Big 1st inning for Owatonna, bigger one for Hopkins

By John Sherman
Joe Schaefer of Hopkins scores a run in the 1st inning to help the Flyers defeat Owatonna 8-2 in the opening round on July 31.

ST. MICHAEL —Owatonna opened its State Legion Tournament game against Hopkins by scoring two runs in the top of the first. It was a promising start for Post 77, but not promising enough to deter Hopkins.

By the end of the first inning, Hopkins led 4-2. They would add four more runs later on to win the game 8-2. Hopkins used three pitchers in the game with starter Jay Mound getting the win. Flyers pitching coach John Sands said, “All three pitchers we used can comeback in the next game.”

Ely Charney of Hopkins slides head first into a tag by Owatonna catcher Hunter Theis on July 31.

Hitting-wise, Joe Schaefer went two for three and Hopkins teammate Lincoln Heath went two for four.

After the first inning, Schaefer had a bandage on his hand, the result of a cut he suffered while sliding at second base.

“Our offense in the bottom of the first meant a lot,” Heath said. “Especially after the way Owatonna started out. It is definitely exciting to win the first game of the state tournament. That gives us confidence to stay on the high road.”

Owatonna started its ace, Mitch Seykora, on the mound. “With a pitcher like that, you look for his mistakes,” Schaefer said.

Jay Mound of Hopkins delivers during the top of the 1st inning against Owatonna on July 31.

“He had a really good change-up,” Heath said. “I went up looking for fastballs.”

With the win, Hopkins improved to 18-10-1 overall. The Flyers dominated in Sub-State 4 the previous week, winning all four of its games.

“Our scouting report on Owatonna was that they don’t make a lot of mistakes,” Hopkins head coach Tyler Brodersen said. “They are a very good team.”