Oconto Falls Legion looks ahead to second half

As the Oconto Falls Legion team dealt with an everyday grind for much of its season, the layoff from June 28 to July 8 was much needed. “I think, mentally and physically, the team could use some rest,” Oconto Falls coach Chris Hillberg said. “I expect us to turn it up a notch and make a run at the second half of the season and hopefully be playing our best ball at tournament time.” With the Fox River Valley Northern Division title out of reach, Oconto Falls (6-7, 3-6 Fox River North) is looking ahead to the regional tournament with Kaukauna, Mosinee and host Shawano from July 24-28. “I believe it’s a regional that we can compete in if we are playing up to our ability,” Hillberg said. However, Hillberg also has Friday’s game against Marinette circled on his calendar. Marinette defeated Oconto Falls 5-4 on June 24, and Hillberg remains winless at Marinette throughout his seven years as coach. “The team that usually challenges us the most is Marinette,” Hillberg said. “They always give us their best game.” Hillberg said setting a pitching rotation for the remainder of the year has been difficult, especially with hurler Riley Gruetzmacher playing with the Wisconsin All-Stars. Hillberg has an agreement in place with the All-Stars to preserve the hard-throwing right-hander’s arm. Gruetzmacher has made one appearance for Oconto Falls. “It’s a tough position to be in as a coach and a player,” Hillberg said. “With a decent amount of players on the team, it isn’t the best move to start him when he shows up.” There is no set rotation entering the second half of the season, said Hillberg, who has summoned Evan Sigmund from the junior varsity to bolster the staff. “It is tough without knowing what (Greutzmacher)’s availability is,” Hillberg said. “We will have Hunter Magnin, Derek Zahn and Sigmund every fifth day if possible.” Zahn pitched a complete-game two-hitter in Oconto Falls’ 13-3 win at Oconto on June 26. Hillberg said defense will be the key for Oconto Falls down the final stretch of the season, indicating the team has given up too many unearned runs, including three errors in an 8-7 loss at De Pere on June 28.