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Subscribe to our NewsletterMerchants Outlast the Catfish to Sweep the Season Series
July 13, 2022
“I’m not playing right field.” Stated NDSU stud infielder Zach Kluvers as he strolled into the park 10 minutes before first pitch. “That’s where you put the worst player.” After a few minutes of convincing and a spot towards the top of the batting order Kluvers finally agreed.
That ended up being the best move interim player manager Brandon Baumgartner made all night.
Kluvers ended up tracking down numerous fly balls that helped keep the Catfish at bay and allowed the Merchants to stay perfect on the season with a 5-4 extra inning win over the Cass County Catfish.
“He’s the most athletic guy we have on the field and no one else wanted to play out there.” Baumgartner chimed in.
Kluvers also came through at the plate with a big sac fly in the top of the tenth to finally give the Merchants the lead.
Baumgartner started on the mound for the M’s tossing five innings of 3R (1ER) ball. Then giving way to John Eckstein, who at one point claimed he wasn’t going to give up any runs tonight.
John kept his word until the 10th where the Merchant clung to a 5-3 lead. The Catfish finally managed to score and get the tying run to second but Eckstein struck out Travis “I had three hits tonight” Jones to end the game.
Carlos Turpo followed up his four hit performance last week with three more to lead the M’s at the plate. The Merchants struggled scoring all night stranding a small village on the bases (13 runners left on base).
The Merchants sweep the season series against the Catfish 3-0 and will take on their crosstown rivals the Jamestown Elks next Wednesday in Fargo.
*Note: Zach Kluvers has since been called up to the Wausau Woodchucks of the Northwoods League. He is continuing his hot pace collecting hits and runs as soon as he stepped off the bus. We wish him the best and hope to have him back for the NDAB State Tournament.
