Walleye take 7th at State Baseball
By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor
Watford City’s American Legion baseball team wrapped up its 2015 season with a seventh place finish at the State Class A Baseball Tournament, which was held in Beulah on July 29 through Aug. 2.
The Walleye lost their first two games to be eliminated from the tournament. And the two quick losses were a disappointment to Pat Spacher, Watford City head coach.
“We had a tough go at the state tournament,” stated Spacher. “I felt we played well after the first two innings in the Grafton game, but we did not play to our ability against Casselton.”
Watford City lost its opening game against Grafton, 13-6, and then fell to Casselton, 12-2.
“It was a great achievement for this club to make it to State again this year as not many folks thought that we would make it,” stated Spacher. “The kids were gritty throughout the season and I think they improved a lot over the course of the year. Hopefully, the kids use this season as a springboard for high school next year.”
Andrew Sampsel was selected to the All Tournament Team as he was three of five at the plate with three home runs.
Grafton 13, Walleye 6
Watford City got on the scoreboard first in their opening round of the State Class A American Legion Baseball Tournament as the Walleye scored two runs in the top of the first inning.
But Grafton proved to be a much stronger offensive team as they scored 10 runs in the first two innings to put the game out of Watford City’s reach.
Andrew Sampsel led the Walleye offensively as he belted out three home runs in three trips to the plate to end the game with four RBIs.
Keegan Thompson took the loss on the mound for Watford City as he gave up 10 runs on 11 hits in the first two innings.
R H E
Watford City 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 6 9 1
Grafton 6 4 0 3 0 0 x 13 15 2
Casselton 12, Walleye 2
Watford City and Casselton played two scoreless innings to open the consolation round of the State Class A American Legion Baseball Tournament on July 30.
But when Casselton’s bats finally got going, they did a lot of damage. Casselton would score 12 runs on 10 hits to eliminate the Walleye from the tournament.
Andrew Sampsel again provided Watford City’s scoring punch as he drove in the Walleye’s only two runs on a home run.
Sampsel took the loss on the mound for the Walleye as he gave up 12 runs on eight hits, while striking out five batters and walking nine in five innings of work.
R H E
Watford City 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 4 6
Casselton 0 0 1 7 0 4 12 10 1