When Manager Anthony Sottile was asked about the biggest differences between last year’s club and this year’s, he didn’t hesitate, offering up just one word. “Pitching.”
Sottile proved to be prophetic on Wednesday night, as three Blue Ribbons hurlers combined to punch out 17 Menasha batters, as Greater Green Bay improved to 2-0 on the young season with an extra innings victory over the Macs.
William Penn right-hander Bret Whiffen got the start, and was nearly untouchable, going five innings and allowing just two hits, while striking out eight Menasha batters.
Marian’s Andrew Schroeder followed Whiffen to the mound, taking over in the sixth, and was equally impressive, tossing 3.1 hitless innings out of the bullpen while recording seven K’s.
After getting the first out of the ninth, Schroeder issued a pair of walks, and his Marian teammate, Tanner Alsteen was called upon to try to keep the game tied.
Menasha loaded the bases with another base on balls, before Alsteen snagged a line drive off the bat of Chad McWilliams and turned it into a double play to end the ninth and send the scoreless game to extras.
Veteran shortstop Griffin Summers got things going for the Ribbons in the tenth, when he roped a one-out double to left, and then came around to score a few pitches later thanks to a Menasha error on a ground ball off the bat of left fielder Matt Perry.
Perry advanced to second on the play, and then moved to third following another Menasha miscue, and third baseman Ethan Habetler followed with a sacrifice fly to center, driving in his fourth run of the season, as Perry came in to score to make it 2-0.
Alsteen came back out for the tenth and closed the door for the Ribbons, striking out a pair in the bottom half of the frame to preserve the 2-0 win.
The Blue Ribbons are off on Thursday, then return home to Joannes Stadium on Friday night for a doubleheader against the Kewaskum A’s. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 6:45 PM.
