Though sunny, the afternoon of Apr. 7 was a deceptively chilly day to play baseball. Despite the frigid air, the Spartans came out swinging– both literally and figuratively. The Spartans scored 10 runs in the first two innings and held off Eagle Ridge Academy to win the game 10-7 in the first game of the season.
The Spartans attained a huge lead after juniors Peter Ostrem and Cutler Crook each knocked out doubles that lit up the scoreboard. Eighth-grader Soren Lillegard set the defensive tone early, catching a fly ball within the first eight minutes of the game. Bundled up in jackets and blankets, parents and fans watched as the Spartans’s bats stayed hot against the cold.
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On the mound, sophomore John Grimsrud was dominant through five innings, achieving several strike-outs that kept Eagle Ridge off-balance. In the sixth inning, sophomore Gus Hembre stepped in to relieve Grimsrud, maintaining the lead while Eagle Ridge made a comeback.
SPA’s defense remained sharp, with Ostrem holding strong at first base and delivering many force-outs that countered Eagle Ridge’s comeback attempt. Despite Eagle Ridge scoring runs late into the game, the early lead proved just enough.
The win gives the Spartans a boost of confidence early in the season as they continue to build momentum, and they face off next against Minnehaha Academy at 4 p.m. on Apr. 14, at home.
