MADISON – Groton received timely hitting, solid pitching, and a key defensive play to record a 3-2 win over Garretson in the opening round of the Class B State American Legion Baseball Tournament on Friday evening.

Groton scored the first three runs of the game, had the lead sliced to a single run, and then threw out a runner at the plate in the top of the seventh inning to help preserve the win.

“That was a huge play,” said Groton coach Pat Krause. “This was a team win. Some of our better hitters struggled tonight, so others had to step up.”

Groton produced the first run of the game in the bottom of the second inning when TC Schuster double and scored on a double by Karsten Fliehs.

“TC Schuster and Karsten Fliehs both hitting doubles to get us on the board was a big moment in the game,” Krause said. “The next inning we had to manufacture a run.”

Lincoln Krause had a leadoff single, moved up on a sacrifice bunt from Alex Abeln, and scored on a single by Jordan Schwan.

“I think it showed our guys that sometimes we have to do the little things to scratch a run across,” Coach Krause said.

Schwan eventually moved up to third base on a passed ball and ended up scoring what proved to be the game-winning run on another passed ball.

Garretson scored twice in the top of the fifth and was threatening in the seventh when Alex Abeln threw out a runner trying to score from third for a fielder’s choice. The batter ended up on second base, before Nick Groeblinghoff recorded the final out on a strikeout.

“Nick Groeblinghoff coming in to shut the door was huge as well,” Coach Krause said. “He has not pitched in a while and was dialed in.”

Cole Jessen struck out 12 batters in going the distance for Garretson.

Groton will face Volga at 4 this afternoon. Volga defeated perennial power Dell Rapids 3-1 in the opening round.

Garretson 000 020 0 – 2 4 0

Groton 012 000 x – 3 4 3

Cole Jessen and Ty VanHolland; Jarrett Erdmann, Nick Groeblinghoff (6) and Karsten Fliehs. 2B – Groton, Fliehs, TC Schuster.