By Spencer Flaten

GREEN BAY, WI- The third time was the charm for Green Bay Preble. After losing twice to their crosstown rivals this season, the Hornets (#6 seed) topped Green Bay East/West (#11 seed) 6-2 in regional semifinal action Tuesday evening to advance to the next round of the WIAA playoffs.

UW-Oshkosh recruit Michael Nitti took the mound for Preble, while East/West handed the ball to freshman hurler Max Van Boxel.

Preble would strike first on an RBI double by designated hitter Conner Kraft in the  second inning. Left fielder Andy Peterik drove in another run for the Hornets with a single in the fourth to give his squad a two run advantage.

East/West started clawing back in the fifth inning. After back-to-back singles by Mitch Greetan and Elijah Hansen, a bizarre turn of events on the bases allowed the Devils to get a run back. Pinch runner Austin Williquette got in a pickle between first and second base, which allowed Greetan to advance to third. After returning to first safely, Williquette stole second and Greetan was able to score on a throwing error from Preble’s catcher.

However, Preble would nullify that run with one of their own in the bottom of the frame, thanks to an RBI single by infielder Logan Timmers.

The wheels started falling off for East/West in the sixth. Preble put up three runs, highlighted by a double squeeze bunt by first baseman Bryce Berg to drive in two.

The final challenge that Nitti would face on the mound came in the top of the seventh. After a leadoff single by Van Boxel, Greetan lined one down the right field line for a base hit to put two men on, but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double. An RBI groundout by Hansen eventually scored a run, but in the end it wasn’t enough to top the Hornets.

Nitti finished the complete game effort with four strikeouts, while only allowing four hits. Van Boxel went 5.1 innings with four strikeouts, allowing seven hits.

Greetan and Kraft both finished the game 2-for-3, while Bryan Wendtland went 1-for-2 for Preble. Berg and Timmers both finished with 2 RBIs.

Preble advances to the regional finals, where they will face #3 seed Kimberly on Thursday.

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