By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
ASHWAUBENON – The Green Bay Booyah Baseball Club welcomed back fans of all ages Tuesday, June 1, in a Northwoods League game against Fond du Lac.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature and shoddy Booyah defense spelled doom in a 10-3 loss to the Dock Spiders at Capital Credit Union Park in Ashwaubenon.
After 20 minutes of play, a steady rain began to fall for two innings, which coincided with Fond du Lac scoring four runs in each of the second and third frames.
During one sequence, Green Bay had errors on three consecutive plays in the second.
The team had six errors on the night.
“It was a tough way to begin, but we have to remain patient,” said first-year Booyah manager Tristan Toorie, whose club dropped to 0-2 on the season. “Some of the guys currently on the roster haven’t played live ball for a semester. We have a competitive team, so they’ll find their groove soon and work hard.”
The most unusual sequence came in the third with the bases loaded for the Dock Spiders.
Gus Collins laced a liner to the corner in left.
When Green Bay left fielder Johnny Hipsman picked up the ball and attempted to throw it back to the infield, the ball slipped out of his hand and went 30 feet to his right, allowing Collins to race home with an inside-the-park grand slam.
“Our first inning was awesome,” Toorie said. “We showed our youth in the next two innings. I’m not worried – we’ll bounce back.”
Despite the rain, Toorie said it was a special night.
“Regardless of the outcome of the game, it was nice to play in front of our home fans,” he said. “There was lots of excitement, but the weather hurt us, too.”
The Booyah recorded nine hits, including two by Nick Dagnello.
“Lots of teams are in the same situation, but we’re missing about half of our lineup,” Toorie said. “We have guys still playing in college for their respective teams. We’re also missing half of our staff. The guys who will come in will push the players currently here. It will mesh together well.”
Green Bay Preble graduate Ryan Stefiuk will get the nod on the mound for the Booyah Wednesday, June 2, when they host Wisconsin Rapids at 6:35 p.m.
“I’m excited to see him,” Toorie said. “He’s a good worker – I sat in on his bullpen session last week. Hopefully, he’s in the zone. I’d love to see him give us nine innings, but if he can get us into the last half of the game, I’d be happy.”
It’s also the first of two “Bark in the Park” nights at the stadium.
A dog leash will be issued to fans in attendance
Editor’s note: To read the season preview, CLICK HERE.