2012 GAME SUMMARIES
Verona 8,
Milton 6
The Wildcats opened up their 2012 season
with a non-conference game at Milton. The Red Hawks scored a run
in the bottom of the 1st to take an early 1-0 lead. In the 2nd
inning the Wildcats tallied two runs as senior Jordan Miller
scored on a passed ball and senior Brad Schultz scored on a RBI
groundout from fellow senior Zach Drury. The Wildcats tacked on
three more runs in the 3rd inning when senior Luke Yapp led off
the inning with a double and scored on a RBI double from David
Lund. Lund later scored on a balk call. Senior Louie Ellis hit a
RBI single to score Miller for the third Wildcat run of the
inning. Milton came back in the bottom of the 3rd scoring four
runs. The Wildcats took the lead in the 4th inning when senior
Alex Watzke scored on a RBI single from Yapp. After the Red
Hawks scored in the bottom half of the 4th to tie the game the
Wildcats entered the 6th inning in a 6-6 tie. Yapp and Lund hit
back to back doubles and junior Derek Witte added a RBI single
to push two runs across in the top of the 6th a take an 8-6
lead. Witte pitched two scoreless innnings in the 6th and 7th to
earn the save. Junior Nick Phillips worked 2.2 innings to earn
the win.
Sun Prairie 8, Verona 0
The Wildcats opened up the Big 8 Conference season playing at
Sun Prairie. The Wildcats threaten early loading the bases in
the 3rd inning but were unable to score. The Wildcats then had
runners on 2nd and 3rd base in the 4th inning but again were
unable to score. The Sun Prairie pitching held the Wildcat bats
in check all game long allowing only 5 base hits. Junior Nick
Phillips started on the mound for the Wildcats working into the
4th inning before finally surrendering a run to the Cardinals.
Sun Prairie took advantage of Wildcat mistakes to put up 7 in
the 4th inning. Junior Trevor Kermicle pitched two strong
innings for the Wildcats allowing only an unearned run. The loss
drops the Wildcats to 1-1 on the season and 0-1 in Big 8
Conference play.
Janesville Craig 7, Verona 3
The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead on Thursday night
getting a RBI double in the 1st inning from Luke Yapp that
scored Zach Drury. In the 2nd inning the Wildcats tallied two
more runs as Alan Kopp hit a RBI single to score junior Kyle
Reichert. After the 2nd inning the Wildcats were unable to
generate any additional offense, as Craig scored two runs in the
4th inning, four runs in the 5th, and added another run in the
6th. Kopp went 4.1 innings and struck out 7 batters while taking
the loss for the Wildcats.
The loss drops the Wildcats to 1-2 overall and 0-2 in Big 8
Conference play.
Madison LaFollette 10, Verona
0 (6 innings)
The Wildcat bats were kept in check by LaFollette starting
pitcher AJ Verhage who allowed only one hit in six innings.
Verona's lone hit came from junior Kyle Reichert who singled.
The Wildcat pitching staff walked 12 LaFollette hitters, while
the defense committed three errors. The loss drops the Wildcats
to 1-3 overall and 0-3 in Big 8 Conference play.
Madison Memorial 9, Verona 8
The Spartans took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the 1st
inning. The Wildcats answered back with 5 runs in the bottom of
the 1st including a RBI double from senior Luke Yapp, and a
three RBI double from junior Matt Renk. Sophomore John Moynihan
worked into the 6th inning and left with a 7-4 lead while still
responsible for two base runners. The Wildcats were unable to
hold the Spartan offense and entered the bottom half of the 6th
inning in a 7-7 tie. Junior pinch runner Sam Sharer scored from
second base on an infield single from Yapp to push the Wildcat
lead to 8-7 entering the 7th inning. The Wildcats surrendered
two runs and ended up losing 9-8. The loss drops the Wildcats to
1-4 overall and 0-4 in Big 8 Conference play. The Wildcats
travel to Middleton on Saturday to play the Cardinals.
Middleton 13, Verona 9
The Wildcats jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the 1st inning
on RBI groundouts from seniors Luke Yapp and David Lund. The
Wildcats quickly gave the lead back in the bottom of the 1st as
they allowed five runs on one base hit. Middleton added on 7
more runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning to take a commanding
12-2 lead. The Wildcats chipped away at the lead scoring one run
int eh 3rd and 4th innings. The Wildcats added three more in the
6th inning and two more in the 7th inning. Offensively the
Wildcats were led by senior Louie Ellis (2x3), Yapp (2x4),
Jordan Miller (2x2). Brad Schultz was 1 x 2 with 2 RBI. Schultz
also worked four strong innings on the mound allowing only one
earned run to keep the Wildcats in the game. The loss drops the
Wilcats to 1-5 overall and 0-5 in Big 8 Conference play. The
Wildcats host Janesville Parker on Tuesday.
Verona 8, Janesville Parker 7 (8
innings)
The Wildcats jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the 1st inning
when senior Louie Ellis scored on a sacrifice fly from sophomore
John Moynihan. Parker scored a run in the top of the 3rd inning
to tie the game, then the Wildcats answered with four runs in
their half of the 3rd. The Wildcats got RBI's from seniors Brad
Schultz, Zach Drury, Ellis and junior Trevor Kermicle. The
Vikings scored six runs in the top of the 4th inning to take a
7-5 lead. The Wildcats tied the game in the bottom of the 6th
scoring two runs on a RBI single from senior Jordan Miller and a
RBI sacrifice fly from fellow senior David Lund. The Wildcats
won the game in the bottom of the 8th inning as Moynihan scored
on a walk off double by Lund. Ellis finished the day 3 x 3, Luke
Yapp 2 x 4, and Lund 2 x 3. Moynihan started on the mound for
the Wildcats working four innings allowing only one earned run.
Kermicle worked the last four innings to earn the win. The win
moves the Wildcats to 2-5 overall and 1-5 in Big 8 Conference
play. The Wildcats travel to Warner Park to take on Madison East
on Thursday.
Verona 4, Oconomowoc 2
The Wildcats traveled to Oconomowoc for a non-conference game
Saturday morning and found themselves in an early hole down 2-0
after the1st inning. However that would be all the runs that
senior pitcher Alan Kopp would allow. The Wildcats drew even in
the 4th inning getting RBI singles from seniors Zach Drury and
Alex Watzke. The Wildcats took the lead in the 5th inning when
junior Sam Sharer scored on a RBI groundout from junior Tyler
Bloomfield. In the 7th inning the Wildcats scored an insurance
run to make the score 4-2 as senior Louie Ellis scored on a wild
pitch. Offensively the Wildcats were led by Sharer (3 x 4), Kopp
(2 x 3), Drury (2 x 3), and Watzke (3 x 3).
Kopp worked a complete game allowing only two runs on five hits.
He struck out four and did not issue a walk. The win moves the
Wildcats to 3-5 overall and they stay at 1-5 in Big 8 Conference
play. The Wildcats travel to Beaver Dam on Monday for another
non-conference game.
Beaver Dam 9, Verona 6
The Wildcats traveled to Beaver Dam on Monday for a
non-conference game and jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the
first inning as junior Sam Sharer scored on a RBI sacrifice fly
from senior Luke Yapp. The Golden Beavers answered with a run of
their own in the bottom of the 1st inning and then took
advantage of two costly Wildcat errors in the 3rd inning scoring
6 runs. The Wildcats chipped away at the lead throughout the
game and pulled to within three runs in the top of the 7th
inning. Senior Jordan Miller hit a two RBI double in the top of
the 7th to cut the lead to 9-5. Junior Trevor Kermicle then
added a RBI single to put the game at 9-6. The Wildcats ended
the game with five errors that led to five unearned runs. The
Wildcat pitchers also issued 8 walks. The loss drops the
Wildcats to 3-6 overall and they remain at 1-5 in Big 8
Conference play. They host Madison West on Tuesday.
Verona 8, Madison West 5
The Regents jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning
on three base hits including a two run home run. The Wildcats
struck back in the 4th inning scoring four runs. The Wildcats
got a RBI double from senior Luke Yapp and a RBI double from
senior Jordan Miller. The Wildcats added to their 4-3 lead in
the 4th inning getting a RBI single from sophomore John
Moynihan. The Regest battled back scoring two runs in the 5th to
tie the game at 5-5. The Wildcats scored three runs in the
bottom of the 6th inning with a sacrifice fly from Moynihan and
RBI singles from seniors David Lund and Zach Drury. Moynihan
worked 4.1 innings allowing 4 earned runs while striking out
five batters. Junior Trevor Kermicle pitched 2.2 scoreless
innings of relief to earn the win. The win moves the Wildcats to
4-6 overall and 2-5 in Big 8 Conference play. The Wildcats
travel to Beloit on Thursday for another Big 8 Conference game.
Verona 10, Beloit Memorial 9
The Wildcats traveled to Beloit on Thursday night for a Big 8
Conference game. The Wildcats jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in
the 1st inning as senior Louie Ellis scored on a ground out by
fellow senior Luke Yapp. The Purple Knights scored two unearned
runs in the bottom of the 1st of junior starter Nick Phillips.
They then added another run in the 2nd to take a 3-1 lead. The
Wildcats cut the lead to 3-2 in the top of the 5th inning when
Yapp belted a RBI double to score Ellis. The Purple Knights
added an unearned run in the bottom half of the inning to push
the lead to 4-2. The Wildcat bats broke through in the top of
the 6th as they scored four runs getting RBIs from senior Zach
Drury and sophomore John Moynihan while adding a couple of
unearned runs. In the bottom of the 6th Phillips was replaced by
junior Trevor Kermicle who allowed five runs and the Wildcats
found themselves down 9-6 entering the top of the 7th inning.
Again the Wildcat bats came through scoring four runs as senior
Jordan Miller drove in a run with a double and junior Sam Sharer
contributed with a RBI walk. The Wildcats other two runs were
scored coming from Beloit errors.
Kermicle worked a perfect bottom of the 7th inning to preserve
the victory. The win moves the Wildcats to 5-6 overall and 3-5
in Big 8 Conference play. The Wildcats will host Sun Prairie on
Monday.
Sun Prairie 9 Verona 0
The Wildcats traveled to Sun Prairie for a Big 8 Conference game
and struggled to find offense. The Wildcats managed only one
base hit, a 1st inning single from junior Sam Sharer, and were
held without a hit over the final six frames. Senior Brad
Schultz worked four innings allowing only two runs on four base
hits. Junior Derek Witte worked the final three innings allowing
four earned runs on six base hits. The loss drops the Wildcats
to 5-7 overall and 3-6 in Big 8 Conference play.
Kenosha Tremper 5 Verona 1
The Wildcats traveled to Miller Park to play Kenosha Tremper on
Tuesday and lost 5-1. The Wildcats scored their lone run in the
4th inning getting a RBI double from junior Matt Renk. The
Wildcat bats were held in check managing only five base hits.
Senior Alan Kopp worked 4.1 strong innings allowing only two
runs while striking out four batters and walking only one.
Junior Trevor Kermicle worked the final 1.2 innings on the mound
and did not allow an earned run while striking out three
batters. The loss drops the Wildcats to 5-8 overall and they
remain at 3-6 in Big 8 Conference play.
Janesville Craig 4 Verona 2
The Wildcat bats again struggled to put runs on the board
against the Cougars. Trailing 2-0 entering the 4th inning the
Wildcats broke through with their first run as senior Louie
Ellis scored on a wild pitch. The Wildcats tied the game at 2-2
in the 6th inning as sophomore John Moynihan hit a RBI single.
The Wildcats gave up two unearned runs in the bottom of the 6th
inning. Moynihan worked 5.2 innings on the mound allowing only
one earned run on six base hits. He struck out three batters.
The loss drops the Wildcats to 5-9 overall and 3-7 in Big 8
Conference play. The Wildcats host Oregon tonight.
Verona 6, Oregon 5
The Wildcats played a non-conference game Friday night versus
the Oregon Panthers and won a 6-5 contest. Verona scored in the
bottom of the 1st inning as senior Louie Ellis scored on a
passed ball. The Wildcats added two more runs in the bottom of
the 2nd inning on an Oregon error. The Panthers bounced back
scoring four runs in the top of the 3rd inning. Senior Jordan
Miller scored on a passed ball in the bottom of the 3rd inning
to tie the game at 4-4. In the bottom of the 4th sophomore Jake
Armstrong led off with a triple and later scored on a RBI
groundout from Ellis. Miller again scored on a passed ball in
the 5th inning for the Wildcats final run. Junior Nick Phillips
went two innings allowing three earned runs on one hit while
striking out four. Sophomore Ryan Pynonnen pitched the final
five frames to earn the victory. He allowed an earned run on
three hits and struck out 7 batters. The win moves the Wildcats
to 6-9 overall and 3-7 in Big 8 Conference play.
Madison LaFollette 10 Verona 2
The Lancers took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the 3rd inning,
and the Wildcats answered back with a run of their own in the
bottom half of the inning getting a RBI double from senior Louie
Ellis. The Lancers took advantage of three Wildcat errors to add
three runs in the 4th, a run in the 5th, and five runs in the
6th. Senior Jordan Miller hit a leadoff home run in the bottom
of the 6th inning. The Wildcat bats managed only five hits on
the afternoon. Senior Alan Kopp worked 3.2 innings allowing
three earned runs on four base hits and he struck out five
batters. Junior Derek Witte pitched 2.1 innings allowing one
earned run on three hits and he struck out one batter. Junior
Trevor Kermicle worked a scoreless 7th inning. The loss drops
the Wildcats to 6-10 overall and 3-8 in Big 8 Conference play.
Verona 8, Madison Memorial 5
The Wildcats exploded for five runs in the
top of the 1st inning getting a RBI walk from sophomore John
Moynihan. That was followed with a RBI single from senior David
Lund and then a two RBI single from junior Kyle Reichert. Senior
Zach Drury capped the scoring in the inning with a two out RBI
single. The Wildcats added an unearned run in the 3rd inning to
stretch their lead to 6-1. The Spartans battled back scoring
four runs in the bottom of the 5th inning to make it a 6-5 game.
The Wildcats added two more runs in the top of the 6th inning
getting a key run scoring sacrifice fly from junior Trevor
Kermicle.
Moynihan worked four innings on the mound to earn the win. He
allowed only one run while striking out three batters. Senior
Brad Schultz worked 2/3 of an inning and Kermicle worked the
final 2 and 1/3 innings to earn the save. Kermicle did not allow
a run. The win moves the Wildcats to 7-10 overall and 4-8 in Big
8 Conference play. The Wildcats will host the Middleton
Cardinals in a Big 8 Conference game on Thursday.
Middleton 10, Verona 1
Middleton opened up a 5-0 lead in the 3rd inning scoring all
five runs with two outs. The Cardinals added a run in the 6th
and then four unearned runs in the 7th. Verona's lone run came
in the bottom of the 6th inning when senior David Lund hit a RBI
single to score fellow senior Jordan Miller. The Wildcats only
managed four hits on the day. Senior Brad Schultz worked 6.2
innings allowing only four earned runs on ten hits while
striking out five batters. Junior Nick Phillips pitched the
final one third of an inning.
The loss drops the Wildcats to 7-11 overall and 4-9 in Big 8
Conference play. The Wildcats travel to Warner Park Friday night
to play Madison East. Game time is 7:30 pm.
Verona 9, Madison East 5
The Wildcats jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the
1st inning. Senior Luke Yapp hit a RBI sacrifice fly and junior
Kyle Reichert came up with a big two out two RBI single. The
Wildcats allowed two runs in the bottom of the 4th as the
Purgolders cut the lead to 3-2. The Wildcats added a run in the
top of the 5th inning to push the lea to 4-2 as senior Jordan
Miller hit a RBI triple to score Yapp. The Purgolders came back
in the bottom half of the 5th scoring three runs to take a 5-4
lead that stood until the top of the 7th inning. The Wildcat
bats erupted for five runs getting a RBI triple from junior Sam
Sharer, a RBI single from Yapp, a RBI double from Miller, and a
two RBI single from junior Trevor Kermicle.
Senior Alan Kopp started on the mound allowing only two runs
over 3.2 innings striking out six batters. Sophomore Ryan
Pynonnen pitched the next .2 innings and allowed two earned
runs. Kermicle came in to pitch the final 2.2 innings and earn
the victory as he did not allow a run while striking out four
batters. The win moves the Wildcats to 8-11 overall and 5-9 in
Big 8 Conference play. The Wildcats travel to Janesville Parker
on Tuesday.
Janesville Parker 9, Verona 7
After a one hour rain and lightning delay, the Wildcats allowed
four runs in the bottom of the 1st inning. They battled back to
score three runs in the top of the 2nd inning getting a RBI
single from junior Kyle Reichert and a RBI sacrifice fly from
junior Derek Witte. Reicert then scored on a Janesville Parker
error. The Wildcats evened the game at 4-4 in the top of the 4th
inning as junior Eric Matyas was awarded home on a balk. The
Wildcats took the lead in the top of the 5th inning as senior
Zach Drury hit a RBI sacrifice fly to score fellow senior Jordan
Miller. The Vikings regained the lead scoring three runs in the
bottom of the 4th inning to take a 7-5 lead. Parker added a
single run in the 5th and 6th innings to take a 9-5 lead
entering the 7th inning. In the 7th inning the Wildcats mounted
a final comeback as they scored two runs getting RBI singles
from juniors Sam Sharer and Derek Witte. The Wildcats ended the
game with the bases loaded, but were unable to score any
additional runs. Senior Brad Schultz started on the mound and
worked three innings striking out four batters. Sophomore Ryan
Pynonnen took the loss as he allowed three runs in the pivotal
4th inning. Junior Trevor Kermicle worked the final three
innings as he surrendered two runs while striking out three
batters. The loss drops the Wildcats to 8-12 overall and 5-10 in
Big 8 Conference play. The Wildcats host Madison East on
Thursday.
Madison East 7, Verona 6
The Wildcats jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of
the 1st inning when senior Louie Ellis led off the game with a
triple then scored on a RBI groundout from junior Sam Sharer. In
the top of the 3rd inning the Purgolders scored four runs as
they benefited from two Wildcat errors. The Wildcats cut the
lead down to 4-2 in the bottom of the 4th inning when senior
Jordan Miller scored on a RBI groundout by fellow senior Alan
Kopp. The Purgolders struck again for three runs in the top of
the 6th inning to open up a 7-2 lead. The Wildcats battled back
in the bottom of the 6th scoring four runs. The Wildcats got a
two RBI single from junior Kyle Reichert, a RBI single from
senior Zach Drury, and another RBI single from Ellis. The
Wildcats had the tying runner on base in the 7th inning but were
unable to score the runner. Kopp worked 4.2 innings on the mound
and took the loss as he allowed two earned runs on six base
hits, two walks and struck out six. Junior Trevor Kermicle
pitched the final 2.1 innings allowing three earned runs on two
base hits a walk and a strikeout. The loss drops the Wildcats to
8-13 overall and 5-11 in Big 8 Conference play. The Wildcats
will host Appleton North in a double header this Saturday at
home. First pitch is 12:00 pm, and it is alumni day. Any alum in
attendance will receive a free hot dog and soda.
Appleton North 14, Verona 10
The double header started with a furious offensive display from
both teams as the visiting Appleton North Lightning struck for
four runs in the top of the 1st inning, capped by a three run
home run. The Wildcats answered back with four of their own runs
in the bottom of the 1st inning getting a RBI single from senior
Luke Yapp,a two RBI double from senior Brad Schultz, and a RBI
fielders choice from junior Kyle Reichert. The Lightning scored
two more runs in the top of the 2nd inning and Wildcats answered
right back with two of their own runs as Yapp and senior Jordan
Miller each hit RBI doubles to tie the score at 6-6. The
Lightning scored four runs in the top of the 3rd to take a 10-6
lead, then added another run in the top of the 4th to go up
11-6. The Wildcats scored two runs in the bottom of the 4th
inning on a two run home run from Miller cutting the lead to
11-8. In the bottom of the 5th the Wildcats scored two more runs
getting RBI doubles from junior Sam Sharer and senior David
Lund. The Lightning lead was 11-10 going into the top of the 6th
inning, but this would be as close as the Wildcats would get.
The Lightning tacked on three more runs in the top of the 6th
for a 14-10 lead, which would stand as the final score. Junior
Nick Phillips started the game and went 2.1 innings allowing 9
earned runs on 10 hits and he struck out two batters. Junior
Trevor Kermicle worked 3.1 innings allowing 3 earned runs on
four hits while striking out three batters. Schultz finished the
game working the final 1.1 innings and did not allow a hit or a
run. The game saw a combined four home runs, one triple, and
seven doubles. The loss drops the Wildcats to 8-14 overall.
Verona 7, Appleton North 2
The Wildcats were the visiting team in the second game of the
double header and took a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning
when junior Sam Sharer scored on a passed ball. The Lightning
tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the 2nd inning. The
Wildcat bats erupted for five runs in the top of the 3rd inning
getting a RBI single from senior David Lund, a 2 RBI double from
senior Luke Yapp, a RBI ground out from senior Jordan Miller,
and a RBI single from sophomore John Moynihan. The Lightning
scored a run in the bottom half of the 3rd inning to cut the
lead to 6-2. In the 4th inning Sharer took third on a pitch in
the dirt, then advanced home on an errant throw from the
catcher. That pushed the Wildcat lead to 7-2 which stood for the
rest of the game. Junior Derek Witte was dominant on the mound
as he worked a four hit complete game striking out eight batters
while only issuing two walks. The win moves the Wildcats to 9-14
overall on the season.
Madison West 11, Verona 6
The Regents took an early 6-0 lead after two innings. The
Wildcats stormed back in the top of the 3rd inning scoring five
runs. The Wildcats got a RBI single from senior Louie Ellis and
a sacrifice fly from senior Luke Yapp. The scoring was capped
with a three run home run by senior Jordan Miller. The Wildcats
allowed five runs over the next four innings and were down 11-5
headed into the top of the 7th. The Wildcats scored a run when
sophomore John Moynihan was walked with the bases loaded. Senior
Alan Kopp started the game on the mound and gave up six runs in
1.1 innings. Junior Trevor Kermicle worked 2.2 innings allowing
two earned runs. Senior Brad Schultz worked the final two frames
and allowed three unearned runs. The loss drops the Wildcats to
9-15 overall and 5-12 in Big 8 Conference play. The Wildcats
will host Beloit Memorial this Thursday on Senior Night.
Verona 13 MG 4
The Wildcats found themselves down 2-0 entering the top of the
2nd inning. They scored three in the frame getting RBI singles
from juniors Kyle Reichert, and Sam Sharer, and a RBI hit by
pitch from Tyler Stone. The Wildcat bats pounded out six runs in
the top of the 6th inning. They got a RBI walk from juniorTyler
Bloomfield, and senior Alex Watzke. Senior David Lund hit a
three run homer to cap the scoring in that inning. The Wildcat
bats pressed on scoring four more runs in the 7th. They go RBI
singles from seniors Louie Ellis and Alan Kopp. The other two
runs were scored on errors. Sophomore John Moynihan pitched the
first two innings gave up two runs on three hits and one walk.
Senior Brad Schultz threw two innings and allowed one run on
three hits no walks, and one strikeout. Kopp threw next two
innings to get the win, as he did not allow a hit. Junior Nick
Phillips threw the last inning, allowing one run on two hits,
with one strikeout. The win puts the Wildcats regular season
record at 10-16. They open the first round of the WIAA playoffs
as the #9 seed as they travel to the #8 seed Oregon.
Beloit Memorial 12 Verona 5
The Wildcats jumped out to an early 3-0 lead scoring two runs in
the bottom of the 1st inning when senior Louie Ellis hit a two
RBI single. The Wildcats added another run in the 3rd inning
when senior Luke Yapp hit a RBI double. The Purple Knights
struck back in the top of the 4th inning as they scored six runs
to take a 6-3 lead. The Wildcats battled back in the bottom of
the 4th inning as they got RBI walks from Ellis and Yapp, to cut
the score to 6-5. The Purple Knights added three runs in the top
of the 5th, a run in the 6th, and two more insurance runs in the
7th. Junior Derek Witte started on the mound and worked four
innings allowing five earned runs on four base hits while
striking out five batters. Junior Trevor Kermicle worked the
final three frames allowing three earned runs on five base hits
and struck out four batters. The loss drops the Wildcats to 9-16
overall and they finish Big 8 Conference play at 5-13. The
Wildcats travel to Monona Grove to take on the Silver Eagles in
the last regular season game of the season.
Verona 8, Oregon 6
The Wildcats opened up the game with four runs in the 1st
inning. Senior Luke Yapp started the scoring with a 2 RBI single
and senior Alan Kopp followed with a sacrifice fly. The fourth
run was scored on an error. The Panthers scratched across single
runs in the 1st and 2nd innings to cut the lead to 4-2. The
Wildcats scored two more runs in the 3rd inning getting RBI
singles from Kopp and junior Kyle Reichert. The Panthers
answered back with two runs of their own in the bottom half of
the 3rd inning to make the score 6-4. The Wildcats got another
run in the top of the 5th inning when senior Zach Drury hit a
two out RBI single. In the top of the 7th junior Tyler Stone
executed a suicide squeeze to extend the lead to 8-4 headed into
the bottom of the 7th inning. The Panthers battled back and
scored two runs to cut the lead to 8-6 and had the bases loaded
when junior Derek Witte was brought to the mound and retired the
only two batters that he faced. Kopp started on the mound and
worked two innings allowing four runs on four hits while
striking out one batter. Senior Brad Schultz pitched 4.1 innings
of relief to earn the win as he allowed only two runs on five
hits while striking out five batters. Witte came on in the 7th
to earn the save. The win moves the Wildcats to 11-16 overall
and they will travel to Janesville Craig on Thursday to take on
the #1 seeded Cougars.
Verona 4,
Janesville Craig 5
The Wildcats
traveled to take on the #1 seeded Janesville Craig Cougars in
the Regional Final of the WIAA playoff. The Wildcats jumped out
to an early 1-0 lead in the 1st inning as senior Louie Ellis hit
a RBI double to score fellow senior David Lund. The Cougars took
a 3-1 lead as they tallied three runs in the bottom of the 2nd
inning. The Wildcats immediately answered back scoring two runs
in the top of the 3rd inning as senior Luke Yapp hit a RBI
single to centerfield that was misplayed allowing a second run
to score to tie the game at 3-3. The Wildcats took a 4-3 lead in
the top of the 5th inning when junior Sam Sharer scored on a RBI
single from Lund. The Cougars scored an unearned run to tie the
game at 4-4 in the bottom of the 6th. Both teams had numerous
scoring opportunities as the game went into extra innings.
Finally in the bottom of the 10th inning the Cougars had their
leadoff batter reach 3rd base with no outs. The Wildcats
intentionally walked the bases loaded to set up force plays, and
the Cougars hit the game winning single through the drawn in
infield.
Junior Derek Witte worked six solid innings allowing only two
earned runs on five base hits while striking out five batters
and only issuing one walk. Senior Alan Kopp worked the final
three innings and allowed one earned run on four base hits while
striking out two batters. The loss ends the Wildcats season and
they finish at 11-17.
The coaching staff would like to thank the senior class for
their hard work and dedication as they will certainly be missed!
