Krause, Turzenski lead Demons squad searching for another state baseball run
By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
The three-time defending Southern Lakes Conference champions are back.
And once again, there will be no shortage of arms.
The Burlington Demons baseball team has enjoyed unprecedented success the past three years, starting with a state championship in 2016, three straight conference crowns and three straight state tournaments.
Pitching has been the constant during each run, with names like Zach Campbell, Aaron Mutter and Trey Krause leading the way, and the pitching could be even better this season.
Krause, the reigning All-Area Player of the Year and second team all-state selection who led the 20-8 Demons with a 6-2 record and 1.26 ERA last year, is back as the team’s ace. The lefty with a snapping curve ball is signed to Division 1 Illinois State.
He also led the team with a .474 batting average in 2018.
Joining Krause on the mound is his dueling ace, right-handed senior Trent Turzenski, who earned the victory in last year’s sectional final win.
Turzenski went 5-1 with a 2.53 ERA, eating up 47 innings to Krause’s 61.
The dynamic duo accounted for most of the Demons’ innings pitched.
Krause struck out an impressive 90 batters, and Turzenski added 53.
The senior leaders will undoubtedly determine if the Demons can make it a fourth straight state appearance.
“Our strength is pitching,” said head coach Scott Staude, now in his 21st season. “We have a lot of depth and almost the whole staff back from last year, highlighted by Trey and Trent.”
“Defensively, we are very solid up the middle with catcher, infield and Michael Rozell in center. We have very good team speed.”
Rozell, last year’s leadoff hitter, is a senior who will play college baseball at Concordia University.
Other key returning seniors are Riley Palmquist at shortstop, three-year letter-winner Danny Peterson, outfielder/pitcher Jason Adams and third baseman Tucker Strommen.
Palmquist will play collegiately at Marian, Peterson at Cincinnati Christian and Adams at UW-Platteville.
Other key returning letter-winners are junior Dalton Damon, who will play infield and outfield, and junior catcher Christian Brenner.
The Demons, who hit .300 as a team but struggled at times offensively last year, are looking to not lean so heavily on the pitching staff this season.
“We need to be more consistent offensively,” Staude said. “And we need to get more production out of the middle of our lineup.”
Key newcomers will include juniors Luke Walesa (P/IF), Skyler Danielson (C/OF), Tyler Duesing (IF/P), Michael McGinley (IF), Collin Degroot (P/IF) and Otto Traxinger (P/1B), along with sophomore catcher/infielder Chase Ketterhagen.
“Our goals are to win our fourth consecutive conference championship,” Staude said. “And a return trip to state for the fourth consecutive year as well.”
Returning to state could be more challenging, though, as the WIAA will no longer have a summer baseball season.
Last year’s summer state champion, Muskego, will likely join Burlington’s sectional come playoff time.
For more, including a team schedule for 2019, pick up a copy of the March 28 Burlington Standard Press.
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