The Orono Spartans will head out to take on the New Ulm Eagles at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Orono is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.5 runs per game this season.
Orono was handed a six-run loss in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Monday. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past Jefferson 3-1.
Ian Adams
| 04/28/26 vs St. Louis Park | 1 |
| 04/07/26 @ Roosevelt | 3 |
| 04/21/26 vs Minneapolis Southwest | 3 |
| 04/16/26 vs St. Francis | 5 |
| 05/07/26 @ Chaska | 5 |
Ian Adams spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on three hits and racked up eight Ks. Those eight strikeouts set a new season-high mark for him.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Easton Ahrens, who went 2-for-3 with two runs.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for New Ulm, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Saturday. They walked away with a 4-1 win over Tri-City United [Montgomery-Lonsdale/Le Center] on Tuesday. The victory continues a trend for the Eagles in their matchups with the Titans: they've now won four in a row.
Forstner Collin and Mitchell Hopp dominated on the mound. Collin tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit, while Hopp tossed four innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. Collin has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up a single earned run in four consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Owen Castleman was excellent, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two doubles, one run, and one RBI. Those two doubles gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Dirk Haynes, who got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, one run, and one double.
Orono's record now sits at 12-3. As for New Ulm, their record is now 12-4.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Orono has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .476. However, it's not like New Ulm struggles in that department as they've averaged .460. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
