Andrew Miller pitched a great game against the Vikings’ first opponent at the state Junior American Legion tournament. Unfortunately the Vikings lost against Starbuck. The Vikings fell the next day to Sacred Heart MACCRAY 9-2. Still, the Vikings were one of eight teams to earn a trip to state, a first for a Cook County team, and a great accomplishment. File photo/Laurie Johnson
Brian Larsen
Viking ace Andrew Miller took the loss for the Cook County Junior American Legion 16U team in the first round of the state playoffs, but he pitched a heck of game. Miller allowed eight hits and one earned run over six and two-thirds innings, striking out eight before leaving because he had reached his pitch count.
Through five innings the score was notched at 0-0.
Vikings head coach Arleigh Jorgenson explained the last two innings this way,
“The three runs scored in the sixth inning were unearned. Andrew Miller was pitching still.
The inning opened when Starbuck’s first hitter reached on an error. A fly ball to Josh Prom in center followed. The runner on first then stole second. The next hitter singled, and moved to second on the throw to the plate trying to cut down the lead runner.
“The next hitter singled, leaving runners on first and third. The runner on first stole second. An infield fly followed for the second out. A single drove in two more runs. The seventh inning opened with Miller still on the mound, but nearing his pitch count limit of 105 pitches. He struck the first batter out. The second reached on an error, but was picked off. The third hitter reached on a single and Adam Dorr relieved Miller.
“The runner stole second and scored on a single.”
Jared Freese took the win for Starbuck. Freese lived up to his name, pitching the entire seven innings while giving up no runs. He struck out four, walked none and only gave up two hits.
Ero Wallin and Andrew Miller were the only Vikings to get hits in the game.
Starbuck batters got 10 hits in the game.
Aaron Versteg, Clay Blair, and Grant Jansen, who each had multiple hits, led Starbuck.
Vikings fall 9-2
The next day the Vikings squared off against Sacred Heart/ MACCRAY and lost 9-2.
The first two innings ended with neither team scoring, but Sacred Heart put three runs on the board in the third and four more in the fourth and capped off their night with two more runs in the sixth.
Meanwhile the Vikings notched two runs in the third but couldn’t push any more across the plate.
Once again the Vikings’ bats were quiet and the team finished with four hits. Sacred Heart ended with 12 hits.
Jack Howard was the winning pitcher for Sacred Heart/ MACCRAY. Howard went five innings, striking out eight as he allowed four hits.
Dillon Sjogren took the loss for the Vikings. Dillon went three innings, allowing three runs, three hits and striking out two.
Josh Prom pitched one inning and Adam Dorr pitched 2.2 innings while Timmy Perfetto closed out the game on the mound.
Josh Prom, Riley Tiboni, Lucas Stadler and Ryder McMillan recorded the Vikings’ hits. McMillan drove in the Vikings’ only two runs
Sacred Heart MACCRAY stole nine bases during the game, with three of their players stealing more than one base.
Although the team lost, Coach Jorgenson was enthusiastic in his praise for his players and coaches.
“The Junior Legion team made Cook County baseball history by making it to state.
“One of eight teams, we travelled to Montevideo last weekend, opening against Starbuck on Friday and meeting Sacred Heart/ MacRay on Saturday. The community’s response was incredibly generous in support as we were able to travel by coach bus. Our hitting faltered in the state tournament, as we could muster only two hits against Starbuck and four against Sacred Heart/MacRay. Good pitching led us to state as it did for our opponents.
“Overall, the experience was incredible. It felt different than other ball games. We played competitively. We felt like we belonged there, and even though we lost, we did so with pride. We were one of eight teams playing in the state tournament! The opening ceremony was an inspiration to all, competitors and spectators alike. It felt pretty good!
“It was a terrific season for baseball at all levels this summer. Babe Ruth practiced and played well, winning a doubleheader against Ely to finish their season.
“Our American Legion Senior team, which was basically the same team as our Junior team with the important additions of Colton Furlong and Tristen Bockovich, finished their season with two very tough playoff losses to a very strong Proctor team. Both Bockovich and Miller pitched very well, which allowed us to compete very well.
“Our team included five players from Silver Bay. And, even though we will be rivals once again next spring, our bonds of friendship will last for the rest of our lives. I hesitate to even begin with the necessary thanks, but we must thank Silver Bay coach Ward Wallin, assistant coach Tim Miller, and also Mitch Dorr for reaching out to the community for funding, and for managing the trip to Montevidio.
“A once in a lifetime experience?
Well, we hope not. We hope that this team has elevated our hopes and our expectations on our athletic fields, but also in our lives. Thank you to all who have helped and supported us.”
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