HOWARD, WI- Behind a dominant pitching performance from Griffin Jens and a clutch three-run single by Kameron Chronis, the Hortonville Polar Bears clinched their spot at the WIAA Division 1 state tournament with a 3-1 win over De Pere on Tuesday.
Jens was in control from the opening pitch, tossing a complete-game three-hitter to earn Hortonville its 22nd win of the season. The senior right-hander needed just 65 pitches to go the distance, striking out five and walking two in a calm, efficient outing.
Hortonville’s breakthrough came in the bottom half of the fifth inning. Chronis delivered the hit of the day, a sharp single to left field that scored a run. On the same play, a wild relay throw home allowed courtesy runner Jack Tennie to score, and another errant throw trying to nab Chronis at third skipped into left field, allowing him to race all the way home and extend the lead to 3-1.
That was all the offense Jens needed.
With the victory, Hortonville advances to the state tournament at Fox Cities Stadium for the 10th time in school history.
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