The Becker Buzzards had one game this past week, hosting Burnsville Saturday during the Freedom Days celebration. The Sunday game scheduled against Miesville was postponed because of a lack of players from the Miesville team.
Unfortunately, the Buzzards were unable to pick up a win on their home field, losing another close game, 2-0 to Burnsville, a perennial power in the state. “Burnsville has two state championships in the past five years and they are really good at all phases of the game,” said Co-Manager Mark Kolbinger. “We just couldn't pick up a timely hit again, as has been the story of our year so far.”
Matt Eigen started on the mound and went four innings, pitching very well. He gave up just one earned run and two runs.
A defensive lapse cost the Buzzards, but Eigen was getting stronger as the game went on.
“Eigen easily could have pitched longer, but this game was about getting some guys some work on the mound, with a break in the action coming up,” said Kolbinger.
Jason Pfingsten came on in relief and pitched a clean final three innings for the Buzzards.
In terms of defense and pitching, this is as good as the Buzzards have been in their seven years, says Kolbinger. But the bats just aren't all clicking at the same time.
“One bright spot offensively was the play of Mark Graham, who made his season debut and had three hits,” Kolbinger said. “Mark is a veteran player who really ignited the team - he proves great leadership and we are glad it is working out for him to get some games in with us.”
Matt O’Neill also had a great game at the plate, garnering three hits.
“O’Neill has a great swing and we bumped him down a bit in the order where he is seeing more fastballs and he has responded very well,” said the co-manager. “His speed on the base paths is a big plus for the team.”
“Again, we faced one of the best teams in the state and were right with them, but we're hoping our bats pick up the pace as July comes on,” said Kolbinger.
Friday, the Buzzards were at Minnetonka (full report on game in next week’s Citizen) and then there's a break in the action until July 12 when they host the other Minnetonka team. July 13, the Buzzards will take on the St. Croix Old Timers in the annual Sherburne History Center game at 1 p.m. at the Becker Athletic Complex.
