HADLEY — Hadley’s amateur baseball team has had a veteran roster for years, with familiar figures playing similar spots game after game.
But these days, Buttermaker fans might find themselves channeling their inner Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid while wondering, “Who are those guys?”
The Buttermakers of manager Myron Bennett have several new players who are making the most of their amateur ball opportunities. Foremost among them are three former Adrian players: Tucker Sorenson, Brent Hokeness and Evan Lenz.
All three played key roles on Sunday as Hadley won a doubleheader on the road at Fox Lake (11-6) and Fairmont (10-3).
Sorenson threw a seven-inning complete game against perennial power Fairmont, striking out 11 and not allowing a run after the first inning. Hokeness has played outfield and catcher while providing Bennett with some lineup options.
And Lenz, who is from tiny Lismore, went 4-for-4 with two doubles and four RBIs against Fox Lake, then was 2-for-5 with a triple vs. Fairmont.
“He’s a really good hitter,” Bennett said. “He played shortstop both games and is really going to help our team a lot.”
The Buttermakers improved to 5-2 overall and 3-2 in Gopher League play. Hadley has a new look early this summer as superstar slugger Nick Bruning has retired and Murray County Central’s baseball team is still alive in postseason tournament play, preventing the team’s stars from playing amateur ball.
“Our new players have been a great addition to the team,” said Bennett.
Former MCC star pitcher Peyton Coulter is also new to the Buttermaker roster. Austin Irlbeck, a former Lamberton Long Sox standout, is making a positive impression both in the outfield and at the plate.
Teenager Brody Wixon, a Marshall product, has also played well for Hadley. The young catcher had three hits recently in his Buttermaker debut.
“All the newcomers we’ve signed have contributed early in the season for us,” Bennett said. “It’s been great to see.”
Veteran right-hander Sam Erickson fired a seven-inning complete game to defeat Fox Lake. Irlbeck singled, doubled and knocked in three runs. Kyler Deacon scored twice and drove in a pair.
Against Fairmont, the Buttermakers trailed 3-0 until scoring seven times in the sixth inning. Alex Petersen and Danny Blankenship each went 3-for-4. Irlbeck and Lenz both had two hits.
The Buttermakers also picked up a non-league victory last week in Springfield, 11-10. Star right-hander Jacob Van Dam struck out five in 3-plus innings of relief work to earn the pitching victory. He also had two hits, while Hokeness and Petersen each contributed doubles.
The Buttermakers still have solid veterans, performers like Erickson, Max Zwart, Joe Larson, Eric Wieneke and Trent Carlson among them. When the high school season ends the Hadley team figures to add an influx of players from the talented Murray County Central program.
But until then, Hadley fans might need a program.
Butch and Sundance, remember, were trying to figure out who the guys were on the posse chasing them. With the 2023 Buttermakers it’s not exactly the same deal, but the new players are certainly riding to the rescue.
Here’s a recap of other amateur action last week.
Windom 7, Worthington 3
Luke Gilbertson allowed only one earned run as the Pirates prevailed on Sunday. Kobe Lovell had two hits and two RBIs, while Alex Fink doubled and knocked in a pair.
Windom 7, Heron Lake 0
Ross Ackerman allowed only one hit and struck out seven in seven fine innings as the Pirates won on May 31. Kobe Lovell finished up on the mound. Alex Fink and David Volk each had two hits for Windom.
Logan Knutson pitched well for Heron Lake.
Heron Lake 11, Ruthton 1
Jonathan Vega had two hits and drove in three runs as the Lakers defeated the Royals on Sunday. Angel Perez and Edwin Oquendo also had two hits, while Oquendo drove in two runs.
Cesar Otero fanned six in six solid innings on the mound to earn the victory.
Pipestone 3, Heron Lake 1
Mitchell Carson struck out eight and fired a seven-inning complete game as the A’s edged the Lakers on Sunday.
Kaden Musch had an RBI triple as Pipestone scored two runs in the sixth inning.
Jonathan Vega pitched effectively for Heron Lake, yielding only one run and fanning six in five innings.
Lakefield 10, Milroy Irish 0
Taylor Christopher went 4-for-4 with a home run and two runs batted in as the Frogs defeated the Irish in five innings on Sunday. Gabe Wolff had a solo home run, and Bryce Christopher knocked in four runs with two hits.
Phil Pronk pitched all five innings for Lakefield, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out three.
Fairmont 5, Lakefield 2
Jon Traetow had homered and drove in four runs as the Martins won on May 31. Cale Steuber and Ethan Hurn had two hits apiece.
Levi Lindsey, Taylor Christopher, Nolan Luhmann and Cam Scholten each had hits for Lakefield. Travis Rogotzke pitched well in relief.
Milroy Irish 5, Jackson 1
Moses Dolan earned the mound victory for the Irish on Sunday. Dominic Dolan and Tyler Alcorn each had two hits.
Fox Lake 8, Worthington 0
Paxton Gravlin struck out 13 in eight excellent innings as the Foxes picked up a victory over the Cubs on May 31. Owen Wolter led the Fox Lake offensive attack with a pair of doubles, while Kain Sanders and Blake Jagodzinske each had two hits.
Luverne 11, Ruthton 1
Nick Smith homered and Brooks Maurer pitched three scoreless innings as the Redbirds cruised to victory on May 31.
STANDINGS (League games only)
GOPHER LEAGUE — Luverne Redbirds 4-0; Milroy Irish 5-2; Hadley Buttermakers 3-2; Worthington Cubs 3-4; Pipestone A’s 1-4; Ruthton Royals 1-4
FIRST NITE LEAGUE—Fairmont Martins 5-1; Jackson Bulls 4-2; Lakefield Frogs 4-3; Windom Pirates 3-3; Heron Lake Lakers 2-4; Fox Lake Foxes 2-5; Heron Lake Lakers 1-4
June 7: Fairmont at Windom, 7:30 p.m.; Fox Lake at Jackson, 7:30 p.m.; Luverne at Worthington, 7:30 p.m.; Milroy Irish at Pipestone, 7:30 p.m.; Hadley at Marshall A’s, 7:30 p.m.
June 11: Luverne at Hadley, 2 p.m.; Mountain Lake at Jackson, 2 p.m.; Worthington at Lakefield, 2 p.m. Fox Lake at Windom, 2 p.m.; Fairmont at Heron Lake, 2 p.m.; Jackson at Lakefield, 5 p.m.