This was not the way the Esko baseball team wanted to open the season. Playing on their home field on Monday afternoon, the Eskomos committed seven errors and lost to Two Harbors 8-2.
"Our pitching was strong, allowing only one earned run," said Esko coach Ben Haugen. "I believe we walked two and hit one batter while striking out six."
The problems for the Eskomos began when the Agates put the ball in play, especially in the middle innings when they gave up six runs on four hits and a multitude of errors.
"Our defense was obviously suspect," mentioned Haugen. "All of our errors led to runs."
Dylan Anderson started on the mound and allowed just one earned run in the first three innings while fanning six and walking just one. Anderson was followed by Micah Tengesdal who walked one, hit one and allowed four hits in his three innings. However, Tengesdal was hurt by the errors and the Agates pushed six runs across the plate.
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"Offensively we looked like we hadn't been outside yet and that we had just had spring break," stated Haugen. "We had five hits with Rob Johnson going 2-for-4, Matt Sundstrom going 2-for-5 and Tony Granda going 1-for-1."
Two Harbors was led by Lowell Hanson who allowed just five hits in six innings of work while Matt Bruley added three hits and Hanson two for the winning Agates.
"I think our pitching will be strong this year," explained Haugen. "Kyle Hall, Jake Olson, Dylan Anderson and Micah Tengesdal will get the bulk of the innings, but our defense and hitting needs work. These kids will work hard to improve."
Pine Journal sports reporter Kerry Rodd can be contacted at: kdrodd@aol.com .
