Ozaukee had lost seven straight at home dating back to last season, but on Monday they dropped down to 0-10 to make it eight. They lost 15-2 to the Cedar Grove-Belgium Rockets. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Rockets this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 10-0 back in April.
Brett Paulus made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went a perfect 1-for-1 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
As for Cedar Grove-Belgium, the victory was the eighth in a row for them, bringing their record up to 10-1. Considering they have won seven contests by more than nine runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
On Cedar Grove-Belgium's side, Austin Knapp and Griffin Knight were major factors no matter where they played. On the mound, Knapp pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Knight pitched three innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. Knapp has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. At bat, Knapp went 2-for-3 with three RBI and one stolen base, while Knight went a perfect 2-for-2 with three stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. That's the most stolen bases Knight has posted since back in May of 2025.
In other batting news, Jonah Banton and Ira Hilbelink did most of the damage at the plate: Banton got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three RBI, one run, and one double, while Hilbelink went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. Hilbelink is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last four games he's played. Griffin Posthuma also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
We've got plenty of inter-conference action coming up soon. Ozaukee will square off against rival Sheboygan Area Lutheran at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Cedar Grove-Belgium is set to take on their familiar foe Oostburg at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (the Rockets 2.5, the Flying Dutchman 3.8) so any runs scored will be well earned.
