By Eric Kraushar
Contributing Writer
Following a sweet sixteen appearance in 2020, Union Hill has been unable to take the next step, losing in the first round in three consecutive years. Their 2023 state appearance an epic first-round loss to eventual champion Maple Lake, rallying from an 8-0 deficit, coming up short in extra innings.
Through two innings Friday against St. Peter, Union Hill trailed 2-0. Saints pitcher Josh Robb, coming off a complete-game shutout in a Region 6C state qualifier, was sharp. That was until the second time through the order for the Bulldogs.
A rally started with an error. Following a hit-batsman and back-to-back walks, forcing in a run, Will Busch delivered the first of two multi-RBI hits in the inning for Union Hill. His double gave the Bulldogs the 3-2 lead. By the time the inning was over — Nate Lee added a two-run single — it was 5-2 Union Hill. They would beat St. Peter 9-3 in the state opener in Belle Plaine.
“The count was 2-0, then 2-1, and I was thinking of something out over the plate. Something I could drive to the outfield and score some runs,” Busch said.
After scoring single runs in the first two innings with five hits the first time through the batting order, St. Peter mustered just three more hits the rest of the way. Sam Wenner doubled and scored on a Cody Booker two batters into the game. Tyson Sowder made it 2-0 with a two-out hit in the second inning. It wasn’t until the ninth inning that St. Peter would score again on a Wenner two-out double to the wall.
“Credit to (Union Hill starting pitcher) Charlie Otteson for really settling down, getting into a groove, and really giving us a chance to get our bats going,” Busch said.
Union Hill relief pitchers Jake Hemann and Tanner Nordrum combined to allow one run in five innings of relief.
The Bulldogs added a run in the fourth inning and three more in the fifth inning to break open the game farther.
Now that Union Hill has its first state win in four years, and a legion of moustaches behind them, can the Region 3C Bulldogs make a long run at state?
“It definitely feels good to get that first-round win out of the way. We’ve had a couple of tough draws the last couple of years. Beating St. Pete, a really good team, it feels good. We played well. We didn’t make any errors, so we’re pleased with it,” Busch said.
Union Hill plays Region 9C champion Clinton at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25 in Belle Plaine.
