Aces shut out Bombers

Thanks to Friday’s 5-0 win over Bay City at the Red Wing Athletic Field, the Aces assured themselves a top three seed in the Class B Section 1 playoffs and avoided having to be part of the play-in series.

Red Wing player/manager Corey Tauer said he has stressed the importance of postseason baseball all week and he said that brought out the best in the Aces from the start.

“The way we got ready for the game was the best we’ve done all year,” Tauer said.

He added: “That’s the type of mentality we need to get ready for the playoffs.”

Red Wing received an encouraging outing from Josh Thygesen. Starting for the first time in a month because of an elbow injury, Thygesen went five innings and allowed three hits. He struck out five and walked two.

“I thought he looked pretty good,” Tauer said. “He hit his spots and actually had pretty good velocity.”

Thygesen felt fine after his start, according to Tauer.

Red Wing used five relief pitchers. Both Zach Laffey and Steve Boldt struck out three batters in their inning of work.

The Aces scored a run in the second and third innings and then scored three runs in the fourth.

Brandon LaRue led the way on offense. He finished 3-for-4 with a run.

“I moved him up to the two spot and I think he responded very well,” Tauer said.

It also was LaRue’s first game of the year at second base. He had been playing third base for the Aces.

Eric Lange took the loss, allowing five runs (three earned) in 3 1/3 innings. He gave up six hits, walked two batters, hit a batter and struck out one.

Tony Schultz came on in relief and held Red Wing scoreless for the final 4 2/3 innings.

Steve Bowe collected three of the Bombers’ four hits.

Red Wing (23-12) is at Hastings on Sunday. With a win it would clinch the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.

Note:

• It was announced Friday that Nilan Bohmbach, Don Hovde, Denny Ottem and Jay Tauer will be inducted into the Red Wing Baseball Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 26.

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