Shawano slugged its way to a 13-11 win over Waterford in the opening round of the American Legion Baseball Class AA state tournament Wednesday in Kaukauna.
With the wind blowing out, Shawano coach Will Gillis knew there could be plenty of offense in the game.
“I think overall we played really well,” he said. “Just tighten up the defense and be ready to play tomorrow.”
Nate Laude picked up the win, pitching 3 2/3 innings in relief. He allowed two earned runs, issued one walk, hit one batter and struck out one.
Chase Henning, who went 3 for 4 with two triples, scored the first run on a fielding error following his triple in the bottom of the first inning.
In the second inning, Shawano hit Waterford starter Tony Ray hard for five runs. Ky Schmidt hit a two-run double scoring Jacob Lacy and Kasey Kristof. Henning followed up with his second triple, scoring Zack Sousek and Schmidt. Henning scored on a balk by Ray, who exited the game after allowing six runs on three hits and three walks in 1 1/3 innings.
Henning’s two early triples were enough for Waterford to intentionally walk him in the third inning.
“Sometimes it is frustrating. I just want to swing the bat, but it is part of the game,” Henning said. “Just got to take it when it comes.”
Waterford (16-6) tied the game with a six-run third inning. Ross Gunderson singled in Nicholas Busalacchi and Michael Schmidt. Ryan Kiedrowski singled and Trace Hunsucker drew a walk before Tyler Terrian hit a bases-clearing double to score Gunderson, Kiedrowski and Hunsucker. Korman singled in Kiedrowski to tie the game.
Shawano (16-10) jumped ahead 8-6 in its half of the third. Jacob Lacey scored on a single by Kristof (2 for 4), who scored on a double by Zack Sousek.
However, a three-run home run by Hunsucker in the top of the fourth inning put Waterford ahead 9-8.
Shawano regained the lead on a two-run double by Tommy Stueck, scoring Jack Lacy and Tasa Grignon (3 for 5, three runs scored), who both singled.
The Patriots added two runs in the fifth inning. Grant Wainio scored on a passed ball, and Grignon tripled in Jack Lacy, who singled to center field.
Waterford added a run in the sixth inning on a Kiedrowski double to score Gunderson, who singled.
In the bottom of the sixth, Wainio hit a triple to the warning track to score Henning, who singled.
Waterford added a run in the seventh inning before Laude closed out the game with a strikeout.
“Nate Laude came in and really slammed the door, and did a very nice job throwing strikes, and our bats stayed hot,” Gillis said.
“You just got to keep pitching and playing through it,” Laude said.
Waterford coach John Todryk knew it would be a tough game to win.
“They are a very good baseball team,” he said. “They came out, hit their strikes and hit the ball, scored some runs.”
Shawano’s next foe in the double-elimination tournament will be Menasha (23-4), which beat the Patriots 18-5 July 18 in Shawano.
“In the year they had our number,” Gillis said. “They play great defense and hit the ball. They were better than us all year and we are going to have to be there tomorrow.”
