Kimball eighth-grade baseball hosted the Maple Lake Irish for a doubleheader on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. The Cubs started strong, scoring five runs in the bottom of the first inning. Nolan Petersen’s two-run single with the bases loaded was the hit that opened the door. Kimball added five more in the second with three coming on a bases-clearing triple from Ross Vinar. This would be all the scoring needed for the Cubs in their 10-0 victory.
Kaden Pauls was masterful on the mound for Kimball. Pauls pitched a complete game and gave up only two base runners. He allowed a single hit, and struck out 10 batters in picking up the win.
In the box, the Cubs collected seven hits, all by different batters. Jonah Klein scored two of the 10 Kimball runs. Vinar finished with three RBI in the game. Keagan Inglett collected two stolen bases.
In the second game, the Cubs fell behind early, allowing one run in the first at-bat for the Irish. Kimball went scoreless in their half of the inning, but would plate five runs in the second and third innings to take a 10-1 lead. Ross Vinar again had the big hit with a two-run double in the second. The Cubs collected four more hits in the third to score their five runs. Maple Lake closed out the scoring by having four runners cross the plate in the fourth, as the Cubs held on for the 10-5 win.
Kolby Foster started the second game. He tossed two innings and faced nine Irish hitters. Foster allowed one run, struck out three, and walked two. He did not allow a hit. Evan Molitor came on in relief, pitching one inning. Molitor struck out three, walked three, and gave up three runs. Jonah Klein closed the game, pitching one frame. Klein gave up two hits and a run.
At the plate, the Cubs pounded out six hits. They scored 10 runs, with Landon Schneider scoring twice. Vinar had two of the eight RBI for Kimball. The Cubs are now 11-2 on the season, and are set to face Paynesville Thursday.