August 12, 2016 at 2:18 p.m.
Despite late rally, Snowhawks fall 28-19
D&R Bombers crank out 37 hits in victory
Despite late rally, Snowhawks fall 28-19
By By Evan Verploegh-
The Bombers racked up 37 hits and ran away with the contest 28-19 to hand the Lake Tomahawk Snowhawks just their second loss of the 2016 snowshoe baseball season.
Snowhawks' third baseman and head coach Jeff Smith said while he thought his squad hit the ball well, the Bombers were able to find the gaps in the outfield.
"It was a rough one for us. They had a lot of lefties in their lineup which is certainly an advantage with the shorter right field fence," he said. "We knew we had to outhit these guys and we didn't. They put the ball where we weren't and the score showed it."
Smith said his team played well, but he thought they were a bit lethargic both at the plate and in the field.
"We sure picked the wrong night to be flat. We scored some runs but those came mostly on hustle in the last couple innings," he said. "They are a good team, and we didn't play our best."
The Bombers wasted no time in racking up the runs. Brandon Schindler, Dave Maize, Jordan Schmidt, Jesse Robinson and Nate Schmidt securing base hits in the opening inning as the Bombers maxed out at five runs.
The Snowhawks returned the favor with four of their own in the bottom of the first, but could not sustain the run output. Lake Tomahawk went scoreless in the second and the third while the Bombers crossed seven runners, including a home run by Nate Schmidt.
The Snowhawks tried their best to limit the Bombers' offense. They played their outfielder back in an effort to cut down on extra-base hits, but the Bombers were still able to find the holes.
"They dropped some balls in at our feet and had some line drives that we otherwise may have caught had we been playing in our standard positioning," Smith said. "Besides the home runs they had, I thought they placed the ball very well."
In addition to Schmidt's dinger in the third, Brandon Maize homered in the sixth to kick off a five-run effort. Ryan Maize hit a three-run homer in the seventh to put the proverbial dagger in the 'Hawks.
Brent Cella went deep for Lake Tomahawk in the bottom of the fifth inning and Craig Holmquist had a strong day at the plate, going 4-for-5 with three runs scored. First baseman Todd Niemuth had two hits with two runs scored, continuing a trend of solid play at the plate.
"Todd has really been hitting the ball well lately and we'll need it to continue here in the last few games of the season," Smith said. "He's been really solid for us at first base as well."
Dave Maize, who went five for five with four runs scored, led the offensive attack for the Bombers. Starting pitcher Mike Maize also had a perfect day at the plate with five hits and three runs scored. Jesse Robinson switched sides Monday for one last shot to play for his former team. He doubled three times in the win.
Smith said that win or lose, each opportunity to strap on the snowshoes is a treat and a beautiful night and smiling faces in the crowd create a great atmophere for baseball.
"We seem to be pretty lucky with the weather we get on Monday nights," he said.
"It was another great crowd and I heard they sold a lot of food in the concession stands, so we can't complain too much," he added. "It would have been nice to get a win, but hopefully we'll have better luck next week. We have fun no matter what."
Snowhawks will take on another hometown squad in Smiley's Pub this Monday.
Smith said hits will be the key if the 'Hawks intend to move to 6-2.
"We'll need to be stronger at the plate next week," he said. "We're all looking forward to that one. Hopefully we can get back on track."
The game will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Snowshoe Park in Lake Tomahawk.
Evan Verploegh may be reached via email at [email protected].
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