Big, Early Deficit Too Much for Aces

The Owatonna Aces dug themselves too big a hole in the early goings of Wednesday's town ball game against Dodge County. The Diamondbacks jumped out to an 8-0 lead after two and a 10-0 advantage through four innings on the way to an 11-7 victory. The loss snapped the Aces modest two-game winning streak.

A six-run second inning could put the home team in the doldrums, and it could have been avoided. After a pair of walks to open the inning, a misplayed bunt loaded the bases with none out. A bit later in the inning with two outs, a Dodge County runner fell on the base path and the Aces appeared to tag him out as he scrambled back to second but he was ruled safe. The Diamondbacks added several more hits to put up six runs in the frame.

The Aces comeback attempt started in the fifth with three runs courtesy of booming doubles hit by Payton Beyer and Kodey Kiel. Owatonna added a pair of runs in the seventh and ninth to narrow the gap and excite the hometown fans at Fuller Field at Dartt's Park. Kiel had a four-hit night with two doubles. A pretty big crowd took in the game on a picture perfect night for a game.

Dodge County's Kasey Krekling threw five strong innings. Devon Knudson tossed the next three. Matt Franke threw the ninth. Cam Rutledge and Isaac Trotter had multi-hit games for the D-Backs.

Owatonna used Ryan Steiskal, Tyler Smith, Cody Johnson, and Kiel on the mound. The Aces turned in a defensive web gem play in the seventh. Third baseman Brandon Wolf dove to his right to spear a sharply hit ball. From his knee his threw across the diamond and Kiel scooped it.

The Aces go to Wanamingo Saturday, July 18 for a 2 pm start before closing the regular season with three straight home games, Sunday, July 19 vs Winona at 2 pm, Wednesday, July 22 against Austin at 7:30 pm, and Friday, July 24 with Waseca at 7:30 pm.

Owatonna's U-18 and U-17 teams host Mankato West Thursday, July 16 beginning at 5 pm at Fuller Field.