Sox split first two playoff games

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A one-week layoff might have contributed to some sloppy play in the Rosemount Black Sox first playoff game Sunday. But manager Matt Tschida feels like his team has things running smoothly going forward.

The Black Sox lost 4-3 to Prior Lake Sunday night but bounced back Monday to take a 3-1 win over the same team. The Sox will play the final game in the three-game series at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Prior Lake’s Veterans Field. The top two teams in the four-team playoff will advance. The other two will go home. Prior Lake led 3-1 after the first inning Sunday, and the teams remained scoreless until the bottom of the seventh, when Prior Lake scored one more. That proved to be the difference after Rosemount scored twice in the top of the ninth.

Tschida said pitcher Justin Wallace played well for the Black Sox.

“He kept us in the ballgame,” Tschida said. “We had plenty of guys on base. We just didn’t get enough hits.”

Prior Lake had five errors in the game, but the Black Sox couldn’t take advantage. The Black Sox had a couple of their own errors.

There were no errors in Monday’s second game, and the result was a lot more favorable for the Black Sox. The game was tied at one through seven innings, but the Black Sox got a two-out, two-run double to come home with the win.

Pitcher Ben Lemke gave up one run on six hits and three walks. He struck out seven Prior Lake batters.

“I think having that game Sunday, that kind of got all our errors out of the way and got us in the groove,” Tschida said.

Tschida expected more offense in Wednesday’s game, which took place after this issue of the Town Pages went to print. He said he’s happy with the way his team is playing.

“I feel like we’ve got a good chance,” he said.

Tags: black sox, sports, rosemount, baseball