By Eric Kraushar
Contributing Writer
Courtland returned to the state tournament in 2023 after a 78-year hiatus. Their return lasted one game, losing to eventual champion Maple Lake.
One year later, the Cubs are among the final eight teams in Class C. Courtland scored early, adding late, in a 4-0 win over tournament veteran Red Wing. The Aces were making their 35th state appearance to three for Courtland.
“We weren’t ready (last year). We were nervous. This year, we’re ready. We aren’t nervous out there. We’re playing like we can,” Courtland pitcher Jackson Bode said.
Teddy Giefer gave Courtland an early 2-0 lead on a first-inning home run. It was Courtland’s only real threat offensively until late in the game as Red Wing’s Aaron Johnson dominated for much of the game. Johnson scattered seven hits with four strikeouts.
Courtland, which committed four errors, but did not allow an unearned run, capitalized on Red Wing’s lone error with two insurance runs in the eighth inning. Jaden Drill’s RBI single and a passed ball accounted for the scoring for the Cubs.
“We made the plays at the right time. We never let things get out of hand,” Bode said.
While Johnson cruised for much of the game, Courtland starter Jackson Bode made big pitches throughout to strand 10 Red Wing runners. His defense turned two double plays while catcher Cade Bushard threw out a base stealer at second base.
Bode’s final inning of work saw him wiggle out of jam with two runners on and one out. He allowed five hits with four strikeouts in the win.
Courtland will face the winner of Watkins and Buffalo at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1 in Green Isle.
“It feels good. We’re going to come back and play the best we can. See what we can do,” Bode said.
