by Cody Linneweber, 14U Baseball Coach
To say that the Garretson 14U Teener VFW Class “B” Baseball team has had a good year in 2019 is an understatement. This team of sixteen 13-15 year olds has gone through the summer with a with an overall 17-3 win-loss sweep, beating rival teams Canova, Dells, and Baltic throughout the season. And now, they’ve made it to State, which will be held in Elkton July 18-21.
July 6th through July 9th the Garretson 14U Teener Team traveled to Scotland, SD to compete in the 14U Class “B” VFW Southeast Region Tournament for a chance to qualify for a trip to the 14U Class “B” State Tournament.
The story of success for Garretson came down to pitching and defense. The team did not disappoint with a spectacular pitching performance over tournament play.
Game 1: Garretson- 15 Irene- 0, Combined perfect game by pitchers Swatek and Schleuter
Tayson Swatek connects with a pitch during their game against Irene
Game one of the tournament was set and Garretson came out ready to play. Garretson bested Irene by a score of 15-0 in three innings. Jayse Miller doubled, while having 2 runs batted in (RBI). Cooper Long went 2-3 with 3 RBI. Preston Bohl singled in the game with 1 RBI. Drew Pederson went 2-3 with 3 RBI, and Braxten Rozeboom singled in a run to walk off the game.
The real story was the pitching. Tayson Swatek started the game and struck out 4 batters, Sam Schleuter came into the game in relief and Struck out 1 batter. The two pitchers ended up pitching a combined perfect game in game one. Swatek was also 2-3 in the game with 2 RBI.
Game 2: Garretson – 12 Salem- 5, Garretson comes from behind
In the Quarter finals, Garretson took the lead late and defeated Salem 12-5 on Sunday. The game was tied at 5-5 with Garretson batting in the top of the sixth, but had a 2-run single to take the lead.
Salem scored three runs in the first inning, but Garretson still managed to pull out the victory.
In the top of the fourth inning, Garretson tied things up at 5-5 when Garretson scored one run on a stolen base. Garretson tallied five runs in the seventh inning.
Garretson’s big bats were led by Carson Clark, Cooper Long, Dylan Kindt, and Drew Pederson, all sending runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning.
Long was credited with the victory for Garretson. He allowed three hits and five runs over five innings, striking out seven and walking one.
Jayse Miller and Carson Clark entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief. Garretson tallied eight hits. Tayson Swatek, Drew Pederson, and Carson Clark all collected multiple hits for Garretson.
Game 3: Garretson- 5 Canova- 0, Kindt and Miller shut door with no-hitter
In the semi- final match up Garretson played long time I-29 league rival Canova and won 5-0.
This was Dylan Kindt’s game. Kindt took the win for Garretson. He surrendered zero runs on zero hits over six and two-thirds innings, striking out 15 and walking zero. Kindt was constantly keeping Canova hitters off balance and was snapping the catcher’s mitt.
Miller threw one-third of an inning in relief out of the bullpen and shut the door. The two combined to throw a no-hitter against a very good Canova team.
Garretson opened up scoring in the first inning. Dylan Kindt drove in two when he doubled to right field. Garretson tallied six hits in the game. Miller and Kindt each had multiple hits for Garretson in the victory. Carson Clark and Cooper Long each added singles to the contest.
Game 4: Garretson- 6 Canova- 2
Preston Bohl catches a fly ball against Canova in the Championship game
Canova was able to play back through and Garretson had to meet them once again in the championship game Tuesday night.
Carson Clark stepped to the mound and had his best pitching performance of the year. He earned the victory and lasted five and two-thirds innings, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out three.
Miller threw one and one-third innings in relief out of the bullpen. Miller recorded the last four outs to earn the save for Garretson. Garretson pulled away for good with three runs in the second inning.
In the second inning, Bryce Stoterau singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run, Rozeboom grounded out, scoring one run, and Miller singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run. Carson Clark went 2-3 and Dylan Kindt also had a single.
Garretson won the Southeast Region Championship and has qualified for the 14U VFW State Class “B” Tournament in Elkton, SD on July 19-21st. This will be the 14U teener’s 6th appearance at the state tourney in the last 7 years.
Garretson also finished the season with a strong 17-3 record and finished 2nd in the very competitive I-29 league this summer. Garretson’s first game at state is scheduled for Friday, July 19th at 2:30 against Castlewood.
The team would love to see the town come and support them as they chase a state title. Garretson 14U is coached by Jesse Brockhouse and Cody Linneweber.
