by Joe Anklam
The Hornet’s baseball season came to a close going two for two during the end of year tournament at Woodside of Mauston. Hornets were able to shut out Royal five to zero, and defeat Adams Friendship eight to two; however, Hornets lost to Tohma three to two in a nail biter and were defeated soundly by Montello’s all-star team eight to zero for the final game of the year.
Game one went great for Kade Panich, who earned his third win of the season striking out 11 Royal hitters. Kade gave up only two hits, and his defense was able to maintain his shutout.
The Hornet offense was able to connect eight times, which was led by Panich’s three for four plate appearance. Damean Netzler added a two for four performance, while Brady Stahl and Christian Weiss both went one for two. Logan Johnson also had a one for four day and scored two runs for the Hornets.
The Hornets defeated the Adams Friendship Green Devils eight to two during their second game of the night. Kyler Fenske gave up four hits and notched six strikeouts, which helped him earn his fourth win of the season. Defensively, Sam Weiss started a double play, which was relayed to Kade Panich at second and then to Logan Johnson at first base scored six-four-three.
The offense was led by Logan Johnson and Christian Weiss going three for four and a double. Kyler Fenske went two for three, while Kade Panich, Hunter Netzler (DBL), and Sam Weiss went one for three at the plate.
The third game brought a loss for the Hornets to Tomah, three to two. Damean Netzler took the loss giving up three unearned runs and striking out seven. Hornet offense was able to produce five hits, but Tomah had six. The team had chances to help Damean out offensively, but just couldn’t capitalize in multiple situations. Damean Netzler tried to help his cause by going two for three at the plate, and Christian Weiss was one for two, with two RBI’S. Brady Stahl added a one for four day, scoring in the first and third inning. These two runs were all we could plate, which created a two for one pool play record. This loss secured a 4th place tournament seed for our final day of the tournament.
The final game resulted in Sam Weiss starting and the team relieved him with Hoyt Keller, Hunter Netzler and Christian Weiss. Wautoma lost eight to zero, but I was proud of how our team stayed together and fought one last time for its senior members. (Connor Armstrong, Brady Stahl, Kade Panich, and Damean Netzler)
Hunter Netzler led the offense going two for two, while Logan Johnson and Christian Weiss turned in a one for three day at the plate.
The Hornets may have lost the game, but the overall record of eight to six was a silver lining of a successful summer season.
Appreciation goes out to as the season comes to a close to the summer youth program, the dedicated parents, coaching staff and the twelve players that gave us all they had.
As always, go Hornets.
