Road Trip Ends In a Split

This past Saturday started off cold and rainy, but that didn't stop the Hollanders from travelling to Spring Hill for a fun double header. Spring Hill played the role of host excellently as they were able to get the field ready for the exhibition games. The first game saw the Hollanders play the Meire Grove Groveres. It was a closely fought game and didn't see a run scored until the Grovers scored the game's first run in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Hollanders responded by scoring one in the top of the sixth after Joey Lilya singled and Austin Pysick moved Lilya to third on his single to right. Zack Nelson came in to courtesy run for Austin. Joey was able to score as Zack and Joey were able to pull off the double steal. The Hollanders' defense was able to hold the Grovers offense scoreless in the bottom of the sixth before the Hollanders added two more in the top of the seventh. Jordan Litchewski started off the inning with a single and then immediately stole second. Robert Mobeck then reached first on balls. Brandon Fritz came up big with a shot to left-center that scored Jordan on the double. After Cam Conlin reached first on a walk and stole second. Tanner Luebke finished off his game with a sacrifice fly to left that scored Mobeck. The Hollanders started with Joey Lilya on the bump and he threw six great innings giving up one unearned run off of three Meire Grove hits and three strikeouts. Zack Nelson picked up the save as he threw the final frame giving up zero runs, zero hits, and picking up one strikeout. Cologne's offense was led by Tanner Luebke who got two hits including a double, and picked up one RBI and one stolen base. Joey Lilya helped out his own cause by getting two hits himself and scored one run. Kyle Twait, Brandon Fritz, Austin Pysick, and Jordan Litchewski all had one hit during the game, too.

The second game brought the main event as Cologne played the Spring Hill Chargers for 2018's ownership of the horseshoe trophy. The Chargers were able to pull off the win in 2017's contest in Cologne. Spring Hill were able to get a good lead as they scored two in the second and two more in the third. The Chargers' defense was able to keep the Cologne bats silent until the seventh. Cam Conlin started the inning off with a single. Joey Lilya pushed Cam to second with a single of his own. Manager Craig Pexa didn't want to be left out of all the day's fun and saw his first at-bat in ... well, let's just say a very long time. Pexa was able to put wood on the ball and was able to shoot it through the five-hole of the Charger's third baseman. Joey Lilya then scored on the error. After giving up four runs early in the game, Hollanders' starting pitcher, Alex Meeker, settled down and held the Chargers scoreless for the rest of the afternoon. Meeker pitched five innings giving up the four runs (three of which were earned) off of four hits, three walks, and four strikeouts. Zack Nelson again came in to finish the game as he struck out the side in the sixth inning. The Hollanders lost the game by a final score of four to one. The horseshoe trophy will remain in Spring Hill for another year.

The Cologne Hollanders want to thank both Spring Hill and Meire Grove for coming out during less than prestine conditions. Both teams made the day fun. It was Cologne's first time playing the Grovers. It was great seeing some new faces. The Spring Hill club, fans, and organization were fantastic as well. These friendly contests can truly show how special townball in Minnesota is as three small towns can come together and enjoy burgers, drinks, and well played baseball.

Up next, the Hollanders will continue their non-league streak this week with games against the Arlington A's and Chaska Cubs. The game against Arlington will be played Tuesday night at Fritz Field with a start time of 7:30pm. Cologne will play neighboring Chaska the following night (Wednesday) in Cologne with a start time of 7:30pm. The week will then be topped of with Cologne's annual Fill the Hill as the New Germany Dutchmen will come to Cologne on Friday night. That game is scheduled to start at 7:30pm.

Ga Hollanders!