By Steve Nielsen

Scouting Director

Stoughton 4, Neenah 3

APPLETON, WI - Game two of the Division 1 quarterfinals was a back and forth affair between Stoughton and Neenah that ended with a thrilling walk off suicide squeeze off the bat of winning pitcher PJ Rosowski, ending Neenah's postseason run and moving Stoughton into the Semifinals to face defending State Champions, Sun Prairie.

Both starting pitchers pitched well enough to win. Neenah sophomore Brett Grafmeier was the tough luck loser but worked a solid 6 1/3 innnings striking out five. Stoughton winner, junior PJ Rosowski went seven innings, scattering five hits and striking out four while only giving up one walk, which was intentional.

The action got heavy in the sixth when Neenah tied the score at three thanks to a clutch two out RBI single off the bat of Nate Penn. Penn was pitched to after an intentional walk to Transylvania commit Spener Miller who was 2-for-2 with two hard hit singles to that point.

Grafmeier recorded an effortless 1-2-3 bottom of the sixth to send the game into the seventh knotted at three.

After Rosowski returned the three up three down favor, sitting down the Rockets in order, Stoughton came to bat in the bottom of the seventh with a chance to head to the state semifinals.

 

Consecutive Rocket errors ignited the inning for the Vikings. After sophomore Cade Bunell sacrificed the two Viking base runners to second and third with one out, Neenah intentionally walked senior Tony Volk to load the bases and put the double play in order. However, Coach Dunihoo and the Vikings had a trick up their sleeve. The fleet footed leadoff hitter of Ben Gerber on third base took off for home as Rosowski squared around and layed down the perfect bunt. Neenah had no answer for the well executed play and the Vikings walked off with the 4-3 win and a date with Sun Prairie in the Semfinals.

 

Stoughton and Sun Prairie will match up at 6pm tonight to see who will make it to the State Title game.