Minnetonka coach Paul Twenge has a lot of confidence in pitcher Jimmy Ramsey.
Enough confidence to let the sophomore work his way through a little lack of control in the late innings and stay on the mound to pick up a complete-game road victory as the Skippers defeated Lake Conference rival Wayzata 6-2 on Friday.
The right-hander surrendered just five hits and one earned run over seven innings.
“Jim looked in pretty good shape,” Twenge said after the win. “We watch pitch count pretty close, so we felt like he was okay.”
Ramsey was fine as he held the Trojans, who average 6.2 runs per game, to just two runs in a contest that came a day after Wayzata erupted for 11 in a home victory over Park Center.
His one miscue came in the bottom of the seventh inning, when he let loose with multiple pitches that sailed over the head of Minnetonka catcher Ian Cote.
With the Trojans making a small rally and seemingly set to string together several hits, Ramsey refocused and then cemented the victory with a strikeout.
Twenge said Ramsey’s steady demeanor helps in clutch situations, even if his relaxed approach puts him at odds with his coach’s mindset.
“His emotions run low and deep,” said Twenge, who added with a laugh that he has trouble hiding his emotions. “Mine run hard and heavy on the outside.”
Cote, who went 1-for-2 with one RBI in the victory, has anchored the other end of the Skippers’ battery for nearly two seasons. He has played one of the more physically and mentally demanding positions with poise and endurance.
“Ian has caught every inning this year, and he caught every inning last year - almost,” Twenge said.
Cote is no stranger to taking on the role of a leader as he started at running back for the Skippers football team, and Ramsey said Cote is effective at guiding players both on and off the field.
“He’s a great (team) captain,” Ramsey added.
Ramsey also credited his ability to stay sharp - even after those high throws - to Cole’s presence behind the plate. Cote, however, refutes the claim and said Ramsey’s success is due to his confidence.
“(There’s) not much I can do,” Cote said about keeping Ramsey locked in during a game. “He’s pretty good on his own.
“Staying level, staying locked in…he’s pretty good about it,” Cote added.
Staying level and staying locked in will be key for the Skippers, who were denied a repeat trip to the state tournament after losing to New Prague 5-4 in the Class 3A, Section 2 finals last season.
Cote, who has signed to play baseball at South Dakota State next season, said finished the season anything other than a state title will be a disappointment.
“State championship or bust,” Cote said. “That’s been the goal from the beginning.”
First Report
Sophomore pitcher Jimmy Ramsey threw a complete-game five-hitter and senior infielder Jacob Stolar had two RBI to pace Minnetonka in a 6-2 win over Wayzata in Lake Conference action on Friday night at Wayzata High School.
Ramsey struck out three and allowed one earned run in recording the win, while also going 2-for-4 with one RBI.
Stolar was 1-for-2 and senior catcher Ian Cote, junior first baseman Fox Leum and senior outfielder Matt Boyde each finished with one RBI for the Skippers (9-3, 3-2), who are ranked No. 9 in Class 3A by Let’s Play Baseball.
Junior infielder Cody Goedderz drove in both runs and junior pitcher Brendan Broady took the loss for the Trojans (9-4, 2-3).
