Skeeters first SCVL win comes against Hubbers

• Ellsworth's Jeremiah Paulson

Jeremiah Paulson slides into home plate past Hager City catcher Mike Maves.

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HAGER CITY — Lance Murphy’s walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning scored Cody Furlong and lifted the Skeeters to a 4-3 victory over Ellsworth at Brown Field.

It was Hager City’s first St. Croix Valley League victory since joining the league in January. They are now 1-5 in SCVL play.

“We needed a win to legitimize ourselves in the conference,” player/manager Cory Brathall said.

The win took on extra significance because several Skeeters used to play for Ellsworth.

“We knew coming in that this was a big game,” Brathall said.

“We were ready to play today. I was really happy with how the guys reacted. We played good ball for a young team. Everything is starting to come together.”

Murphy also earned the win by holding the heart of the Hubbers’ order scoreless in the top of the ninth. He struck out two batters in his inning of work.

Brady Brenner pitched the first eight innings and allowed one earned run.

Mike Maves hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning to give the Skeeters a 3-2 lead. However, Jeremiah Paulson scored on Cody Holden’s bloop single in the eighth inning to tie the game.

Ellsworth is scheduled to be back in action Friday at home against St. Croix Falls.

The Hubbers were scheduled to play Plum City on Saturday, but that game was postponed because of the weather. It will be made up at 1 p.m. June 20 in Plum City.

The Skeeters are scheduled to play host Friday to Northfield, but the game could be rescheduled or moved because of lighting problems at Brown Field, according to Brathall.

Tags: sports, scvl, baseball, hager, city