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  • Mankato Twins shortstop Todd Standish puts the tag on Austin's Steve Serratore during an attempted steal Thursday at Franklin Rogers Park. John Cross

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July 19, 2012

Kaus, Anderson combine on shutout

By Jim Rueda Free Press Sports Editor

MANKATO — You could not have blamed Mankato Twins starting pitcher Nick Kaus if he was a little bit rusty.

The right-hander had thrown just one inning since the end of June and then was picked to start Tuesday night’s Southern Minny League amateur baseball game against the Austin Greyhounds.

He gave up a lead-off single to start the game and then walked another batter later in the inning. But Kaus worked his way out of it and ended up with a three-hitter through seven innings.

His effort helped the Twins earn a 1-0 win at Mankato’s Franklin Rogers Park.

“When we scored that run in the second inning I knew it would be enough,” Kaus said. “We play such good defense on this team that I knew it would be hard for Austin to score.

“All our guys have played college-level baseball so we have pretty good defense.”

Kaus said he relied mostly on his fastball during his seven-inning stint.

“I had trouble with my curve and my other breaking balls so I kept coming back to the fastball,” he said. “That’s my best pitch so why not stick with it.”

Mankato scored the game’s only run in the second. Jeremy Sudbeck grounded to third to lead off the inning and the fielder threw the ball down the right-field line for a three-base error. Todd Standish then blooped a single into right for the game-winning RBI.

“I didn’t think that was going to end up being the game-winning hit,” Standish said. “I had two strikes on me, and he threw me a fastball low and outside. I reached for it and just plunked it into right field.”

Thursday’s win came despite the Twins missing three of their top players, as second baseman/ coach Jay Nessler, third baseman Ryan Greene and center fielder Ben Kaus were all taking vacations.

“I guess when you take their bats out of our lineup it makes a big difference,” Standish said. “Fortunately we got great pitching from Nick and Matt (Anderson) and we played good defense.”

Anderson ended up pitching the final two innings for the save. He retired six of seven batters, giving up just one walk. He struck out No. 4 hitter Matt Raso swinging to end the game with a flourish.

Kaus fanned four and walked two during his outing.

Aaron Klatt was the hard-luck loser.

He gave up five hits and did not allow an earned run while pitching six innings.

Matt Hanson pitched two shutout innings of relief for the Greyhounds.

The Twins are back in action at 8 p.m. Wednesday when they host Northfield at Franklin Rogers Park.

Owatonna 8, Mets 3

The Mankato Mets closed out their regular season Thursday night with a loss to the Owatonna Aces at Owatonna.

The Mets finished with season a 14-6 record in the Southern Minny League, good enough for second place in the Class C league.

Against the Aces, Adam Geiger went 3 for 5 with an RBI, and Jimmy Kiefer had two hits.

Ashton Dorris took the loss, pitching eight innings.

He gave up eight runs on seven hits, including a pair of home runs.

The Mets will begin postseason play on Monday against an opponent to be determined.

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