Glen Strandberg
Sports Editor

With the playoffs now upon them, the VFW baseball team looks to improve on a summer that had them looking consistent in its inconsistency. Just when you think their play is looking grim, they put together a 4-game winning streak. But when you settle in to enjoy the victory ride, they drop the next contest and canít find any offense.

Exhibit A: On Wednesday, July 12, the team was in Isanti for a game against Cambridge, and head coach Jim Bourque had Forest Lake looking for its fifth win in a row. Bourqueís squad wouldnít find what they were looking for, however, when they ran into a solid Cambridge pitcher who allowed only two hits. The 6-0 loss ended Forest Lakeís good karma, and the nice run, but it couldnít take away what they had put together before the trip to Isanti.

Exhibit B: Two days prior to the disappointment against Cambridge, the team hosted Centennial for a doubleheader at Schumacher Field and came away with two victories.

Game one was an 8-6 win that had Ben Marleau on the mound for the complete game victory. His five strikeouts complemented the hot hitting of Alec Johnson and Travis Evgen who both had a pair of hits to lead the offense.

In game two it was a similar story line, but the names and faces of the featured performers changed.

Jordan Hoppe pitched six innings and Matt Zidar got the save. Cole Goodyear had a great night as he raced for a triple on his way to a perfect 5-for-5 from the plate.

St. Cloud Recap

The sweep of Centennial was preceded by a weekend away at the St. Could Tournament. According to assistant coach Dale Hager, other than state, the 16 teams in St. Could make up the largest and most difficult tournament of the season.

Forest Lake started on Friday, July 7 against the host team, St. Cloud East, and were treated like uninvited guests.

After a slow start, Forest Lake got behind early and stayed there on the way to a 14-4 loss. With five errors, seven walks, and two hit batters, Hagerís postgame comment of ìno chance to winî was appropriate.

The team didnít fare any better on Saturday when they played Mahtomedi. More errors, walks, and hit batters contributed to a 15-2 loss, and the team was left with little momentum and two games to play on Sunday.

The tournament would end well for Forest Lake, as they grabbed a close one against Rochester.

Pat Larson lasted all seven innings, giving up just four hits in the 2-1 victory. Nate Lindgren stuffed the box score, going 2 for 3, with a sacrifice bunt, while also scoring the winning run.

The final game was a beauty for Forest Lake when ìthe bats came aliveî as Hager put it, in a decisive 16-1 win over Crystal.

Zidar was Mr. Everything as Crystal could only manage one hit against him during his complete-game victory. He also went 2-for-3 on offense with a walk. Ben Marleau was a large part of the offensive attack, going 3-for-4.

The VFW playoffs began on Wednesday, July 19, and the state tournament starts in August.

Top of Page

Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605