In a hard fought battle the Lakers defeated the New Prague Orioles 6-5 as Ben Smothers delivered the deciding solo shot in the top half of the 9th inning.

The Lakers were down 3-0 entering the 6th missing great opportunities in both the the 2nd and 3rd innings, but they were pounding at the door. In the 6th inning they put 5 runs on the board and things looked good as Andrew Fredericksen in relief of Craig LaPlante was throwing great stuff. Freddy entered the game in the 5th and shut the Orioles down into the 8th.

At 5-3 in the 8th the Orioles worked 2 runners on base and as it always happens blooped a bleeder into right making the score 5-5.

As noted, the 9th inning belonged to Smothers as he crushed the ball over the left center field fence putting the Lakers out in front for good.

Good defense, great relief for for 4 innings from Fredericksen and Tony Wischnack picks up the win pitching the final one and a third.

Next up: the Big Lake White Caps, winners of Region 1,  game time: 5:00 at Glencoe Friday night, Sept 2.

Hope to see you there