By Mike Bialka
Contributing Writer
JORDAN – It was a bizarre way to decide a state tournament game.
The Atwater Chuckers and Loretto Larks played 9 ½ innings knotted at 1-1. With one out in the bottom of the 10th, Larks center fielder Ben Leuthner walked. Shortstop Keegan Nickel doubled Leuthner to third. Right fielder Tyler Maher drew a walk to fill the bases. Loretto won it when second baseman Joshua Koskie was plunked by a Josh Kingery pitch.
Loretto won despite collecting just three hits.
Right fielder Kobe Holtz had two of the Chuckers’ six hits.
Caleb Koskie launched a solo home run to left in the second for the game’s first run.
The score remained 1-0 until the fourth when Atwater second baseman David Kingery cracked a run-scoring base hit.
Both teams failed to capitalize on late chances to win.
In the Loretto ninth, Joshua Koskie walked and was wild pitched to second. Designated hitter Corey Koskie, the former Minnesota Twin, grounded out to Atwater first baseman Jaxon Behn. Bradley Koskie and Caleb Koskie walked to load the bases. Josh Gullickson then lined to Behn who stepped on first to double up Caleb Koskie.
Catcher Logan Straumann was hit by a pitch to open the Atwater 10th.. One out later, Josh Kingery walked and Carson McCain was hit by a pitch to jam the bases. Baserunner interference at first base accounted for the second out. Larks reliever Andrew Kemper struck out Holtz to douse the Chuckers’ final threat.
Kemper earned the win. Chuckers’ reliever Josh Kingery, who faced three batters in the 10th, absorbed the loss.
Atwater draftee Isaac Schmitt of Milroy pitched eight splendid innings, allowing just a run and two hits.
Loretto starter Miles Nablo went five solid innings, allowing a run and four hits. Caleb Koskie pitched four shutout innings for the Larks.
The teams combined to turn three double plays, strike out 12 times and walk 16 times.
The opening-round victory sends Loretto against the Sauk Centre Titans at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Belle Plaine.
Game notes
– The game featured four Koskies – Corey (age 51), Bradley Koskie (24), Joshua Koskie (21) and Caleb Koskie (19).
– Atwater’s roster included 63-year-old Mike Kingery, who played for six major league teams in a 10-year big league career. Son David is 24 and son Joshua 21.
