By Mike Bialka
Contributing Writer
JORDAN – Carver Black Sox pitcher Brady Melz and draftee Drew Hedtke teamed up to spoil the Pierz Brewers’ first trip to state since 2006.
Melz, named player of the game, fired seven innings and didn’t allow an earned run to get the win, a 4-1 victory in the opening round of the Class C state tournament Saturday at the Mini Met. Melz yielded seven hits but didn’t walk a batter.
Hedtke relieved in the eighth. He fanned three while allowing just one hit to preserve the win.
The loss finished underdog Pierz’s season with a 12-11 record.
“It was a great season, a great group of guys who love playing ball together and love each other,” Brewers manager Mike Poser said. “We just didn’t quite clutch up when we needed to.
The Brewers outhit the Sox 8-6 but left 10 runners on base, five in scoring position.
Catcher Ryan Kloster swung a hot bat for the Sox going 2-for-4 with a 2-run double off the top of the fence in right. Melz connected immediately after Kloster with an RBI double as Carver scored all of its runs in the fifth. Third baseman Sam Hennen ended the scoring with a sacrifice fly.
Designated hitter Kaden Kruschek and third baseman Cody Kimman each had two hits for the Brewers. Preston Veith’s sacrifice fly in the sixth scored Kruschek with the only Pierz run.
St. Stephen draftee Jake Schelonka started for Pierz and cruised through four scoreless innings. He allowed four earned runs and five hits with five strikeouts and three walks.
Pete Schommer finished for Pierz, blanking the Sox the rest of the way. He allowed only one hit and struck out three and didn’t walk a man.
“Schelonka a started off well,” Poser said. “He was popping the mitt really good. He walked three of their leadoff guys. Eventually that’s going to get you in trouble. Schommer came in and did what he did for us all year.”
While Carver (18-18) moves on to play the Watkins Clippers at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Green Isle, the Brewers hope they don’t have to wait another 18 years for a trip to state.
“This is awesome,” Poser said. “It’s a great field, a great facility. It’s an awesome atmosphere. We can’t wait to be back. We’ve got a good facility (in Pierz) too but this one is pretty awesome.”
