Eleva-Strum extended their winning streak to four on Thursday, bumping them up to 10-5. They had just enough and edged out the Melrose-Mindoro Mustangs 14-12. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Cardinals have posted against the Mustangs since April 25, 2023.
Graeden Zwiefelhofer and Calvin Barneson made a big impact while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Zwiefelhofer pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Barneson didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over four innings pitched. Zwiefelhofer has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. At bat, Zwiefelhofer went 3-for-5 with four runs, two doubles, and two RBI, while Barneson went 3-for-5 with four stolen bases, two runs, and one double. Eleva-Strum is undefeated when Barneson posts two or more runs, but 4-5 otherwise.
Owen Emerson
| 05/14/26 @ Melrose-Mindoro | 4 |
| 04/23/26 vs Elk Mound | 1 |
| 04/10/26 vs Arcadia | 1 |
| 04/09/26 @ Elmwood/Plum City | 1 |
| 04/07/26 vs Augusta | 1 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Owen Emerson, who got on base in five of his six plate appearances with four stolen bases and two runs. Those four stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Michael Lahn was another key player, going 2-for-6 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
Eleva-Strum kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in four consecutive contests.
As for Melrose-Mindoro, with the defeat, they broke their three-game winning streak and moved their record to 12-3. The pitching woes were uncharacteristic for they, who until this matchup were averaging 2.67 runs allowed.
On Melrose-Mindoro's side, Isaiah Kleinsmith put in work no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing five innings while giving up three earned runs off only two hits. What's more, Kleinsmith gave up only five walks, the fewest he's had since back in April. He was even better at the plate, getting on base in five of his seven plate appearances with three runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, Brady Blaken and Eric Herzberg did some serious damage despite the final result: Blaken went 1-for-2 with one home run, four RBI, and one stolen base, while Herzberg got on base in five of his seven plate appearances with two RBI, one run, and one double. That home run was Blaken's first of the season. Another player making a difference was Colton Koss, who went 2-for-6 with two stolen bases and two runs.
We've got plenty of inter-conference action coming up soon. Eleva-Strum will challenge rival Independence/Gilmanton at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, Melrose-Mindoro is set to square off against their familiar foe Whitehall at 5:00 p.m. on Monday.
