ELY—The Timberwolves capped a busy week, starting strong with back-to-back wins at the Veterans Memorial Showcase over the weekend here before falling in a key Section 7A matchup on Tuesday.
“Getting two wins was huge for us as it snapped our three-game losing streak,” said Head coach Frank Ivancich. “We pounded out 20 hits over the weekend. Despite our five errors against Blackduck, our offense carried us through. Saturday was one of our most complete games — 13 defensive assists against a good hitting team.”
Cherry 5, Ely 2
Ely’s weekend momentum hit a snag Tuesday afternoon as the Wolves fell 5-2 to the Cherry Tigers in a pivotal Section 7A contest. Cherry starter Mason Heitzman went the distance, scattering six hits while striking out five. The 10-5 Tigers capitalized early, scoring in the first inning and then breaking the game open with a three-run sixth.
Ely rallied late as Caid Chittum rapped a triple, then scored on a wild pitch. The Wolves mounted another threat in the seventh, scoring once and leaving the bases loaded, but couldn’t complete the comeback. Owen Marolt took the loss, allowing five runs on nine hits while striking out five. Drew Johnson had three hits to lead Ely, while Hunter Halbakken added two more.
Ely 6, West Marshall Fusion 2
Ely looked sharp Saturday in a 6-2 win over West Marshall Fusion, putting together one of their most complete performances of the season. The Wolves pounced early with five runs in the first two innings, including a two-run single from Evan Leeson in the opening frame.
Caid Chittum, Sean Merriman, Drew Johnson, and Owen Marolt all chipped in hits during a three-run second. On the mound, Hunter Halbakken delivered his sixth complete game of the season, scattering nine hits while striking out five to earn his seventh win.
Ben Leeson, Chittum, and Marolt each had two hits, powering Ely’s nine-hit attack.
Ely 12, Blackduck 7
Ely opened the weekend tournament with a 12-7 victory over Blackduck on a misty Friday afternoon. The Wolves erupted early, scoring 10 runs in the first three innings. Evan Leeson drove in two with a single in the first, Owen Marolt launched a three-run triple in the second, and Caid Chittum added a two-run single in the third to build a commanding 10-3 lead.
Jack Davies started and worked 3 1/3 innings, allowing six runs on four hits. Marolt closed out the final 3 2/3 innings, giving up two runs on three hits to secure the win.
Sean Merriman led the offense with three hits and a run scored, while Leeson and Chittum each had two hits. Leeson and Marolt both drove in four runs apiece to pace Ely’s 12-hit outburst.
Looking ahead to next week’s playoffs, Ivancich said Ely has potential to make its marks, noting solid pitching from Halbakken, Marolt, and Davies. “Defensively, we are very solid. If we can start to hit more consistently we can make a good run in the section tournament.