The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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July 15, 2012

Kato Cubs wrap up division crown

Gullixson guides team past Spiders

By Jim Rueda Free Press Sports Editor

MANKATO — It was another hot, muggy day at Wolverton Field in Mankato Saturday and the Kato Cubs amateur baseball team made sure they didn’t spend too much time outside.

Instead of playing a regulation nine-inning, 13-60 League amateur baseball game against the Cleveland Spiders, the Cubs piled on the runs to win 13-1 and end the game in seven innings. David Gullixson went the distance for the win, allowing one earned run on seven hits.

“I changed my approach a little bit as the game wore on,” Gullixson said. “I started mixing it up a little bit more. You get to know the hitters’ sweet spots the first time through the order and then you try to use that to your advantage.”

The Cubs managed nine hits and were aided by seven walks and six Cleveland errors. Ten of Mankato’s 13 runs were earned.

Leadoff batter Chris Ward may have had the most productive day, walking twice, hitting a sacrifice fly and belting an RBI triple to deep center. He also reached on an error and scored a run.

Brendon Watts smacked a two-run single in the fourth inning and Tony Mendoza belted a two-run double in the second. He injured himself sliding into the base on the hit, played a few more innings, and then was replaced by player/manager Troy Birhanzel.

“I don’t like playing, I prefer coaching, but when you’re short on players there’s not much you can do,” Birhanzel said afterward. “Fortunately we had enough to win today. David threw a nice game and we capitalized on their mistakes.”

Cleveland’s Keith Rogers took the loss, giving up seven earned runs in three innings. He was relieved with no outs in the bottom of the fourth when he walked the bases loaded and then walked Adam Trautman to put the Cubs up 7-1.

Ryan Thompson and Mike Krenik finished out the game for the Spiders. Leadoff batter Kyle Ziebarth led the attack, going 3 for 4 with a double and a run scored. Rogers drove in the only run with a single in the first.

Saturday’s win clinches the 13-60 League Blue Division title for the Cubs. They begin playoff action next Saturday with a home game against a team to be determined at 2 p.m. at Franklin Rogers Park.

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