s been stinging the ball over this season,” Jeseritz said.
Now, Raymond draws pre-tournament favorite Young America in the second round at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23 in Green Isle.
“We need to keep these guys loose. I’m going to tell these guys they’re due for a loss,” Jeseritz said. Young America has won 27 straight games into the state tournament. “They have a big win streak, but why not us? Put the ball in play and let’s see what happens.”
COLD SPRING ROCKIES 4, PERHAM PIRATES 0
Cole Fuchs baffled Perham batters for nine innings, allowing two hits with nine strikeouts in a 4-0 win for the Cold Spring Rockies. Only two Pirate runners reached second base in the contest.
The Rockies managed just five hits themselves, capitalizing on four Perham errors to score in three innings. A sacrifice fly from Austin Dufner and RBI-single from Brady Leverington doubled the lead to four in the eighth inning.
Jordan Neu had two hits and scored the eventual run for Cold Spring in the third inning.
Maddux Kovash scattered four hits, fanning five batters over 7 1/3 innings in the loss for Perham. It was the Pirates’ first trip to state since 2019.
Cold Spring will face host Jordan at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23 at the Mini Met.
