SHAWANO, WI- The Shawano Hawks are in the Regional Finals for the first time since 2014 and are trying to get to Sectionals for the first time since 2006.
The win was the team’s first post-season win since the 2016 season.
Shawano used a three-run sixth inning to top Clintonville 4-1.
The game was tied 1-1 after the third inning as each team used minimal hitting to score.
In the sixth, the Hawks reached base on two bunts, one a bunt single and one was on an error to load the bases.
“That is why we do the bunting drills at least twice a week. It is the difference between a win and a loss,” said Coach Dustin Beyer. “Nobody out and a guy on first, we are going to lay one down and sacrifice the runner, and if they get on we are going to do it again.”
The game consisted of 23 combined strikeouts. Andrew Popp pitched the first 5 innings and had 9 strikeouts while only giving up one hit.
“Andrew did not have his best stuff tonight, but he did enough to get us to the sixth.”
Ashton Henning came on in relief and shut the Truckers bats down.
Ben Smejkal took the loss, but had 9 strikeouts himself.
“Smejkal is though and he had one heck of a game.”
Beyer said he is hoping for a quicker start on Wednesday.
“I could tell everyone was waiting for someone else to do something, so we were tight early on, so I talked to the kids in the 6th inning and told them
Next up for Shawano is Rhinelander. Beyer says there was not any scouting this year.
“Nothing, I don’t know anything about them. I know they have a record of around .500 but that is it. We just need to hit the ball the way we have been this season and we will be fine.”
The one thing that is working for the Hawks is pitching depth.
“We have three more lefties that we are going to throw out there Wednesday and go right after them. We have Berry, Sperberg, and Bushy ready to go.”
“It has been a great season for these kids and I am looking forward to it.
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