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Monticello 12, Chisago Lakes 2 (5 innings)

The Wildcats opened their 2024 season with a clunker, losing 12-2 to the Monticello Magic in a game shortened to five innings because of the ten-run rule.  Wildcat pitchers allowed just seven hits, but walked ten, allowing the Magic to score multiple runs in the second, third and fourth innings.  Xavier Taylor had two hits for the Wildcats, and Chuck Gilman and Caden Gibbs each drove in a run.  The game was played at Monticello High School on Monday, April 8.

Chisago Lakes 14, Zimmerman 5

The Wildcats turned it around in the second game of the season, crushing the Zimmerman Thunder 14-5 Tuesday,  April 9 at Zimmerman High School.  Sophomore catcher Kellen Meissner led the attack, going three for four with a double and three RBIs.  Joe Couwenhoven and Jacob Showers drove in two runs apiece, and Showers had a double.  Four players had one RBI each: Caden Gibbs, Cole Stilp, Zander Bleymeyer, and Jack Bjelland.  River Bemlott started for the Wildcats and left after two scoreless innings.  Bleymeyer went the final five innings to pick up the win.

Big Lake 1, Chisago Lakes 0

The Big Lake Hornets scored the only run of the game on a fourth-inning balk as the Wildcats lost their home opener 1-0 Friday, April 12 at Pat Collins Field at Chisago Lakes High School.  River Bemlott started for the Wildcats and took the loss.  In four innings, he allowed three hits and one earned run, walked three and struck out five.  Cole Stilp pitched well in three innings of relief.  He allowed just one hit, walked one and struck out three.  Kellen Meissner had three hits for the second time this season, including a double, and Stilp had two hits.

In the top of the fourth, the first Big Lake batter reached base with one out on a dropped third strike, and the next two hitters singled to load the bases.  Bemlott balked, allowing a run to score.  A ground out and a fly out ended the inning with no further damage.

The Wildcats’ best chance to score came in the bottom of the third inning.  Jacob Showers walked to lead off the inning but was caught stealing.  Dom Torrez singled, Xavier Taylor reached on an error, and Meissner had an infield single to load the bases.  But Chick Gilman and Andrew Mandell both struck out looking to end the threat.  The Hornets loaded the bases in the second and fifth innings, but Wildcats defense and pitching thwarted those potential rallies to keep the game close.

Baseball Banter

The Wildcats (1-3) will host the Princeton Tigers today at 4:30 p.m. at Pat Collins Field at Chisago Lakes High School.  Tomorrow, the Duluth Denfeld Hunters will come to Lindstrom to face the Wildcats in a 4:30 p.m. game.

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