Baseball Team Second at State
The crowd gives a standing ovation to the Prairie du Chien baseball team at the pep rally in the high school gym Thursday night. (Photo by Ted Pennekamp)
The players enjoyed addressing the fans and thanking them for their unwavering support. Here, Jack Wasachek gets Brogan Potter, Reese Dressler, Peyton Hall and Coach Mark Pedretti (in the background) smiling and laughing. (Photo by Ted Pennekamp)
Coach Mark Pedretti talks about "the Blackhawk Experience" and the fine tradition at Prairie du Chien High School. (Photo by Ted Pennekamp)
The team poses with the second-place trophy. (Photo by Vicki Waller)
Drew Scott makes the tag on a pick-off attempt versus Markesan Wednesday. (Photo by Vicki Waller)
Chas Sagedahl lets fly against the Hornets Wednesday. (Photo by Vicki Waller)
Casey Hogenson pitches against St. Mary Catholic Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Vicki Waller)
Dylan Yeomans gets ready to swing versus the Zephyrs. (Photo by Vicki Waller)
Peyton Hall gets a good lead against the Zephyrs. (Photo by Vicki Waller)
Chas Sagedahl squares to bunt. (Photo by Vicki Waller)
Prairie du Chien ends fine season
with 2nd place at State Tournament
By Ted Pennekamp
The Prairie du Chien Blackhawks ended a fine baseball season Thursday afternoon to finish second in the Division 3 State Tournament at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute. Second ranked Neenah St. Mary Catholic (26-0) defeated third ranked Prairie du Chien 5-1 in the championship game as the Blackhawks finished at 25-2.
Fire trucks led a procession through Prairie du Chien Thursday night and the fans cheered one last time this season at a pep rally at the high school in celebration of the team’s accomplishments.
“This senior class has a lot of memories. You guys have done a great job,” said High School Principal Andy Banasik as he recalled the success the sports teams have had this school year during his introduction of the team following a standing ovation by the crowd. “And, now I’d like to introduce the winningest coach in Prairie du Chien history, Mark Pedretti.”
“It’s the love of the community and people like you that support it. It’s a great tradition,” said Pedretti in addressing the crowd while talking about “the Blackhawk Experience” and the reasons why Prairie du Chien sports and the baseball team continue to be successful. “We appreciate the support of the families, and these young men did a great job. They represented family, school and the community well.”
Several players then spoke to the crowd.
“Thanks for supporting us all year. It’s been a great year,” said Brogan Potter.
“It’s been a hellava ride,” said Chad Mara in part of his address.
“I’m really proud of my team. I love ‘em all. It’s been awesome,” said Drew Scott.
In the championship game, Mack Blashka of St. Mary Catholic shut down the Prairie batters as he pitched a three-hitter to lead the Zephyrs to their first state title.
The Zephyrs scored three runs in the top of the first inning and two more in the fifth to take a 5-0 advantage.
Prairie du Chien’s Casey Hogenson led off the bottom of the sixth with a double and moved to third on a ground out to first. Hogenson later scored on a sacrifice fly by Brogan Potter for the Blackhawks’ lone run of the game.
St. Mary Catholic had five hits and committed no errors. Prairie du Chien had three hits and committed four errors.
In addition to Hogenson’s double, Peyton Hall had a double and Jonathan Dyer hit a single for the Blackhawks. Hogenson struck out seven and walked two in the loss. He gave up only one earned run in seven innings.
Prairie du Chien got to the state championship game by defeating Markesan 2-0 in the semifinal on Wednesday afternoon.
Junior pitcher Chas Sagedahl fanned 11 and walked just one in pitching the shutout. The lefty allowed just four hits to help lift the Blackhawks to their first State Tournament victory since 2008 when they finished second in Division 2.
Prairie du Chien improved to 25-1 while Markesan ended their season with a 24-1 record.
In hurling his shutout gem, Sagedahl struck out the side twice, including a somewhat unusual second inning in which he whiffed four. The Hornets’ leadoff batter reached first base after striking out on a wild pitch.
The Blackhawks scored a run in the top of the second inning and another in the fourth to earn the victory.
Prairie du Chien had eight hits and committed two errors. Markesan had four hits and committed two errors.
Casey Hogenson was 1x4 at the plate. Peyton Hall was 1x4. Brogan Potter was 1x3 with a double. Jack Wasechek was 2x4 and scored both of Prairie’s runs. Sagedahl was 1x2. Jonathan Dyer was 1x2 with an RBI. Chad Mara was 1x3 with an RBI.
