Howards Grove had lost five straight at home, but on Wednesday they dropped their record down to 4-17 to make it six. They fell just short of the Random Lake Rams by a score of 6-4. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Rams this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 17-0 on Monday.
Matt Koenig put in work no matter where he played. On the mound, he tossed 3.1 innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off three hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. That triple was his first of the season.
Koenig wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Tyson Kunesh, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
As for Random Lake, they have been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five matchups. That lines up perfectly with their 16-4 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.8 runs over those games.
Like Howards Grove, Random Lake also got a great game from a two-way player: Chase Verbanac. He pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. What's more, Verbanac posted four strikeouts, the most he's had since back in April. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Logan Michaels was incredible, going 3-for-5 with two runs, one triple, and one double. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April. Decker Kleppin was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
Howards Grove wasted no time getting back out on the field and has already played their next contest, a 13-2 defeat against Winnebago Lutheran Academy on the 16th. As for Random Lake, they have also already played their next game, a 9-3 loss against Horicon on the 16th.
