Hoppers continue state tournament run
The Hoppers’ Cory Check races from second to third versus Waupaca Friday afternoon at the Class A State American Legion Tournament. (Photos by Ted Pennekamp)
Cory Check reaches for home on a play at the plate.
Clayton DuCharme gets a good jump off of first base versus Waupaca Friday afternoon.
The Hoppers’ Blake Bremmer (00) tags out the Waupaca runner on a steal attempt.
Prairie du Chien’s Dylan Coleman throws to first base to complete a double play for the Hoppers against Waupaca.
By Ted Pennekamp
The Prairie du Chien Grasshoppers American Legion baseball team has advanced to the final four of the State Class A American Legion Tournament being held in Westby.
The double-elimination tournament began on Friday and runs through Tuesday, July 30. The four teams remaining include Prairie du Chien, Medford, Neenah St. Mary’s and Waupun.
Prairie du Chien will play the winner between Neenah St. Mary’s and Waupun on Monday, July 29 at 7:30 p.m. The game between Neenah and Waupun was suspended due to rain on Sunday.
On Friday afternoon, Prairie du Chien lost to Waupaca 3-0 in a pitcher’s duel. Waupaca threw a 4-hit shutout. Cory Check went the distance for the Hoppers. He gave up 7 hits and whiffed 5 in 7 innings.
The Hoppers bounced back to blank Arcadia 5-0 on Saturday morning. Ryan McGrath pitched 6 2/3 innings for the Hoppers in shutting out Arcadia. He fanned 6 Arcadia batters.
Cory Check led the Hoppers at the plate with 2 hits. Grant Martin had 2 RBIs. Dylan Coleman had an RBI and Tyler Smock had an RBI.
Prairie du Chien beat tournament host Westby-Coon Valley 6-0 on Sunday. Dylan Coleman hurled a complete game shutout. He struck out 3 in 7 innings.
Coleman had 2 hits and 3 RBI for the Hoppers. Grant Martin had an RBI. Cory Check had an RBI.
The Hoppers now sport a 29-7 overall record and were the number one rated team in the state in Class A entering the tournament, and they are looking forward to continuing.
“During the state tournament, our defense and pitching have been outstanding,” said Coach Nate Cejka. “Once we get our offense clicking, we are going to be a dangerous team down the stretch. The fan support has been incredible. We have by far the most fan support of any team at the state tournament. We are looking forward to a deep run at state.”
