Hageman, Timp home runs help South Winn earn state berth

By Becky Walz,

“You should be proud of the game you played and never count us out,” said Warrior Coach Alex Smith in Tuesday’s postgame huddle.

Ten years ago, the South Winn baseball team made their debut at the state tournament in Class 2A. Now the Warriors have earned their seventh state berth, the fifth in the last six years after defeating Kee Saturday in the district final and Don Bosco in the substate game Tuesday night.

South Winn carries a 24-9 overall record into the Class 1A state tournament which begins Monday, July 22, in Carroll.

Substate

Tuesday night’s 5-3 substate win didn’t come easy, and there were many momentum changes throughout the game between the Warriors and Dons. The top of the first put the Warriors in a jam, as Don Bosco loaded the bases with nobody out but Braiden Todd minimized the damage surrendering just one run. The Warriors responded right back in the bottom half of the first scoring two runs which included a Kole Hageman RBI single. 

South Winn would add its third run in the second inning scoring on a Don Bosco error. Two big swing by the Warriors provided the rest of the scoring for the home team when Kole Hageman hit a solo homerun in the third inning and Parker Timp showcased his own power hitting a solo shot in the fifth inning getting the momentum back for the Warriors after Don Bosco had scored two runs in the top of the fifth inning to cut the lead to 4-3.

Braiden Todd picked up the win going five innings and battling through some jams to allow just the three runs. Kole Hageman picked up the two inning save that included a big time catch in centerfield by senior, Brody Tieskoetter to keep the tying run from reaching the plate for Don Bosco.

“It was nice to see the hard work pay off and there’s hope year after year that we can get it done — make it to state, win a game at state, but there’s more than that. This team has a lot of grit as we work counts well, we hit really well and I think we have a shot to make some noise this year,” said senior Kole Hageman. “Being part of this program is great and the growth I have experienced is big. Sophomore year I didn’t get a hit, junior season I got one and this year I was batting in the four-hole and I was able to contribute.”

Parker Timp said, “It was nerve-wracking to come into the substate game without Carson (Streeter) on the mound but we knew that Braiden (Todd) could step up and throw a good game. We were confident in this game that we could get it done. The home run felt great. When the ball came off that bat I thought ‘yeah, that thing is out of here.’”

Heading to state Timp added, “We always execute big games. We will be nervous but will thrive off the nerves. We have such a team bond, don’t give up. These guys just work so hard together and we focus on playing as a team.” 

“We weren’t perfect, but we sure competed and won more pitches than Don Bosco. We took advantage of some miscues early and the two big swings by Kole and Parker sure gave us some great confidence and excitement to build from. Defensively we made plays when we needed to and never allowed the big inning,” said Coach Smith. “I’m proud of all this group accomplished and how they have gone about their business all season long. They earned this state tournament berth and we look forward to another trip to Carroll next week. Thanks to all the support from our community during this playoff run.”

For the fifth time in the last six seasons, the South Winn baseball team has earned the state qualifier banner. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Game Stats

R H E

SW 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 6 3

DB 2 1 1 0 1 0 x 5 7 1

Braiden Todd (WP) – 5IP, 3R, 6H, 3BB, 4K; Kole Hageman (RP) – 2IP, 1BB, 2K

HR – Parker Timp 1; Hageman 1; 1B – Todd 2; Hageman 2; Brody Tieskoetter 1; RBI – Hageman 2; Timp 1; SB – Todd 1; Hageman 1; Cody Meyer 1

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