After winning the AA Wisconsin American Legion regional tournament in Three Lakes a few weeks ago, the Northwoods Legion team, sponsored by the Three Lakes American Legion Post 431, made its state tournament debut but dropped its first two games to be eliminated.
After a complete rainout on day one, July 31, Northwoods played its first game against New Richmond Post 80 on Saturday afternoon. The Eagle River-Three Lakes team fell in an 11-1 contest, putting them in a win-or-go-home situation on Sunday against New London. Northwoods ended up losing that contest 11-2 as well.
Despite the two losses, Manager Dustin Hoeft noted that it was a great team experience and one the players will remember for a long time.
“It was an awesome experience. The kids enjoyed the atmosphere. We just couldn’t get timely hits when needed and just had too many errors,” Hoeft said. “Even though it didn’t end the way we wanted it to, anytime you can finish your season at the state tournament, it is a major achievement. Being our first trip ever, the kids will be talking about that for a long time.
In game one, New Richmond jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Working from behind, Jonah Will roped a one-out single into left field in the bottom half of the inning but was left stranded on third.
New Richmond continued to build its lead over the next few innings and led 8-0 by the end of the third inning. Northwoods scored its only run in the fifth inning on a fielder’s choice.
After five innings, Northwoods was held to just four hits and had four defensive errors.
The loss put Northwoods into a game with New London Post 263 Sunday afternoon. In this one, Northwoods went up to bat first and pressured New London early on, scoring both of their runs. With runners on the corners and two outs, Jonathan Miller hit an RBI single for an early 1-0 lead. The second run scored on a steal attempt and throw over to second base. New London held a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the third, but really put the game away over the next two innings, scoring eight runs for an 11-2 lead.
It was a successful season for Northwoods, and Hoeft reflected on the group he had on the diamond this year. Alex Wethington was nominated to the all-state team for leading the team with multiple hits and great defense to complement his offense.
“This group of kids was awesome to coach. Never complained when they would get subbed out, and they were helpful and encouraging the guy that went in for them,” Hoeft explained. “This group would also put in the effort needed to make it this far and had good commitment from the beginning of the season.”
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