Staples-Motley Cardinals Win Thriller Over Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines

In a thrilling eight-inning showdown, the Staples-Motley Cardinals emerged victorious over the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines with a final score of 4-3 on Wednesday, April 10. The game-winning moment came when Elijah Kossan executed a perfect bunt, allowing Hayden Rutherford to sprint in from third base for the winning run in a suicide squeeze play.

The Cardinals’ pitching duo of Griffin Bettis and Colbe Tappe put on a stellar performance, combining to scatter five hits and strike out an impressive 16 WDC batters. Bettis started the game and went 5.1 innings, striking out 10 batters and allowing five hits. Tappe took over for 2.2 innings, allowing just one hit and striking out six batters.

Head coach Shane Tappe praised the pitching efforts of both Bettis and Tappe, highlighting Griffin’s exceptional control and ability to mix speeds effectively on the mound. Cooper Tappe contributed to the offensive effort, going 2-2 at the plate, while Ben Tyrrell delivered the game’s only extra-base hit.

With this hard-fought victory, the Staples-Motley Cardinals kick off their season with a win, showcasing their determination and skill on the field. The team’s next challenge will be against Pine River-Backus on Friday, April 12, as they aim to continue their winning streak and build momentum early in the season.