GROTON, S.D. — A massive 12-run first inning propelled Groton to a dominant 12-3 victory over Lake Norden/Badger on Tuesday night, with the game being shortened to five innings due to the run rule.
Groton’s explosive opening frame began when Nick Groeblinghoff was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in a run. Braden Fliehs, Trig McGannon, Alex Abelin, and Lincoln Krause followed by each drawing a walk to walk in successive runs.
Gavin Englund then delivered the biggest blow of the inning, driving a double to score three runs. Braden Fliehs later drew another bases-loaded walk to pick up an RBI, and Karsten Fliehs capped off the scoring flurry with a two-run double.
Braden Fliehs led the Groton offense, finishing the night with four RBIs on two hits. Englund also put together a strong performance, driving in three runs on a pair of hits.
On the mound, Jarrett Erfmann earned the complete-game victory. Erfmann threw all five innings, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out six and walking five.
Lake Norden/Badger managed six hits in the contest, with Teague Stevenson, Jose Mahe, Evan Schultz, Maddox Jacobsen, and Turner Stevenson each collecting one. Emmett Aho, Trig Heinrich, and Jacobsen each credited an RBI in the loss.
Turner Stevenson took the loss for Lake Norden/Badger, lasting two-thirds of an inning in the opening frame. He allowed 11 runs on two hits while walking eight. Schultz and Aho provided relief out of the bullpen, combining to finish the game by allowing two runs on four hits.
Lake Norden/Badger (2-7) will look to bounce back after the Fourth of July holiday when they face Redfield on Tuesday.
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