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Welcome to the home of the
Brill Millers, 2008 Independent League Champions
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Millers Advance to Finals in Ashland!
Millers Take Title with Late Innings Rally
It almost looked as if the Millers were going to give up a game to the Hawks and create a tie for first in the Independent League, almost.
The Millers started out slow, going down in order in the top of the first. In the bottom half of the frame Hayward's center-fielder drove a single to right and was followed by a towering double to right that scored him. The Hawks added another run in the 3rd on savvy base running. With Runners at first and third Hawks catcher Berquist performed a half steal of second and stayed in a rundown until the runner could score from third.
The Millers bats stayed quiet until the sixth when they took advantage of some Hawks miscues to get on the board. Todd Brunclik led off the inning with a single. Kirby Brunclik laid down a sacrifice bunt but Haywards first-baseman was unable to hang onto the ball leaving the speedy Bruncliks at first and second. Jere Fisk then executed a sacrifice bunt to move the runners both into scoring position for Ben Anderson. Anderson did not disappoint, driving a double into the right-center gap scoring two.
In the 7th, with the game tied, Hayward turned to their Ace, Matt Anderson, to stop the Millers. They quickly realized something was wrong with Anderson when he gave up a hit and a walk to Brett and Mike Jensen and pulled himself from the game.
With their third pitcher on the mound and two runners on, Hayward prepared to field a sacrifice bunt they knew was coming. Collin Mau provided the bunt but the Hawks were unable to handle it, throwing the ball into right field in an attempt to get the out at first. Both baserunners scored and Mau was on third after the throwing error. Todd Brunclik then singled, scoring Mau. Kirby Brunclik then squared around to sacrifice bunt but was walked on four consecutive pitches. Todd Brunclik then stole third and Kirby took second giving the Millers even more of a scoring opportunity. After a fly out and a ground out that failed to score any runs Frank Means laced a single to center to score both Bruncliks and gave the Millers a 5 run lead.
Brill added their final run in the top of the ninth when the Hawks walked Brett Jensen with the bases loaded.
Arnie Bartes got the pitching win for the Millers, throwing 7 strong innings, allowing only 5 hits, 2 runs, walking 3, and striking out 4. Jay Musil came on in relief to throw the final 2 innings and allowed only 1 hit while walking 1 and striking out 2.
Hitting standouts for the Millers were Todd Brunclik and Ben Anderson, who each had 2 hits. Brunclik also stole a base, was walked, and drove in 1. Anderson had a double, a walk, and drove in 2.
With the win the Millers improve their record to an impressive 15-1. Winning the league championship outright for the first time in over 15 years.
Millers Now #2 Ranked Team In State
According to the WBA's "Sweet 16" list of the best 16 teams in the WBA the Brill Millers are the #2 team in the state, trailing only the Menomonie Eagles. This year is the first time the Millers have been on the list at all and they are happy to be in such a prestigious spot.
Kind Words From Burnett County Sentinel
This was taken from the Burnett County Sentinel in a piece about Independent League Baseball written July 16, 2008, by Byron Higgin. If you'd like to read the Burnett County Sentitnel go to www.burnettcountysentinel.com.
EXCERPT:
"Brill impressed me
Before the Saturday game with the Honkers, I noticed the entire Brill amateur team bowed for a prayer before they played.
Frankly, it’s nice to see this kind of thing on the baseball field.
I’ve always been impressed with Brill as a team and this impressed me as well."
Thank you to Mr. Higgin from the Brill Millers.
Thanks to this week's Brill Miller Sponsor of the Week!
The Brill Millers would like to thank their sponsors, this week's sponsor of the week is On Twin Lakes!
On Twin Lakes Store & Family Farm Offers:
* Farm Fresh Produce
* Homegrown Beef & Pork
* Featured Work by Local Artists & Craftsmen
* Horse Drawn Wagon Rides
* Beautiful Private Trails
* Rustic Cabin Adventures
Please visit their website at www.ontwinlakes.com for more information or call 715-354-3210
For a complete list of Brill Millers sponsors, please click the sponsor link on the left.
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