Cougar Game Archives 2008

This is the place for a recap of the Cougar season.

ROSEMOUNT KNOCKS SOUTH OUT OF PLAYOFFS
Irish Toss Four-Hit Shut-Out To End Cougars' Season

Junior Nick Continenza started for the Cougars on the hill.

The Rosemount Irish held the Cougars to no more than three to four batters each inning, taking away the chance for any big innings from South. The Cougars could muster only four hits on the day. Cougar runners made it to 2nd base just twice and never reached 3rd during the game as the Irish defense was stingy and clamped down on the South offense.

Junior Chris Erikson holds runner at 1st base.

Nick Continenza started on the mound for the Cougars and pitched four complete innings while also pitching to three batters in the 5th inning. Hunter Ruth came on to finish the 5th and also pitched 1/3rd of an inning in the 6th, facing four batters. Andrew Maher came on in the 6th to get the final two outs, facing five batters.

Freshman Alex Continenza pinch runs for Ben Hansen in the 4th inning.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Chris Erikson 1 for 3
• Ben Hansen 1 for 3
• Mick Wald 1 for 3 (2B)
• Eric Watts 1 for 3

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

Senior Matt Iverson gets a healthy lead off 2nd base against Rosemount.

The Cougar 2008 varsity season is now over. The Cougars will soon be playing Legion ball this summer under LBA.

APPLE VALLEY NIPS SOUTH 5-4 IN SECTION PLAYOFFS
Cougars Come Close To Upset Win But Leave Two In Scoring Position

Junior pitcher Joe Novak readies to throw.

The third meeting between Lakeville South and Apple Valley was even closer than their second meeting and came down to runners at 2nd and 3rd with two outs in the 7th inning, but the Eagles hung on for the last out and a 5-4 opening round sectional win over the Cougars on Friday night at Alimagnate Field in Burnsville.

Senior captain Mick Wald swings hard during section playoff game.

Apple Valley jumped off to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st on a two-run home run from their number three hitter. The Eagles went down 1-2-3-4 in the 2nd. In the 3rd Apple Valley was back to the top of their line-up and they made the most of it, picking up two earned runs and one unearned as they batted eight men in the inning. That would be all the scoring the Eagles would need.

Senior Adam Blaschko pounds a single down the 1st base line.

The Cougars didn't get on the board until the 5th inning. Chris Erikson led off with a base hit to the left of 2nd. Joe Novak then hit a fielder's choice to the 2nd baseman, but everyone was safe. With one out on the board already, Mick Wald moved the runners up with a 5-3 groundout. With two outs, Ben Hansen hits a two run double to the left-center gap, but was thrown out at 3rd trying to stretch the hit into a triple to end the inning.

Senior Eric Watts strokes a single into right field.

The Cougars rallied in the 7th inning to threaten the Eagles. Erikson hit a single past the 1st baseman and immediately scored on a double from Novak. The Eagles walked clean-up hitter Adam Blaschko on four straight pitches. Mick Wald hit a fielder's choice back to the pitcher who turned to get the lead runner. Ben Hansen walked. Adam Blaschko then scored on a wild pitch to Nick Continenza, with Wald moving to 3rd and Hansen to 2nd on the play, only to be stranded to end the game.

Joe Novak started on the mound for the Cougars and went the distance, giving up five hits while recording eight strikeouts.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Ben Hansen 2 for 3, 1BB, 2RBI
• Chris Erikson 2 for 4, 2R
• Joe Novak 2 for 4 1R, 1RBI
• Adam Blaschko 1 for 3, 1OBE, 1BB, 1R
• Eric Watts 1 for 3
• Nick Continenza 1 for 4, 1RBI

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next game is Saturday morning at 11:00 versus Rosemount. The Cougars need to win to advance in the section playoffs.

KENNEDY SPLITS SEASON WITH SOUTH
Bloomington Eagles Win With 9-3 Score Over South Cougars

After a rain delay in Bloomington, the Cougars took to Red Haddux Field looking for one more win, but were turned away with only 3 runs as Kennedy scored 9 for the win.

Sophomore Luke Sleeper started on the hill for the varsity Cougars, pitching the first two innings. Taylor West came on in middle relief for the 3rd and 4th, while Joe Novak finished up, pitching the 5th and 6th innings.

Sophomore pitcher Luke Sleeper started on the mound for the Cougars.

The Cougars scored three runs in the 4th inning as Ben Hansen led off with a single into right field. Nick Continenza followed with a walk. Jake Wanner then hit a run scoring single past the 2nd baseman before Dan Noehring hit a two-run double to the left center gap to complete the Cougar scoring.

Senior Taylor West pitches in middle relief for the Cougars.

The Eagles out-hit the Cougars 11-6.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Matt Iverson 1 for 1
• Jake Wanner 1 for 2, 1R, 1BB
• Nick Continenza 1 for 2, 1R, 1BB
• Ben Hansen 1 for 3, 1R, 1BB
• Dan Noehring 1 for 3, 1BB
• Chris Erikson 1 for 4, 1BB

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next action is this Friday (5/23) and Saturday (5/24) for the first round of the Minnesota high school section play-offs.

LAKEVILLE CATS FIGHT IT OUT IN ELKO
Panthers Top Cougars In Low Scoring Game

Catfight II was a little closer, but in the end the North Panthers swept their two games with South for the year with a 3-0 win in their final regular season meeting at Frederickson Field in Elko.

Junior pitcher Mike McNamee takes warm up tosses before the inning.

Junior Mike McNamee pitched a pretty good game for the Cougars, going six full innings while holding North to just four hits, however two of those were home runs. McNamee struck out two and also hit three batters while walking five.

The Cougars had runners in scoring position in every inning but the 4th and 7th, yet were unable to get the clutch hit when they needed it most. South collected just five hits for the game while stranding seven Cougar runners.

North collected their runs on a two-run home run in the 4th and a solo homer in the 5th. The Panthers also stranded seven runners for the game.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Ben Hansen 2 for 3
• Joe Novak 1 for 2, 1BB
• Chris Erikson 1 for 3
• Dan Noehring 1 for 4

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next outing and last regular season game is Monday (5/19) on the road at Bloomington Kennedy for a 4:15 game.

APPLE VALLEY COMES FROM BEHIND TO TOP SOUTH
AV Eagles Have Two Five-Run Innings To Overcome Cougars 10-8

The Cougars took the lead early but couldn't hold back the Apple Valley Eagles as they rallied with two big innings to nip South by a 10-8 score.

Junior catcher Ben Hansen launches a ball to the left field gap for a double.

South opened the game with a hit from Dan Noehring, but he was quickly erased on a 5-4 fielder's choice to Chris Erikson. Joe Novak hit an RBI triple over the right fielder. Designated hitter Adam Blaschko then came to the plate and drove the run home with a single to center field.

The Cougars added three more in the 3rd as Joe Novak led off with a hit through the middle, Adam Blaschko followed with another hit over 2nd. Catcher Ben Hansen drove a ball to the left center gap for an RBI double, sending Blaschko to 3rd. Mike McNamee drove in a run with a fielder's choice. Reed Bunnell drove in Hansen for the final run of the inning with an RBI single past the 2nd baseman.

In the 4th, Joe Novak led off with his second double to right field and was driven in on a single to right field by Ben Hansen.

The Cougars rallied in the 7th with Ben Hansen drawing a lead off walk. Nick Continenza hit a double to left field, moving Hansen to 3rd. Andrew Maher drover in a run with an RBI groundout to the pitcher. Jake Wanner also had an RBI groundout to the pitcher to drive in the final run for the Cougars.

Joe Novak started on the mound for the Cougars and threw well. He pitched five complete innings and to three batters in the 6th. Andrew Maher came on in relief to finish the game.

The Eagles, helped by two fielding errors, scored five runs in the 4th and then five more in the 10th as they narrowly out-hit the Cougars 12-10.

Coach Zeise talks to his team after the game.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Dan Noehring 2 for 3, 1HBP
• Joe Novak 3 for 4, 3R, 1RBI
• Adam Blaschko 2 for 4, 1R, 1RBI
• Ben Hansen 2 for 3, 1R, 2RBI
• Nick 1 for 1, 2B
• Reed Bunnell 1 for 3, 1RBI

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next outing is Thursday (5/15) under the lights against Lakeville North for an 8pm game in Elko.

EP TAKES SEASON SERIES FROM SOUTH VARSITY
Eden Prairie Eagles Have 9-Run 5th Inning To Beat Cougars

The game was actually close for four and a half innings, but in the bottom of the 5th, the Eden Prairie Eagles scored 9 runs on six hits and four Cougar errors to topple South, 13-3.

The Cougars opened the scoring with two runs in the first. Dan Noehring led off with a walk, followed by Chris Erikson who had a hit to right field. Joe Novak walked to load the bases. Mick Wald was hit by a pitch on the elbow and forced in a run, but was also later forced to leave the game due to the arm injury. Ben Hansen drove in the final run of the inning with an RBI groundout to the 1st baseman.

Senior shortstop Reed Bunnell takes a healthy cut.

South picked up another run in the top of the 5th when Joe Novak hit a single to right center that the diving fielder let get past him, allowing an extra base on the play. Adam Blaschko then delivered an RBI single up the middle to score the Cougar's final run.

Eden Prairie scored one run in the 2nd inning, two in the 3rd, one in the 4th and nine runs in the bottom of the 5th.

Nick Continenza pitched four complete innings, while also pitching to six batters in the 5th inning. Hunter Ruth came on in relief and faced fours batters, registering one out. Matt Iverson finished the game picking up one out while also facing four batters.

Sophomore Dan Noehring dives back into 1st on a pick-off throw by EP.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Joe Novak 1 for 2, 1R
• Chris Erikson 1 for 3. 1R
• Adam Blaschko 1 for 3, 1RBI

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next outing is Wednesday (5/14) on the road at Apple Valley for a 4:15 game.

NORTH DOWNS SOUTH AT COUGAR FIELD, 5-1
Fourth Attempt At Rescheduled Game Ends With A North Victory

After three postponements due to weather, Lakeville North and South finally received a decent day and were able to get the first game of their season series in on Friday, with North topping South by a score of 5-1.

Coach Groff pays a visit to the mound to talk things over.

Joe Novak started on the mound for the Cougars, pitching 5 2/3rds innings before being relieved by Nick Continenza who pitched 1 1/3rd.

The Panthers scored one in the 2nd, two in the 3rd, one in the 5th and and one more in the 6th inning to top the Cougars. Both teams meet again this week in Elko for an 8:00 game under the lights.

The Cougars scored one run in the 7th to avoid the shutout. Mick Walk led off the inning with a double to left field. He moved to 3rd on a passed ball and was driven home on an RBI groundout to the 2nd baseman by Taylor West.

North and South players shake hands after the game.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Mick Wald, 1 for 3 (2B), 1R
• Ben Hansen 1 for 2
• Andrew Maher 1 for 2
• Dan Noehring 1 for 2
• Mike McNamee 1 for 3
• Joe Novak 1 for 3

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next game is Monday (5/12) on the road at Eden Prairie for a 4:15 game.

COUGARS DENIED BY UMPIRES ON MISSED PLAY
Outfield Catch Is Missed By Both Umps; RBI Triple Ruled Instead

Things were going well enough for the Cougars on Thursday night at Tony Oliva Field in Bloomington. The Cougars were clinging to a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the 7th when a bad call went against the Cougars, giving the Jaguars a come from behind 6-5 victory instead.

Mike McNamee works with a 5-run Cougar lead over Jefferson.

Mike McNamee started on the mound for the Cougars and pitched for 3 1/3rd innings. He was relieved by Hunter Ruth in the 4th who retired the last two outs. Andrew Maher came on to pitch the final three innings for South.

The Cougars opened the scoring in the 3rd when they sent ten men to the plate. Nick Continenza walked to lead off the inning. Dan Noehring sacrificed the runner over with a bunt before Chris Erikson hit a triple to left to drive the run in. Joe Novak then hit a single past 2nd, driving in a run. Adam Blaschko followed with a single of his own past 2nd base. With runners at 1st and 3rd, coach Zeise called for a squeeze play and Mick Wald executed perfectly, giving the Cougars their third run of the inning. Mike McNamee hit a single past the 3rd baseman to move the runner up. Reed Bunnell then hit a long sacrifice fly down the 1st base line to score the Cougars fifth run of the inning.

Coach Zeise can't believe that both umpires missed the catch.

Jefferson came back in the 4th inning to score four runs of their own, giving the Cougars a one run lead. In the bottom of the 7th the Jaguars opened the inning with a walk from their number six hitter. The next hitter up worked the count full before driving a ball deep to the left field fence. Left fielder Eric Watts sprinted to his left and made a difficult falling catch, holding the ball up in the air for the umpires to see. Watts then threw to the cutoff, Novak, who threw back to 2nd for the double-play, but blue errantly did not signal the catch, nor the out at 2nd, instead allowing a game tying triple on the play. The next batter then hit a single to short, but the runner was unable to advance from 3rd. The number nine hitter then came to the plate to deliver a game clinching RBI single up the middle to give Jefferson the comeback 6-5 win.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Mick Wald 3 for 4, 1R, 1RBI
• Chris Erikson 2 for 4, 1R, 1RBI
• Joe Novak 2 for 4, 1R, 1RBI
• Adam Blaschko 1 for 4, 1R
• Mike McNamee 1 for 4
• Andrew Maher 1 for 2, 1RBI

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next game is Friday (5/9) at home at 4:15.

CHASKA SWEEPS SERIES WITH 9-4 WIN OVER SOUTH
Hawks Put Game Away With 3-Run Homer In The 5th Inning

The first game they played, it was a much closer contest, but Monday night the Hawks flexed some muscle at the right times to hold the Cougars down by a score of 9-4.

Senior captain Mick Wald led off the scoring with a solo home run in the 2nd inning. In the 3rd inning, Dan Noehring walked before Chris Erikson hit a single to left. Joe Novak then hit a ball down the left field line for an RBI double. Adam Blaschko drove in the final run of the inning with an RBI groundout.

Joe Novak led off the 6th with a single past the 2nd baseman. Mick Wald followed with a single past short. Hot hitting Reed Bunnell came to the plate and hit a single back over 2nd for the final Cougar RBI of the night.

Umpire watches for foot to touch home after Mick Wald hits a solo home run.

Joe Novak started on the mound for the Cougars, pitching five complete innings. Hunter Ruth pitched to three batters in the 6th before being followed by Nick Continenza who finished the inning.

Chaska scored two runs in the 1st inning, one run in the 2nd, three runs in the 5th and three runs in the 6th.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Mick Wald 2 for 3, 1HR
• Joe Novak 2 for 4, 1R, 1RBI
• Reed Bunnell 1 for 3, 1RBI
• Chris Erikson 1 for 3, 1R

Cougar 1st baseman Chris Erikson gets set to receive a throw from the pitcher.

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next game is Thursday at Jefferson at 7:00 under the lights.

FIVE-RUN 5TH GIVES VARSITY WIN OVER WINONA
Cougars Come Back To Win 2nd Game of Dundas Triangular, 7-4

The Cougar varsity won the second game on Saturday by a 7-4 score over Winona. The team played a triangular with Northfield and Winona, dropping the first game to the Raiders.

Junior Mike McNamee pitched six strong innings for the Cougars.

Mike McNamee started on the mound for the Cougars and pitched six complete innings, scattering five hits while picking up the win. Winona scored four runs on the day, one of them unearned. Andrew Maher pitched a 1-2-3 7th to close out the game.

The Cougars opened the 4th with a single from Reed Bunnell. Andrew Maher hit a single to center field. Logan Davis hit into a fielder's choice to the shortstop who erased Bunnell from the bases. Pat Steel came to the plate one batter later and deposited a single past the shortstop to drive in the first run of the game.

The 5th inning was a big one for the Cougars. Chris Erikson led off with a single to right. Joe Novak followed with a hit to left. Pitcher Mike McNamee reached 1st on an error by the shortstop, loading the bases. Reed Bunnell then walked to force in a run. Adam Blaschko then entered the game as a pinch hitter and deposited a 2-0 pitch off the right field fence, just missing a grand slam, while settling for a 2-run double instead. Taylor West reached 1st on a dropped 3rd strike and a bad throw from the catcher, bringing in two runs on the play.

In the 7th inning, McNamee opened the 2nd with a double on a misplayed ball by the left fielder. A hot hitting Reed Bunnell then came to the plate and hit a 1-0 pitch into right center for a hit, picking up his second RBI for the game, making the score 7-4 in favor of South.

Mick Wald stands on first as Dan Noehring comes to the plate.

Winona scored one run in the 1st, two in the 2nd and one in the 4th inning.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Chris Erikson 3 for 4, 1R
• Joe Novak 1 for 3, 1R
• Mike McNamee 1 for 4
• Reed Bunnell 3 for 3, 1BB, 1R, 2RBI
• Nick Continenza 2 for 3, 1R
• Adam Blaschko 1 for 1, 1R, 2RBI
• Pat Steele 1 for 4, 1RBI

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next game is Monday night on the road at Chaska  for a 7:00 night game under the lights.

NORTHFIELD DOWNS SOUTH AT DUNDAS
Raiders Run Past Cougars By A Score of 16-6 In Saturday Triangular

The sun was shining but the results were still somewhat cold as the Northfield Raiders opened game one of a Saturday triangular with a 16-6 win over the South varsity.

The Raiders racked up seven runs in the 2nd inning, two in the 3rd, two in the 4th and then five in the 5th to take the shortened contest 16-6.

Senior designated hitter Adam Blaschko lays off a pitch.

The Cougars opened their scoring in the 2nd inning. Andrew Maher led off with a single to right. Two batters later, Maher advanced to 2nd and 3rd on two passed balls. Sophomore Dan Noehring then beat out a slow roller to 3rd base, scoring the run.

Joe Novak led off the 3rd with a single past the shortstop, followed by Adam Blascko's single to right. Mick Wald kept it going with a single over 2nd base, loading the bases. Mike McNamee then hit a single to left scoring one run. Andrew Maher picked up his second hit of the game with a run scoring double to center.

Mike McNamee led off the 5th by reaching base on a fielding error by the 3rd baseman. Maher was then awarded 1st base after being struck by a pitch. Eric Watts then delivered a two-run double down the left field line. Reed Bunnell then slammed the second consecutive Cougar double, scoring the final run for South.

Senior Eric Watts crosses the plate to score one of the Cougars six runs.

Matt Iverson pitched 1 1/3rd innings for the Cougars, followed by Reed Bunnell for 2 2/3rds and Hunter Ruth pitching one complete inning.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Adam Blaschko 2 for 3, 1R
• Andrew Maher 2 for 2, 1HBP, 2R, 1RBI
• Chris Erikson 2 for 4 (1B, 2B)
• Eric Watts 1 for 2 (2B), 2RBI
• Reed Bunnell 1 for 2, 1RBI
• Mick Wald 1 for 3
• Mike McNamee 1 for 3, 1RBI
• Joe Novak 1 for 3, 1R
• Dan Noehring 1 for 4, 1RBI

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next game is Monday night on the road at Chaska  for a 7:00 night game under the lights.

EAGAN DOWNS SOUTH BY 8-2 SCORE
Wildcats Hold Cougars Down, Allowing Only Four Hits On The Day

Eagan pitching held the Cougars to just two hits as the Wildcats downed the Cougars 8-2.

The Cougars opened their scoring in the 3rd inning when Nick Continenza bounced a ball off the 3rd baseman to reach safely. Dan Noehring hit a ball to the shortstop and was safe on a fielder's choice. Chris Erikson was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. Adam Blaschko came to the plate and picked up one RBI when a run scored on a passed ball. He then picked up another RBI on a deep sacrifice fly to the center field fence.

Junior Nick Continenza pitches for South against Eagan.

Junior Nick Continenza started on the hill for South, pitching 5 2/3rds innings, followed by senior Matt Iverson in relief who pitched 1/3rd of an inning.

Coach Zeise talks to his battery during game with Wildcats.

Eagan scored one run in the 1st inning, two in the 3rd, three in the 4th and two more in the 6th to close out their scoring.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Jake Wanner 1 for 1
• Adam Blaschko 1 for 2
• Mick Wald
• Nick Continenza 1 for 2

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next games are Saturday as they play in a triangular with Northfield and Winona at Memorial Field in Dundas.

BURNSVILLE GETS REVENGE FOR OPENING LOSS
Blaze Avenges First Loss of Season With a 13-6 Win Over Cougars

The Cougar varsity had hopes of sweeping the series but the Burnsville Blaze had other ideas. The first three innings it was an interesting ballgame with the Blaze ahead by only one run, but Burnsville quickly tacked on two more in the 4th and then put the game away with four runs in the bottom of the 6th.

Adam Blaschko led off the 2nd with a double to the center field fence. Mick Wald reached base on an error. Mike McNamee then hit a comeback to the pitcher to groundout at 1st, but he picked up the RBI. Andrew Maher groundout as well, but he also brought in a run with the following at bat.

2nd baseman Dan Noehring hits this pitch out of the park for a 2-run homer.

Reed Bunnell led off the 3rd with a double down the right field line. Dan Noehring came to the plate and hit a two-run homer over the left field fence to make the score 6-4. Joe Novak reached on an infield single. Adam Blaschko and Mick Wald both picked up walks to load the bases. Mike McNamee hit a single past the shortstop to score a run. Andrew Maher then hit a ball down the right field line to score the last Cougar run of the game.

Pitching for the Cougars were starter Andrew Maher with 2 complete innings pitched and one batter in the 3rd, followed by Reed Bunnell with 2 2/3rds innings, Hunter Ruth 1 1/3rd and Taylor West with one complete inning in the 6th.

Senior Reed Bunnell pitches in relief against Burnsville.

Burnsville scored four runs in the 1st inning, two in the 2nd, one in the 3rd, two in the 4th and four in the 6th.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Dan Noehring 2 for 3 1HR, 4RBI
• Reed Bunnell 1 for 2 (2B)
• Adam Blaschko 1 for 3, 1BB, (2B)
• Andrew Maher 1 for 3, 2RBI
• Joe Novak 1 for 3, 1BB
• Mike McNamee 1 for 4, 2RBI

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next game is at Eagan.

COUGARS BEAT BLOOMINGTON KENNEDY 7-3
South Picks Up 2nd Win Behind Pitching And Hitting From Novak

junior Joe Novak pitched and also drove in three runs to lead the Cougars.

The South Cougar varsity picked up their second win of the season with a 7-3 score over Bloomington Kennedy on senior day at Cougar Field. Junior Joe Novak started the game on the mound, scattering four hits and three runs over 5 innings. Novak also contributed at the plate to help his own cause, going 2 for 3 on the afternoon.

The Cougars didn't pick up a run until the 4th inning. Senior Eric Watts led off the inning with a walk. Junior pitcher Joe Novak then hit a single to right to move the runner up. Senior captain Mick Wald then came to the plate and hit a single to center, driving in the first run of the game.

Mick Wald readies to swing while Mike McNamee charges towards home.

In the 5th inning the Cougars rallied for four runs. Junior Chris Erikson led off the inning with a single up the middle. Juniors Andrew Maher and Mike McNamee then both walked before Joe Novak picked up his second hit of the night with a two-run single to left. Senior Adam Blaschko walked to load the bases for Mick Wald, who also walked to force in a run. Pinch-hitting freshman catcher Alex Continenza walked to force in the fourth and final run of the inning. The Cougars led at that point 5-3.

South picked up two more runs in the bottom of the 6th. Andrew Maher led off the inning with a walk and later moved up on a passed ball. Mike McNamee then slammed a hard hit off the outstretched shortstop's glove which made it into the outfield, scoring the runner. Sophomore 2nd baseman Dan Noehring then hit a ball over the shortstop's head for a single. The last run scored on a passed ball to batter Joe Novak, who was officially credited with the RBI.

The "H-train"  closes the door on Bloomington Kennedy.

Bloomington scored one run in the 2nd inning and later scored two runs in the 5th. The Cougars won by a final score of 7 -3.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Joe Novak 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs
• Mick Wald 1 for 3 with 2 RBI
• Mike McNamee 1 for 1 with 1 RBI
• Chris Erikson 1 for 2
• Dan Noehring 1 for 2

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next game is Wednesday on the road at Burnsville for a 7:00 night game under the lights at Alimagnate Park.

COUGARS DROP ROAD GAME TO EASTVIEW
South Gets Struck Early And Often By Hot Lightning

Senior pitcher Taylor West rocks and fires against the Eastview Lightning.

It was a tough day to be on the road as the Eastview Lightning struck early and often against the Lakeville South varsity on Wednesday afternoon, beating the Cougars by a score of 14-4.

The Lightning tallied ten runs in the first inning, two in the 2nd, one in the 4th and one more in the 5th to take the shortened contest and extend their season record to 8-0. Taylor West started for the Cougars, pitching a third of an inning before being relieved by Reed Bunnell who pitched 2/3rds of an inning. In the 2nd inning, Andrew Maher came in and pitched three complete innings before being relieved by Hunter Ruth who pitched the 5th inning.

Sophomore 2nd baseman Dan Noerhing walked to open the game and was driven in by Junior 3rd baseman Andrew Maher. In the 3rd inning, Chris Erikson ricocheted a ball off the pitcher's leg for a base hit. Joe Novak then followed with a hit of his own into left field before senior captain Mick Wald drove in both runners with a bloop single behind 2nd. The Cougars scored again in the 5th when Noerhing was hit by a pitch and later driven in by Wald with a single to center field.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Mick Wald 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs.
• Chris Erikson 2 for 3, plus scored a run.
• Joe Novak 1 for 2, plus scored a run.

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars were postponed on Thursday against Lakeville North due to rain. The game will be made up on Saturday at 2:00.

COUGARS IN LOPSIDED LOSS TO APPLE VALLEY
Cougars Outscored 21-1 In Game With Eagles

Coach Zeise talks with the team after the game.

The Cougar varsity team took a lopsided loss at home to the Apple Valley Eagles on Monday night, suffering a 21-1 defeat. The Eagles banged out 11 hits for the afternoon, including two home runs by their 1st baseman. The Cougars didn't help their cause much, allowing Apple Valley hitters 11 base runners in the game through seven walks, two hit by pitch and two fielding errors.

The Cougars used four pitchers to try and stop the Eagles. Junior Nick Continenza started the game and was relieved by senior Matt Iverson, followed by senior Trevor Anderson, who in turn was relieved by junior Chris Erikson.

The Cougar hitters collected just five hits on the day. Senior Adam Blaschko was 2 for 3 to lead the Cougars with the game's only RBI, driving in junior Joe Novak who was 1 for 2 with a triple. Also collecting hits for the Cougars on the afternoon were juniors Andrew Maher and Nick Continenza, each with one hit apiece. 

The Cougars next game is Wednesday on the road at Eastview at 4:15.

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

EDEN PRAIRIE DROPS SOUTH, 10-1
Team Held To One Run And Four Hits For The Afternoon

Eden Prairie made it decisive with a 10-1 victory over the South varsity on Thursday afternoon at Cougar Field. The Eagles scored early with four runs in the 1st and one in the 2nd. The Eagles picked up three in the 4th and two in the 6th to finish their scoring.

The Cougars were held to just four hits for the afternoon. Junior Ben Hansen picked up the Cougars first hit in the 2nd inning and advanced to 2nd on a groundout from classmate Mike McNamee. Senior Eric Watts then collected the Cougars 2nd hit in the inning, driving home Hansen and the lone Cougar run for the day.

Senior captain Mick Wald has returned to the line-up, although not yet 100% as he battles a quad tear in his leg. Wald collected the Cougars third hit in the 3rd inning and senior Logan Davis picked up the 4th hit for South with a single in the 5th.

Senior Matt Iverson pitches in relief in the 5th inning against Eden Prairie.

Senior Reed Bunnell started the game and pitched 3 1/3rd innings before being relieved by senior Matt Iverson in the 4th. Iverson threw 2 2/3rds innings before giving way to junior Hunter Ruth who closed for the Cougars, pitching the 7th inning.

Senior Pat Steele looks at ball two in the 6th inning versus Eden Prairie.

The game time temperature was 46-degrees, but it felt much colder. The Cougar faithful are hoping for much warmer baseball weather soon.

Cougar players shake hands with Eden Prairie players after game.

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next game is Monday at home versus the Apple Valley Eagles at Cougar Field at 4:15.

JAGUARS SHUT OUT COUGARS ON ONE-HITTER
Temperatures Much Warmer But Cougar Bats Stay Cold

The Jefferson Jaguars scored only twice off South Cougar pitching, one in the 1st and one run in the 7th, but that was enough as they shut out the home team 2-0 at Cougar Field. Jefferson is certainly one of the early surprises this year for the powerful Lake Conference, having already knocked off # 2 ranked Chaska and most recently # 1 ranked Eden Prairie.

The lone hit for the Cougars came from Senior DH Adam Blaschko who smoked a 3-2 pitch off the top of the right field fence for a stand up double, just missing a home run by inches. Blaschko was 1 for 2 on the day, plus had a walk.

Senior Adam Blaschko gets set to drive a double to the right field fence.

Junior Joe Novak started on the mound and held the Jaguars to just one run in 5 complete innings. Junior classmate Andrew Maher came on in relief to pitch two innings, also giving up just one run.

Cougar pitching coach Jake Groff makes a visit to the mound.

The Cougars managed just five base runners for the game. Senior Mick Wald along with Andrew Maher both reached on error in the 3rd. Chris Erikson was hit by pitch to lead off the 4th. He advanced to 2nd but was erased on a pick off play prior to Blaschko's double. Blaschko reached base again in the 7th on a walk for the last Cougar base runner of the game.

Junior Mike McNamee measures a pitch against Jefferson.

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next game is Thursday at Cougar Field at 4:15 against Eden Prairie.
 

CHASKA DOWNS SOUTH VARSITY 3-0
Cougar Pitching Allows Just Six Hits, But Hawks Allow Only Two

Junior Nick Continenza Had His Curveball Biting Against Chaska.

The Chaska Hawks came to town for a makeup of last week's postponed game and showed why they are the #2 rated team in the state. Even though Cougar pitching held the Hawks to just three runs, that was all they would need as the Chaska pitching was dominant the entire game. Hawk starter John Straka went the full 7 innings, striking out ten while holding the Cougars to just two hits and only four base runners for the game.

Collecting hits for the Cougars were Joe Novak with a single in the 1st inning and Mike McNamee with a double in the 5th. Matt Iverson reached on an error in the 3rd and Eric Watts walked to reach base in the 5th. All four runners were left stranded.

Junior Hunter Ruth came on in relief and held the Hawks hitless for 2 1/3rd.

The game had its bright spots as Nick Continenza pitched well for 4 2/3rds innings, striking out two. Hunter Ruth came on in relief and held the Hawks hitless for 2 1/3rd inings, also striking out two.

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars' next game is at home on Wednesday (4/16) against Jefferson at 4:15.

VARSITY HAS GAME SLIP AWAY, 6-5 TO EAGAN
Despite Third Consecutive Cold Day, Cougars Fight Hard To The End

Senior Reed Bunnell pitches for the Cougars against the Eagan Wildcats.

One thing seems certain about the 2008 South varsity, they're a much stronger pride of Cougars than they were the first two years, readily eager to scratch and claw right down to the end. Wednesday afternoon at Cougar Field was a good indication of a team that will have a lot more to say on the field and at the plate this season, as they fought to the finish of a very close nail-biter, losing to Eagan by a score of 6-5.

Reed Bunnell started on the mound for the Cougars and pitched well, keeping Eagan off balance for 4 2/3rds innings, scattering just four hits with two strike outs. Matt Iverson came on in relief in the 5th and also pitched well, working the rest of the game, going 2 1/3rd innings, giving up just one hit and one walk against two strikeouts.

The Cougars scored three runs in the 2nd after Adam Blaschko and Mike McNamee walked. Eric Watts moved the runners over with a sacrifice bunt before Andrew Maher chopped a grounder that scored Blaschko. Matt Iverson then came up and hit a single through shortstop, scoring McNamee. Joe Novak drove in the Cougars final run of the inning by hitting a single down the 3rd base line, scoring Maher.

South scored again, twice in the 4th. Andrew Maher reached on an error. Taylor West moved him up on a single to right. Joe Novak reached on a fielder's choice and Jake Wanner walked before Chris Erikson drove in two runs on a misplaced ball hit to the shortstop. The Cougars led 5-2 going into the 5th.

A controversial call in the 5th didn't help Bunnell's effort, nor the Cougar lead as the field umpire apparently missed the back-end of U3-4 double-play, allowing the runner to remain safe, even though senior 2nd baseman Jake Wanner clearly seemed to make the swipe tag to end the inning. Two batters later, the run scored to tie the game.

Andrew Maher races home to score while Joe Novak approaches 3rd.

There were two exceptional defensive plays late in the game. With a runner on 2nd, the number three hitter for Eagan launched a ball to deep left that looked for sure like extra bases, but senior Eric Watts was able to run the ball down and make an outstanding last second catch to rob Eagan of a sure double and a run. An inning later, junior right fielder Mike McNamee also made a very nice outstretched running catch in the 7th to end the Eagan threat.

The game wasn't without it's last minute drama though as the Cougars loaded the bases in the bottom of the 7th with two out to keep the fans on the edge of their seats. Eagan hung on for the final out and a 6-5 win.

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next game is at home against Chaska

COUGARS COLD ON THE ROAD AT ROSEMOUNT
Another Cold 35-Degree Day At The Field- Rosemount Over South

Junior Andrew Maher looks in for a sign against Rosemount.

The Cougars played through another 35-degree game, but this time the outcome was as cold as the temperature. Rosemount scored three in the 3rd, two in the 4th, and then broke it open in the 5th with a five run inning, topping the Cougars 10-1.

The Cougars were able to manage just one run, a score in the 5th inning. With two outs in the inning, Jake Wanner was hit by a pitch. Theo Gergen then pinch ran for Wanner. Joe Novak hit a single past 2nd to move the runner up. Chris Erikson walked to load the bases before Ben Hansen also walked to drive in the lone Lakeville run on the day.

Andrew Maher pitched three innings, followed by Chris Erikson for 1 2/3rds, and then Trevor Anderson for 1 1/3rd innings.

Senior Matt Clarke holds the runner on in the 6th inning at Rosemount.

The Cougars were able to manage only three hits on the day. The Rosemount pitcher went the distance, striking out twelve on the afternoon.

Senior Trevor Anderson gets ready to pitch in relief at Rosemount.

Collecting hits for the Cougars:

• Joe Novak 1 for 1
• Ben Hansen 1 for 2
• Chris Erikson 1 for 2

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next game is at home against Eagan.

COUGARS OPEN WITH WIN OVER BURNSVILLE
Team Wins Home Opener On Cold 35-Degree Day At Cougar Field

Joe Novak pitches against Burnsville as Eric Watts and Reed Bunnell look on.

The home opener for the Cougar varsity was a bitterly cold contest, with game temps at 35-degrees and wind-chill at 28, yet the outcome left everyone very warm and happy at the end. The Cougars snapped their losing streak with a come from behind victory over Burnsville in the bottom of the 7th, with two outs, by a score of 6-5.

Junior Joe Novak played a very prominent role in the game, pitching the first four innings, scoring the first run and then getting the game winning RBIs at the end.

The Cougars opened the scoring in the first when Novak was hit by a pitch and took 1st. Junior center fielder Chris Erikson then came to the plate and hit a single into right field, advancing Novak to 2nd base. Junior catcher Ben Hansen then fought to a 3-1 count and got the pitch he was waiting for as he ripped a double to left field, scoring Novak.

The Cougars scored right away again in the second inning. Junior 3rd baseman Andrew Maher hit a single past the shortstop. Senior 2nd baseman Theo Gergen then walked to give South two base runners. Joe Novak then hit a line shot to the left of the shortstop, scoring Maher in the process.

In the third inning the Cougars put up another run as Junior right fielder Mike McNamee bounced a hard shot off the pitcher to reach 1st with a single. Senior DH Adam Blaschko then walked before Andrew Maher collected his second hit of the day by ripping a run scoring single down the 3rd base line, scoring McNamee in the process.

Burnsville scored one run in the 1st, one in the 2nd, and one each in the 4th, 5th and 6th innings.

The Cougars were held scoreless in the 4th, 5th and 6th.

Taylor West came on to relieve Novak in the 4th inning, pitching one and a third innings. Junior pitcher Hunter Ruth came on as final relief in the 8th inning, where he faced three batters, getting the final two outs. Ruth then shut the door on Burnsville in the top of the 7th. The leadoff batter in the inning picked up a hit before being sacrificed to 2nd by Burnsville's number eight hitter. Ruth then gave up a four pitch walk before striking out the number nine hitter who swung through a 2-2 pitch. Ruth then got the last out on a pop-up to the shortstop, pitching well for the last 1 2/3rds innings. Ruth also collected the win.

The Cougars entered the bottom of the 7th down by two, trailing 5-3. Adam Blaschko collected his fourth walk of the night to give the Cougars a lead base runner. Jake Wanner also walked, moving Blaschko to 2nd. Senior Matt Clarke then entered the game as a pinch hitter and helped out by picking up an RBI on an error by the shortstop, allowing Blaschko to score.

With runners at 1st and 2nd, Burnsville brought in a new pitcher. With two outs, Joe Novak drove a 2-2 pitch to the right-center gap, where both outfielders seemed to  have a play on the ball, but the center fielder made an error on the catch, allowing the ball to drop. In the meantime, Wanner had already raced home, while Nick Continenza pinch ran for Clarke and got to score the game winning run.

Coach Mark Zeise watches as players celebrate after season opening win.

The Cougar team and fans erupted with high-fives and handshakes as the team put an end to its losing streak, and came away with a 6-5 opening day victory.

Collecting hits for the Cougars:

• Chris Erikson 2 for 4
• Andrew Maher 2 for 4
• Ben Hansen 1 for 3 (2B)
• Mike McNamee 1 for 4
• Joe Novak 1 for 4 (GW-RBI)
• Jake Wanner 1 for 1 (Bunt)

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next game is Tuesday at Rosemount at 4:15.

COUGARS RETURN FROM SPRING TRAINING
Team Spends Seven Days Training in Ft. Pierce and St. Lucie

The Cougar baseball team has returned home from a successful seven day spring training camp in the warmer confines of the Florida east coast. The Cougars called the Ft. Pierce Sleep Inn their home as they worked out at fields in town and also south in St. Lucie. In all, the team traveled with 28 players who worked out and trained for seven full days, enjoying great weather in the upper 70s and low 80s all week long.

The trip wasn't just all work and no play as the team did spend a timely and beautiful 80 degree day up north in Orlando at Universal Studios theme park, all the while Fort Pierce and southern Florida received rain and heavy thunderstorms. The team was able to play the next day with no rain to interrupt their practice or scrimmage schedules.

Another leisure highlight of the Florida trip was a visit to nearby St. Lucie for a Mets night time spring training game with the Orioles. On the last day the team took in an afternoon at the beach as some decided to soak up some Atlantic sea water with a swim before returning home.

Early morning breakfast was a somewhat mixed bag for some at the Golden Corral, however the team apparently did their best to run the local Steak & Shake out of food on a daily basis. Dinner was always new with a nightly variety that ranged from Mexican as the theme one night, to chicken and mashed potatoes and corn on another, and southern barbecue in there too. Judging from the amount eaten, the guys seemed to approve of the food fare.

Another highlight of the trip was getting to see an alligator floating in a nearby pond in the on ramp area of the Florida turnpike, just a few blocks from the hotel.

All in all the team worked very hard and played well. Much work was accomplished and coaches and players were able to leave camp with a good feel for the team's abilities for this coming 2008 season. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.

Cougar Spring Training...    Gallery 1  |  Gallery 2