By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
They weren’t the favorites by any means.
Entering last weekend’s Junior Legion state tournament at Beaumont Field in Burlington, the 16U Trashers faced an uphill climb against some of the state’s best.
Though the team lost its first two games last Thurdsday and Friday and was eliminated, the Trashers proved they can hang with older, elite players.
The promise of a bright baseball future was more than evident in young left-handed pitcher Ben Golon.
The incoming high school freshman dismissed that some opponents were two years older and shut down St. Mary Central on Friday.
Unfortunately for the Trashers, their bats went silent as well, and St. Mary pulled out a 1-0 victory to end Burlington’s season at 8-9.
The Trashers were held to four hits in the contest.
“Ben had a really good game,” said head coach Randy Francois. “He was throwing gas and keeping them off-balance. He worked his fastball, curve and change-up. He had an exceptional game and saved it for the right time.”
“But we just didn’t hit well enough. Our pitching was right there, but we hit the ball right at people.”
In the third inning, St. Mary opened the frame with two singles. The third batter’s sacrifice fly scored the game’s only run.
Burlington fought back to have two strong chances in the fifth and sixth innings.
In the fifth, three Trashers reached base but two were thrown out at second.
Then, in the sixth, a base-running blunder prevented a possible run.
Isaiah Brenner, a speedy player who is known for taking an extra base, rounded third after an Aaron Sturtevant hit.
Francois said Brenner saw the pitcher’s back turned and tried to catch him sleeping and score. However, Brenner was tossed out at the plate.
But Burlington recovered and moved a runner to third base with one out. The next two batters were retired, and the Trashers’ final threat was over.
“It was a mental mistake,” Francois said.
Despite the early exit, Francois said his players worked hard all season. With players missing games due to other commitments, it was hard to field a consistent lineup, Francois added.
“A lot of guys got playing time and improved their games,” he said.
Beloit beat Neenah, 4-3, to win the state championship on Monday night at Beaumont Field. Beloit, which played in Burlington’s regional, was a perfect 5-0 in the tournament.
Beaver Dam 6, Burlington 2
The Trashers got off to a good start Thursday, as Grant Tully’s RBI single scored Derek Morrow.
But Beaver Dam ran away with the victory thanks to three runs in the fourth and two in the fifth.
Burlington managed only six hits, led by two from Bryan Sturtevant. On the mound, Sturtevant had a few rough moments but was otherwise effective with five punch-outs.
“Our pitching was right there all tournament,” Francois said. “But our hitting struggled.”
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