The New Ulm Eagles will take on the Orono Spartans at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (New Ulm 3.2, Orono 3.5) so any runs scored will be well earned.
New Ulm took a loss when they played away from home on Saturday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. They came out on top against Tri-City United [Montgomery-Lonsdale/Le Center] by a score of 4-1. The Eagles haven't had any issues with the Titans recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.
Forstner Collin and Mitchell Hopp dominated on the mound. Collin tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit, while Hopp pitched four innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. Collin has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up a single earned run in four consecutive appearances.
Owen Castleman
| 05/12/26 vs Tri-City United [Montgomery-Lonsdale/Le Center] | 2 |
| 05/07/26 @ Worthington | 1 |
| 04/30/26 vs Waseca | 1 |
| 04/21/26 vs Marshall | 1 |
| 04/10/26 vs St. Peter | 1 |
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Owen Castleman, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two doubles, one run, and one RBI. Those two doubles gave him a new career-high. Dirk Haynes was another key player, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, one run, and one double.
Meanwhile, Orono narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Jefferson 3-1.
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.
At the plate, Easton Ahrens was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two runs.
New Ulm's win bumped their record up to 12-4. As for Orono, their victory bumped their record up to 12-3.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. New Ulm hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .370. However, it's not like Orono struggles in that department as they've averaged .359. 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.
