The Becker Buzzards men’s baseball team dropped a pair of games to Classic Clippers last Sunday.

 

Several players had to play through injuries as the team had just nine available players for the game.

 

“We had five guys coaching their kids that day in youth baseball tournaments so everyone had to play through their issues,” said Co-Manager Mark Kolbinger. “It wasn’t always pretty but we played two very competitive games against one of the best teams in the league.”

 

 

In the opening game, Brian Kolbinger pitched very well, going the complete game while scattering six hits and striking out five batters.  Becker’s offense was anemic, with just four hits including three by Jason Baune.  

 

“We hit some balls hard, but they were right at people as usual,” said Kolbinger.

 

Jeff Haus scored the first Buzzard run in the second inning, while Baune scored the other run in the third inning.

 

Alexandria scored one in the first and added two runs in both the third inning and fourth inning.

 

“Alexandria barely had any base runners, but it seemed like every guy that got on base scored for them as a result of a bloop hit or a seeing eye single,” said Kolbinger.

 

“Brian’s fastball velocity was very good and his off speed stuff was excellent.”

 

 

In the second game, the Buzzards again got great pitching — this time from Dave Hinnenkamp, who also had a complete game.  

 

“Dave was excellent all game and he really had great control,” said the co-manager.

 

Becker loaded the bases in the first inning with no one out, but came away with just one run as Baune scored on a single by Brian Kolbinger.  The Buzzards struck out seven times in the game that doused their offensive chances.  

 

Alexandria scored both of their runs in the fifth inning — albeit with a bit of controversy.  The Classic Clippers scored one run with a runner on second when Hinnenkamp threw what appeared to be strike three to their number five hitter.  But it was called a ball and on the next pitch, the hitter doubled to score the runner.

 

“The pitch sure looked like a strike,” said Kolbinger. “In fact, our catcher Matt O’Neill rolled the ball back to the mound and was half way to the dugout when the delayed call came.”

 

Kolbinger conceded his team wouldn’t need to complain about such things if they’d just be able to score more runs than one to win the game.

 

The Buzzards had six hits in the game, while Alexandria managed just four off of Hinnenkamp. Hinnenkamp was very complimentary of the job O’Neill  did behind the plate- his first catching action in nine years. The Buzzard’s usual catcher — Terry Gruenhagen — was lost to the season when he injured his knee in a game last weekend.

 

“Matt had a great two games behind the plate,” said Kolbinger. He has a great arm and calls a good game and frames the ball well.  It’s nice to know we have another option in addition to Mark Graham behind the plate.”

 

Despite the lack of offense, Kolbinger has been very impressed with how his pitchers have done this year.  

 

“Maybe when we get the entire lineup back we will get things rolling,” he said.

 

The Buzzards host Fort Ripley Sunday for a doubleheader at noon and 2 p.m.