June 21, 2011 at 11:08 a.m.
Rebels take lopsided affair
Rhinelander capitalizes on Spooner reserves
Rebels take lopsided affair
By Andrew Hildebrand-
Spooner, however, wasn't at the top of its game, and for good reason as its varsity high school players took part in the WIAA Division 2 State Championship game the day before, finishing as the runners-up.
Due to the hectic travel schedule and an already busy week of games, many of Spooner's starters took the night off, forcing the back-ups into action. The teams were originally scheduled to play a doubleheader but it was made into one nine-inning contest. The game finished after only six and a half innings as a result of the mercy rule.
It was obvious early, though, that Nate Schmidt didn't plan on taking it easy on the Spooner reserves. He set the tone early and often, carrying a no-hitter into the fifth inning before giving up Spooner's lone run on three hits in the inning. His control was lethal from the first pitch as he racked up six strikeouts and didn't allow a single walk.
Rebels' manager Dan Huhnstock was impressed by Schmidt's performance, but not surprised.
"I have all the confidence in the world in Nate," he said. "He just reinforced that tonight. He had some nasty movement on his pitches and really got to the hitters. He's going to see a lot of innings this summer."
It certainly wasn't a one-man show though, as the Rebels' bats continued to stay hot. Schmidt started the night with a triple and Dan Kellen followed with a quick single that scored the run. The Rebels never looked back.
They followed up that early score with solo runs the second and third innings, before tacking on five more in the fourth on an error and some clutch two-out hitting by Joe Zuiker, Micah Baumgartner and Troy White, boosting the score to 8-0.
The Rebels finally ousted Spooner starter Bo Sahr in the sixth after Zuiker, Kyle Comer and Ryan Morris all got base hits. Reliever Brandon Shutt couldn't do any better, walking three Rebel batters and plunking another. His defense added onto the troubles with a miscue in the inning.
Despite Spooner's depleted roster, Huhnstock said scoring 14 runs on 16 hits will always give the team a huge boost.
"Any time you're swinging the bat well and scoring runs, it does loads for a team's confidence, no matter who you're playing," he said.
Zuiker led the way offensively for the Rebels, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and three runs scored. Schmidt, Comer and Kellen each had two hits apiece.
Rhinelander continues its season with a doubleheader at Wisconsin Rapids tonight, and this time, the Rebels will be the shorthanded ones.
"A couple of guys have prior obligations. Some have basketball practice and some will be at a baseball showcase. It's going to be a real test," Huhnstock said.
The doubleheader at Rapids is slated for 5:30 p.m. Rhinelander is scheduled to host Wausau in a doubleheader the following day at Stafford Field, with the first game set to start at the same time.
Editors Note: Tuesday's doubleheader at Wis. Rapids has been canceled due to the forecasted weather and field conditions.
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