A’s Roll In Opener
Posted: August 6, 2011
An eight-run fourth inning propelled the Sheboygan A’s to a 13-2 victory over the Menasha MAC’s in Game 1 of the Northeastern Wisconsin League semifinals Friday night at Wildwood Baseball Park.
The A’s, who are seeking their first playoff series victory since 2008, now have a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three series.
Back-to-back RBI singles from Tim Patzman and Ryan Solberg gave Sheboygan the lead in the third inning.
The A’s blew the game wide open in the fourth with an eight-run rally that included a bases clearing double from Charlie Reschke.
Second baseman and Plymouth native Greg Rhude, who was making his playoff debut, finished the night with three hits, a walk, and two RBI. Despite having a few butterflies before the game, Rhude refused to let the bright lights of the playoffs get the best of him.
“I talked to the trainer and I told him my legs felt like Jell-O,” said Rhude. “I just wanted to drive each fastball I got if it was in my zone and that is what I did.”
A’s manager Shaun Wegner was impressed with the first-year second baseman’s performance.
“Greg had a great game,” said Wegner. “He’s really picked up a lot this summer and he is becoming more of a baseball player and it is really fun to watch.”
Starter Collin Weyer picked up the win for Sheboygan, scattering seven hits through six innings of work and striking out five.
“In the playoffs any game where you can get five or six good innings out of a starter, you are going to take it every time,” Wegner said. “My hat is off to Collin tonight.”
The game was eventually ended after seven innings in accordance with the league’s mercy rule.
The series will continue tonight in Menasha. With a win, the A’s will advance to the N.E.W. championship series. Fans wishing to make the trek to Menasha are encouraged to meet at Wildwood Park today at 5 p.m. to join in the caravan that will be heading to the game. Game time is set for 7:15 p.m.
Story by Nathan Woelfel
Photo by The Sheboygan Press
The Sheboygan A's are members of the Wisconsin State League and Northeastern Wisconsin Baseball League. The A's have helped develop more than 43 players that have reached professional baseball, including 2002 World Series Champion Jarrod Washburn (Anaheim Angels). All Sheboygan A's home games are played at Wildwood Baseball Park in Sheboygan. Connect with the A's on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
