Knights Defeat Sauk Rapids, Takes 4th in Hinckley Invitational

The Knights hosted Sauk Rapids on night one of the Hinckley Invitational.

Dylan Marciulionis got the start on the mound Friday night. Early on the game felt like it was going to be a defensive battle, and it didn't take long to prove that to be true. As the game proceeded neither side could get close to scoring a run. Hinckley did get a runner to third but never had a chance to try and get home, the Cyclones got as close as 2nd base but were thrown out at 3rd trying to steal. Their were some highlight reel plays made by the Knights defense. Whether it was a diving catch, or a throw across the infield for an out, or even a pick off throw there was plenty for the Knights to be happy with. Kellen Von Rueden made a couple of lay out catches on some heaters at 1st. Catcher Bryce Hipp had a couple of pick off attempts that were successful, and Cory Schmidt made a few key stops at short to highlight just a few of the key plays made by them. As we reached the 5th, the game was winding closer to an end, with this being a 7 inning tournament. The Knights still had yet to either give up a run or score one.

But they managed to get two runners on with two outs, and Cory Schmidt would drive home one of them with his base hit. The other would score thanks to a passed ball and now they had a 2-0 lead to protect over the last two innings. The Knights would only allow one hit in the final two innings and went on to win the game.

After winning the game they would play Saturday night vs Centennial(the eventual tournament champions. They would play in a very hard fought game. They would get the first run on the board but surrendered 4 runs in the 4th, but managed to get two of them back and now trailed 4-3. The would tie the game in the 5th, but Centennial would take back the lead 8-4 in the final inning. The Knights needed 4 runs to extend the game, and they came up clutch scoring said 4 runs. In the 8th only one team would score and it was the Cougars, beating Hinckley 9-8. In the 3rd place game the Knights played N. St Paul, but would fall 7-1 finishing 4th in the tournament.

Pitching(on Friday):

Hinckley-Dylan Marciulionis 7 innings, 4 hits, 3 HBP, 1 Walk, 4 K's

Player of the Game(on Friday) The entire Knights defense