By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
PULASKI – Chase Reinke did a little bit of everything on this day.
Not only was he the winning pitcher, but he also scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh as the Pulaski baseball team defeated Ashwaubenon 4-3 May 17 at Memorial Park in Pulaski.
“It was a clean game for us, which is huge,” said Pulaski assistant coach Todd Hegbloom. “We’ve been beating ourselves lately, and it was nice to get a win behind Chase on the mound and on Senior Night. Pretty special to have Carson (Williquette) come up with the big hit and then our starting pitcher to come across the plate.”
In the bottom of the seventh, Reinke led off with a single.
After Jarret Olson walked, the Jaguars made a pitching change, as they brought in Luke Jacobs to close to replace starter Tanner Katers.
Williquette then ended the game with a rip to center scoring Reinke, sending the Pulaski dugout into jubilation.
“It just feels really good right now to celebrate with my teammates,” said Reinke. “I didn’t have my best stuff today, but a team win is all that matters.”
The Jaguars (10-11, 8-8 FRCC) struck first in the top of the second after Jonathon Wolcanski ripped a 330-foot shot to center scoring Tyler Johnson, who was courtesy running for Brady Wittig.
The Red Raiders (8-10, 8-8 FRCC) came right back in their bottom half of the inning.
Ethan Taylor got on base after a Jaguars error.
Katers then got two quick outs, but it was Connor Warden and Samuel Brodhagen that pounded out singles, with the latter scoring Taylor to even the score at one apiece.
Pulaski then forged ahead in the bottom of the third.
Reinke and Olson opened with singles.
Williquette then hit the money shot to bring home Reinke and give Pulaski a 2-1 lead.
“Carson really led us offensively today and has been producing all year for us,” added Hegbloom.
The see-saw affair continued in the top of the fifth as Ashwaubenon got its bats going.
Sam Nooyen opened by taking first after a throwing error.
Riley Siudzinski singled, Ian MacLean walked and then Luke Hansford got two RBI by singling to center, scoring Nooyen and Siudzinski to give the Jaguars the lead back, 3-2.
Pulaski notched a run in the bottom of the fifth to even the game.
Neither team could mount any scoring in the sixth, and after Ashwaubenon failed to convert in the top of the seventh, it set up the last inning heroics for the Red Raiders.
“It was a very well-played game,” said Ashwaubenon head coach Jay Krueger. “They (Pulaski) just got more timely hits than we did. It was a tough loss, but I saw a lot of positives in this game and we are looking forward to finishing up the last week of the regular season strong before heading into regionals.”
Box score
Ashwaubenon: 010 020 0—3
Pulaski: 011 010 1—4