Bulldogs receive third seed in Section 8AA

Monday’s game against Parkers Prairie was a heartbreaker for Otter Tail Central, as they lost the lead late in a 5-4 defeat at Tony Kawlewski Baseball Field. The game was tied at 4-4 in the top of the eighth when David Revering singled, scoring one run.

A single by Zach Mrnak put Parkers Prairie on the board in the top of the first.

OTC took the lead in the bottom of the second. Kale Misegades doubled, scoring both Harig and Pausch, to give the Bulldogs the advantage, 3-2.

Dylan Debilzen singled, which helped Parkers Prairie Panthers tie the game at three in the top of the fourth.

The Panthers took the lead in the top of the fifth. Cohen Noska singled, scoring one run, to give Parkers Prairie the edge by a score of 4-3.

Collin Lukken pinch hit for Despard in the sixth inning and singled, which helped the Bulldogs tie the game, as Lukken hit in Noah Link from second base, at 4-4 in the bottom of the sixth.

Eric Fick took the loss for OTC as he went three innings, surrendering one run on three hits, striking out two and walking two. Lane Dilly stepped on the mound first for the Bulldogs. The right-handed pitcher gave up five hits and four runs (three earned) over five innings, striking out three and walking one. 

Misegades drove the middle of the lineup, leading OTC with two runs batted in. Misegades went 2-for-3 on the day. Misegades and Noah Link each collected two hits for the Bulldogs. Misegades and Owen Harig each stole multiple bases for OTC. 

Thursday

On OTC’s senior night, the Bulldogs took down the Brandon-Evansville Chargers 4-0 on Thursday at Tony Kawlewski Baseball Field.  

The night started off with an introduction of the Bulldog seniors: Noah Link, Gavin Pausch, Lane Dilly, and Soren Floden. The seniors were also honored at the conclusion of the game with the senior lap around the bases. 

“It is important that we recognize our team, community, and the players who give so much of their time and effort into being successful.  It is a lot of fun for me to see our elementary kids look up to our players, and then later on become those players and keep the cycle going. Seniors, you have meant a lot to your communities.  We wish you well and good luck with everything you decide to do.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your hard work, leadership, dedication, and the roles you each play within our schools and communities,” said head coach Ryan Hendrickson.

OTCs opened the scoring in the bottom of the first thanks to Owen Harig leading the inning off with a hard hit single past the shortstop.  Gavin Pausch and Kale Misegades both took walks, but with some heads up baserunning and foolery the Bulldogs were able to sneak 3 runs across on just the one hit in the first inning.  

“I love to see me some good baserunning” said assistant coach Dakota Aeling “Good baserunning shows high baseball IQ, effort, and scrappyness.”

Pausch led things off on the mound for OTCs. The starting pitcher gave up five hits and zero runs over five innings, striking out 5 and walking one. Misegades tossed two innings of zero-run ball for OTCs in relief. The reliever surrendered one hit, striking out 2 and walking none, earning hiself a save. 

Lane Dilly led the Bulldogs with one run batted in. The infielder went 1-for-1 on the day. Leadoff hitter Owen Harig led OTC with two hits in three at bats. Misegades, Harig, and Pausch each stole multiple bases for OTC. 

The Bulldogs are now entering Playoffs. With a 15-4 record the Bulldogs are Park Region Conference runner up. OTC received the third seed in Section 8AA and will host sixth seeded Menahga in the opening round of the section tournament on Tuesday night at 5 p.m. in Henning. The winner of the game will take on either second seeded Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton or seventh seeded Hawley on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. in Perham. The winner will immediately take on either top seeded Perham or the winner of fourth seeded Pelican Rapids and fifth seeded Barnesville on Thursday at 5 p.m. in Perham. 

The Section 8AA tournament will continue next week in Perham. The section championship game will take place on Thursday.