ELROSA SAINTS

(Derek Wiener celebrates with Blaine Fischer!)

DELANO--The Elrosa Saints' magical run at the State tourney came to end Friday night with a 6-2 loss to Delano. A crowd fo 1,200 watched the Saints and A's lock horns in the final weekend at State but the navy and orange ran into an experienced and talented Delano squad. An entertaining battle saw Delano score 4 runs in the 2nd inning to take the early lead before Derek Wiener cut the lead in half with a two run home run over the ivy in left centerfield. The Saints put together rallies but failed to get another clutch hit the rest of the contest. Payton VanBeck threw 7 gutsy innings on the mound and only surrendered two earned runs while striking out 6. Blaine Fischer completed one of the more memorable post seasons in recent memory with another 4-for-4 performance at the plate including a stolen base. Kevin Kuefler added a single to aid the offensive attack and he also provided a highlight reel toss from centerfield to Fischer at the plate to nab a would be Delano run. The Saints finish their season with an overall record of 22 wins and 5 losses which included another Elite 8 tournament title, SCL North regular season title, and they secured the Keg Traveling Trophy. This was the the team's 11th trip to the State tourney and matched the furthest advancement in post season play dating back to the 2017 and 2002 squads. Thank you to all the fans, volunteers, and sponsors for another great summer in Elrosa! 

(Payton VanBeck battled for 7 innings!)