WIAA State Championships: Day 2
June 15, 2022
The WIAA Division 2, 3, and 4 semifinals began today at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton. Wednesday featured six games between the 12 qualifying teams.
DIVISION 4 SEMIFINALS
#4 OAKFIELD vs #1 EAU CLAIRE REGIS
After only losing one game in the 2022 regular season, the Regis Ramblers entered the state tournament with a 17-1 record. They were matched up against the Oakfield Oaks, a team from the Trailways - North Conference.
Regis opened up the scoring in the first inning, via an RBI single from C Sam Knickerbocker (2023). Regis led 1-0 for the first three innings of the game.
The Ramblers strike early, courtesy of a RBI single from C Sam Knickerbocker (2023) that brought home one.
— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) June 15, 2022
Regis leads 1️⃣-0️⃣ through 1️⃣ inning. pic.twitter.com/bLtZGpIKaM
Oakfield had an offensive explosion in the 4th inning, as they were able to knock out RHP Cole Selvig (2023; Texas commit). The Oaks scored four runs in the inning, three of which came from a bases-clearing double from INF Hunter Sabel (2024). Their lead got up to 4-1 after four innings of play.
After some free bases and a run coming home on a bases-loaded walk, INF Hunter Sabel (2024) delivers a double to the left-center gap to clear the bases.
— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) June 15, 2022
Oakfield 4️⃣- Regis 1️⃣ ⬆️5️⃣ pic.twitter.com/jNaly98cIc
Knickerbocker once again had an answer in the bottom of the 5th, as he tripled and scored, cutting the lead to 4-3. After knocking out Oakfield’s pitcher in the 6th inning, RHP Matt Strahmann (2022), the Ramblers erupted for an 11-run 6th inning. Two triples from OF Alex Leis (2022), a home run from INF Jamie Kostka (2025), and five other base hits helped the Ramblers win this semifinal in run-rule fashion.
What an inning for the Ramblers as they put up 11 in the sixth inning to take down Oakfield.
— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) June 15, 2022
In the big inning INF Mason Kostka (2022) hit a two-run homerun; OF Alex Leis (2022)hit his second RBI triple of the game and OF/LHP Zander Rockow (2023) drove home the game ending run. pic.twitter.com/UrRDx6JdJP
The Ramblers won 14-4, and advance to play the winner of #3 Columbus Catholic and #2 Bangor in the WIAA Division 4 state championship tomorrow at 9 a.m.
#3 BANGOR vs #2 COLUMBUS CATHOLIC
In the second Division 4 semifinal of the day, the Bangor Cardinals had the second come-from-behind victory of the day. It was a pitchers’ duel for the first four innings of the ballgame, as both LHP Ashton Michek (2022; Augustana - South Dakota) and RHP Emmitt Konieczny (2024) were both able pitch around baserunners and hold the opponent to zero.
The Columbus Catholic Dons got the scoring started in the 5th inning, as two walks and two stolen bases set up C Cole Timmler (2022). Timmler had a 2-RBI single and gave the Dons a 2-0 lead.
In game two of the day, Bangor takes on Columbus Catholic in the other D4 Semifinals.
— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) June 15, 2022
Both teams were quiet offensively until C Cole Timmler (2022) ripped a single up the middle that brought home two for Columbus Catholic.
The Dons are up 2️⃣-0️⃣ going into the sixth. pic.twitter.com/URohcGRvy7
The Cardinals answered in the top of the 6th with a 2-RBI single of their own, as INF Will Reader (2022) drove in two runs to tie the game.
After throwing out a runner at home in the inning prior, OF Brock Bennington (2022) delivered a RBI triple down the left-field line to put the Columbus Catholic up by 1️⃣ with three outs left to play. pic.twitter.com/liBT6z5McS
— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) June 15, 2022
In the next inning, Columbus Catholic got the lead back with a clutch triple from OF Brock Bennington (2022), entering the 7th inning with a 3-2 lead.
After throwing out a runner at home in the inning prior, OF Brock Bennington (2022) delivered a RBI triple down the left-field line to put the Columbus Catholic up by 1️⃣ with three outs left to play. pic.twitter.com/liBT6z5McS
— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) June 15, 2022
After Bangor forced Konieczny out of the game, the Cardinal offense erupted for 7-run 7th inning. INF Chase Horstman (2024) gave Bangor the lead with a 2-RBI double. The Cardinals had six hits in the inning, and gave themselves a 9-3 lead heading into the bottom of the 7th.
Bangor had work to do as they were down 1️⃣ with 1️⃣ inning left to play. The Bangor offense then exploded for seven runs; highlighted by a two-RBI double from INF Chase Horstman (2024).
— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) June 15, 2022
Now, Bangor leads 9️⃣-3️⃣ with three outs remaining. pic.twitter.com/EYHbDnQ87y
The Dons were able to make some noise in the bottom half of the frame, as they strung together four hits, and scored five runs. It was not enough though, as a diving catch from OF Samuel Cropp (2024) sent the Cardinals to the WIAA Division 4 State Championship game with a 9-8 victory.
DIVISION 3 SEMIFINALS
#4 CUBA CITY vs #1 AMHERST
The Amherst Falcons entered the state tournament with a perfect record of 24-0, and looked to maintain that perfect record over the next two days. Their opponent, the Cuba City Cubans, had different plans.
This matchup featured another pitching duel between the opposing teams. RHP Ben Lee (2022; UW-Milwaukee commit) took the bump for Amherst, and RHP Kobe Vosberg (2022) toed the rubber for Cuba City.
In the third game of the day, @AmhFalconBsebll matches up with Cuba City.
— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) June 15, 2022
It is a pitchers duel as neither offense can get anything going. For Cuba City, RHP Kobe Vosberg (2022) gets out of jam with a big strikeout. Through five innings, Vosberg has K’d 11, and allowed one hit. pic.twitter.com/AcrK0XMWB5
Both pitchers dominated in the first six innings of their outings and didn’t give up any runs. Vosberg had 13 strikeouts in six innings of work. On the other hand, Lee had eight strikeouts in 6 ⅔ innings. Both pitchers had struggles and hit pitch counts in the 7th inning though.
Opposing Vosberg is RHP Ben Lee (2022; Wisconsin-Milwaukee commit) who has been equally impressive.
— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) June 15, 2022
Through his six innings of work, Lee has 8️⃣ Ks and has scattered 3️⃣ hits.
Still 0️⃣-0️⃣ as we go into the seventh. pic.twitter.com/oRXYjIL9Fe
For Cuba City, they were able to get after Lee with the help of two walks. Those walks would come around to score, as C Reece Rosencranz (2023) singled to left field, scoring one. The ball rolled under the left fielder’s glove, allowing a second run to score. Cuba City entered the bottom of the 7th with a 2-0 lead.
In the seventh, C Reece Rosencranz (2023) breaks the scoreless tie as he drills one to left, bringing home two.
— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) June 15, 2022
Cubs City leads 2️⃣-0️⃣ with just three outs left to go. pic.twitter.com/IcRScL8svu
Amherst didn’t go down without a fight in the 7th though. The Falcons were able to get the first three batters on base, and knocked out Vosberg while doing so. RHP Blake Bussan (2022) relieved for the Cubans, and retired three straight batters. He only allowed one run, and was able to maintain the Cubans’ lead to seal the game.
In the final inning, Amherst made a late push, scoring one on a error but RHP Blake Bussan (2022) got out of the jam with a big strikeout, sending Cuba City to the D3 State Championship game. pic.twitter.com/o25km7xv21
— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) June 15, 2022
The Cubans brought home a thrilling 2-1 victory, and gave the Falcons their first loss of the season in the semifinal game. They will match up against the winner of the game between #3 Kenosha St. Joseph and #2 St. Croix Falls in the WIAA Division 3 State Championship game tomorrow at approximately 12 p.m.
#3 KENOSHA ST. JOSEPH vs #2 ST. CROIX FALLS
From the first pitch, the St. Croix Falls Saints were all over the Kenosha St. Joseph Lancers. RHP Brayden Olson (2023) got the start for the Saints. In 48 innings of pitching during the regular season, Olson didn’t give up an earned run. He was able to do the same thing on Wednesday afternoon for St. Croix Falls.
The scoring began in the bottom of the first for the Saints, as they jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead against the Lancers. INF Dylan Smith (2023) had a 2-RBI single with two outs in the inning that helped the Saints get their lead to 3-0.
The fourth game of the day pits Saint Croix Falls vs Kenosha St Joseph.
— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) June 15, 2022
Saint Croix Falls jumped out to an early lead courtesy to a two-run single from INF Dylan Smith (2023).
SCF leads 3️⃣-0️⃣ thru 2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/ThwmLb2yZ0
On the mound, Olson was dominant. In seven innings of work, he struck out seven batters and didn’t walk anyone. Olson was able to scatter five Lancer hits, and got the victory for his team.
RHP Brayden Olson (2023) has been lights out this season for SCF, as he hasn’t allowed an ER all year.
— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) June 15, 2022
He kept up his stellar year today, failing to allow a run over his CG efforts, topping at 91 with his FB. Olson remains one of the top uncommitted prospects in the state. pic.twitter.com/G61li2DAIb
He also got it done at the plate. In the 4th inning, he had a 2-RBI double that was a part of another 3-run inning. Before that, the Saints put up a run in the 3rd, so their lead was 7-0 after four innings of play.
SCF adds 3️⃣ more in the fourth inning, highlighted by a two-RBI double from RHP/INF Brayden Olson (2023)
— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) June 15, 2022
It’s all Saints right now as they are up 7️⃣-0️⃣ in the fifth. pic.twitter.com/CStKXI9wUO
After adding one more run in the 5th, St. Croix Falls coasted to a 8-0 victory. OF Tyler Olson (2022) led the offensive attack for the Saints during the game, as he went 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs.
The Saints will take on the #4 Cuba City Cubans in tomorrow’s WIAA Division 3 State Championship game at 12 p.m.
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