6/17/22 | Nick Witwer
The Blue Ribbons were back at Joannes Stadium Thursday night hosting the Appleton
Legends. It was also Alumni night and the Jo saw a number of returning faces, including
legendary coach, Denny Ruh. Ruh became the first inductee to the Green Bay Baseball Hall of
Fame. Joining him on the night was Dick Zeratsky, represented by his son, Mark Zeratsky.
As for the game itself, Blue Ribbons lead off, Wyatt Wiitanen, started the home half of
the first with a lead off double. Zach Hanson followed behind with a single to put runners on the
corners with no outs. One of the team leaders tied for most RBI’s, Ethan Habetler would follow
through with another single allowing Wiitanen to score the night’s first run. After a walk,
Brendan Willadsen came up clutch with a two out single that brought home both Hanson
and Habetler putting the Ribbons up 3-0 at the end of the first inning.
The Blue Ribbons wouldn’t score again until the eighth inning where they led by just one
run. Tucker Kohl was able to reach base on a one-out single bringing Blue Ribbons veteran,
Noah Robinson, to the plate. With a 1-2 count, Robinson would launch the next pitch over the
scoreboard in right field, opening up the game and giving Green Bay a three run lead headed into
the top of the ninth. Manager, Anthony Sottile, sent out Liam Jones for the save opportunity.
After getting the first two batters of the inning to fly out, Jones would load the bases. With the
tying run on first and the go ahead run at the plate, Jones would complete the save on a much
needed strikeout to end the game, giving the Blue Ribbons the 5-2 victory.
Pitching was solid again for the Blue Ribbons in this one. Starting pitcher, Owen Deprez
through five solid innings giving up just one run on three hits and finishing with seven strikeouts.
Trevor Olmsted would get three innings of work also giving up just one run. As for the
offensive side of the plate, Noah Robinson shined, going 2-2 with a single and the big home run
blast late. Brendan Willadsen also went 2-2 with a pair of singles.
The Blue Ribbons next game is Friday, June 17th as they get ready to host the Menasha
Macs on Youth Night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
