New Ulm Sports Central - Preserving and Sharing New Ulm Area Sports History

POSTED Aug. 3, 2010 by New Ulm Journal.
By Michael Gassett
NEW ULM - The New Ulm Brewers and Springfield Tigers split two close games to open their Tomahawk East playoff series.

The rubber-match Tuesday was just as tight. In the end it was the pitching of New Ulm's Kyle Fischer that won out as the Brewers held on to beat Springfield 3-1 and in the process kept their season alive.

"The last game, our defense wasn't really sharp," Kyle Fischer said about New Ulm's 8-7 loss on Sunday. "In this game, we focused on defense and we knew the bats would come around."

Kyle Fischer pitched a complete game and scattered six hits with five strikeouts, a walk and a hit batter.

He got out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the first but never faced much trouble the rest of the night.

"I try not to get too worried," Kyle Fischer said. "There are nine innings, the first inning doesn't make or break the game usually. The defense played well and got me out of it."

Matt Tews reached on an error, Matt Baier singled and Bob Fink was hit by a pitch to load the bases with two out. Marc Salazar grounded out to second to end the threat.

The Brewers' offense got going in the second. Corey Schaefer and Kyle Fischer singled before Scott Schaefer drove in Corey Schaefer with a single to right. Kyle Fischer later scored on a passed ball to give New Ulm a 2-0 lead.

The Tigers cut the lead in half in the third when Tews doubled to right and scored on Brady Schwab's single to left. That was Springfield's only run of the game.

Kyle Fischer allowed just three hits the rest of the game and no Tigers advanced past second base.

"That second inning the bats came alive and got me two runs right away," Kyle Fischer said. "It's a lot easier pitching with a lead. The defense played well tonight and made the plays behind me."

The Brewers added an insurance run in the eighth when Taylor Rolloff walked, stole second and advanced to third on an error. Chris Peters drove him in with a sacrifice fly to make the final 3-1.

Jason Nachreiner took the loss for Springfield. He went 7 1/3 innings and allowed all three runs on six hits with five strikeouts and three walks.

Alex Fink, Tews, Baier, Schwab, Salazar and Jordan Milbrath each had hits for Springfield.

For New Ulm, Kyle Fischer had two hits and scored a run. Wade French, Garrett Fischer and Corey Schaefer each had one hit. Scott Schaefer had a hit and an RBI.

With the win, New Ulm will host Essig at 8 p.m. tonight at Johnson Park. The game is for drafting rights and seeding.

"We are looking forward to playing another baseball game," Kyle Fischer said. "Our season isn't over yet, we want to come out have fun and hopefully get a win."