Minnesota played their first game outside this spring and it was a good one. The team had their first outdoor practice Monday which consisted of throwing and fly balls. The team played really well for not being outside or seeing live pitching since their last series in Thunder Bay. Newcomer Cameron Hall made the catch of the year to end the first inning. He tracked the ball all the way into the gap and laid out completly to make the catch. We were able to catch up with Cameron after the game to ask him about his unbelievable catch. "So it was a lefty at the plate so I was shading him towards right field in case he pulled it. He then hit an absolute missle toward left center so I busted my ass after it. I got to the point where I felt like if I dove, I could just barely reach it. I fully extended and felt the ball just barely fall in my pocket of my glove. I rolled over and pulled the ball out and pretty much was like "thats right, lets go." I then realized that not only did I make the catch but I saved two runs as well." Well done Cameron, we can not wait to see what is in store the rest of the spring!!

The pitching was very impressive with not being able to throw off a mound all winter. The staff scattered 6 hits, 8 strikeouts and 3 runs over the 8 innings. The staff at times struggled a bit to find the zone but hopefully with this first game out of the way they will kick the rust and be ready to pitch when the team takes on Winona State in their upcoming series. Hitting was also impressive without seeing pitches. The team scattered 12 hits over the game. Chris Sticha made his first return back to Bethel after transfering to the U this fall. He did not disapoint as he went 3-4 at the plate and hosed out one runner trying to steal second. We are pretty glad to have him on our side, he was also an absolute brick wall behind the plate. Marshall Dalziel talked a little bit about what it was like to have Chris behind the plate. "He is a catcher that always knows the situation and calls a great game. His ability to block the ball is incredible. It is always nice knowing that if you bounce a pitch he will be there to bail you out."

This weekend we will play our final conference series against Winona State. This is a very important series for the team. If they can manage a sweep their chances to make the playoffs increase. MSUM has the conference in hand but an at large bid is still up in the air so with a sweep there is a chance. We will be playing a double header Friday night at Lakeview Terrace Park, first pitch is at 6:00pm. Saturday will be one game starting at 10:00am at the same field. We are very excited to play and hopefully get a spot in the playoffs. As always follow us on twitter @umnclubbaseball for updated info and in-game updates. See you at the field on Friday!!!!!!

-Staff-