Big sixth inning boosts Milaca
past Pierz 8-5 in Metrodome
Posted 4/10/02

Four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning carried Milaca past Pierz 8-5 in the 2002 baseball season opener for both teams Tuesday, April 2, at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.

Milaca broke a 0-0 tie by scoring two runs in the third inning but Pierz grabbed the lead with three runs in the fourth inning. The Wolves went ahead 4-3 by scoring twice in the fifth inning before the Pioneers regained the lead at 5-4 with two runs in the top of the sixth inning.

"I was impressed by the way we kept coming back after Pierz took leads," said Craig Talberg, who notched a win in his debut as Milaca head coach. "We didnít get down after falling behind and we kept a positive attitude.

"Overall, we played pretty well for an opening game. Pierz has seven starters back from last season, so I think we beat a pretty good team."

Milaca had just three hits in the game. Senior center fielder Tom Tadych rapped a pair of singles and stole two bases and senior second baseman Travis Johnson had a single.

Senior Dave Christianson and junior Joe Barrett, both right-handers, shared pitching duties for the Wolves. Christianson pitched the first four innings, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out three. Barrett, who picked up the win, pitched three innings, allowing no hits and four walks while fanning four.

Just one Pierz run was earned.

"For a first outing, Dave and Joe both looked pretty good," said Talberg.

After the varsity game was completed, the Milaca and Pierz junior varsity teams had the Metrodome for about 30 minutes. Pitchers Josh Loegering (sophomore) and Kurt Koskela (junior) and sophomore shortstop Tony Thompson paced Milaca in that shortened outing, according to Talberg.

Milacaís game at Big Lake Tuesday was postponed. The Wolves are scheduled to host Foley today (Thursday) at 4:30 in their Rum River Conference opener but that game was listed as tentative.

The Wolves travel to Pine City Tuesday, April 16, at 5 p.m.