Bulldogs fall to Perham, Hawley in pool play

Dawson Bushman connects for a line drive during Thursday’s game against Perham in Henning.

The 13-year-old state tournament kicked off on Thursday. The tournament was hosted in Henning and Battle Lake. 

Thursday saw nine games played at the two sites.

The OTC centerfielder dives for a catch in shallow centerfield during Thursday’s game in Henning.

“I would like to thank all of our volunteers that make this possible. Our parents, community members, coaches and players really stepped up.  There is a lot of work in prepping and exacuting a big tournament like this,” said coach Ryan Hendrickson.  

The Otter Tail Central Bulldogs earned a split on their first day of play as they beat Upsala-Swanville Area, but then lost to Perham later in the day.  

The Bulldogs played a flawless game against USA.

“This was the best all around game we have played yet this year, and that is exactly what you look for in playoffs.  I am so excited to see the growth out of this year. The complete game we played vs USA was remarkable,” said Hendrickson. 

OTC committed zero errors, earned 7 runs on 13 hits, struck out only 3 times while striking out 12 opponents.  The Bulldogs also stole 8 bases and only gave up 1 stolen base.  

Trinity Baker took the loss on the mound for the Bulldogs during their game against the Perham Yellowjackets on Thursday.

OTC  defeated Upsala/Swanville Area 7-0.

In the second inning, OTC got their offense started. Robinson drew a walk, scoring one run.

The Bulldogs scored four runs in the fifth inning and were led by singles by Baker, Ravenscraft, and Thorson.

Dawson Bushman was the winning pitcher for OTC as he allowed five hits and zero runs over five innings, striking out eight and walking one. Grove threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen. Grove recorded the last six outs to earn the save for OTC

OTC totaled 13 hits in the game. Grove, Bushman, Hoyt, and Baker each racked up multiple hits for the Bulldogs. 

In the second game of the day, OTC fell behind early and couldn’t come back in an 11-1 loss to Perham on Friday. 

 Beck Thorson checks a runner back to base during Thursday’s pool play game against Perham.

Perham opened up scoring in the first inning as they scored a pair of runs on an error. 

Baker led things off on the hill for OTC and lasted three innings, allowing six hits and eight runs while striking out one. Schmieg threw three innings out of the bullpen.

Hoyt and Grove each managed one hit to lead Ottertail Central 13u Babe Ruth.

Friday

Friday’s game against Hawley was a heartbreaker for OTC, as they lost the lead late in a 17-7 defeat. The game was tied at 7-7 with Hawley batting in the bottom of the sixth when Hadley singled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run.

The Bulldogs collected 10 hits and Hawley had 12 in the high-scoring affair.

The Otter Tail Central third baseman snags a liner hit right at him against Perham on Thursday. 

In the first inning, Hawley got their offense started.

OTC tallied three runs in the fifth inning. The rally was led by a single by Grove and an error on a ball put in play by Schwartz.

Grove took the loss for OTC after allowing 11 hits and 11 runs over five innings, striking out two.

The Bulldogs racked up ten hits. Grove, Schwartz, Baker, and Bushman all managed multiple hits for Ottertail Central 13u Babe Ruth.