Riverdogs’ fall in division tourney semis

PORT WASHINGTON – The Howards Grove Riverdogs staged a late rally but fell shy, 9-7, against Port Washington in the semifinals of the Land O’ Lakes Baseball League Northern Division tournament here Saturday afternoon.

Howards, which finished the season 14-15, scored four runs in the top of the ninth to pull within 9-7. The Riverdogs left the bases loaded when the game ended.

Peter Reschke’s RBI single cut the Lakers’ lead to 9-4. The next two runs scored when Ben Stanczyk and Andy Taft were hit by pitches with the bases loaded.

Ed Kozlowski came in to relieve and walked Chris Menart to force in another run and make it a 9-7 score. Kozlowski fanned the next batter to end the contest.

“Our defense let us down a bit. We seemed to lack enthusiam and drive,” said Riverdog player-manager P.J. Weber.

“We just couldn’t connect early on getting a big hit that would open the flood gates.”

The No. 5-seeded Riverdogs outhit No. 1-seeded Port Washington 13-11 but also led in errors, 3-2.

A four-run third gave the Lakers the lead for good, 4-2, and erased a 2-0 deficit. Chris Laurishke’s tworun double was the big blow for Port Washington.

Peter Reschke led Howards in hits with three. Charlie Reschke, Nick Reschke and Menart added two apiece.

Zac Moeller and Kyle Kichura paced the Lakers’ bats with three hits apiece.

Port Washington lost to Cedarburg in the finals Sunday, 20-7. The Mercs’ win forced another game Sunday for the division championship. Cedarburg edged the Lakers, 8-7, in 11 innings.

Brian Bert’s triple drove in the winning run in the top of the 11th. Cedarburg advances to the LOL grand championship playoffs that start Saturday. Score by Innings Riverdogs….……..020 000 104 – 7 13 3 Port Wash. ……….004 102 02x – 9 11 2

Ben Stanczyk and Peter Reschke; Chris Mathis, Chris Laurishke (8), Ed Kozlowski (9) and Kyle Kichura. W – Mathis. L – Stanczyk. __________ _S_av_e_ _– _K_o_z_lo_w_s_k_i.____