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Minnetonka gets out to early lead, doesn't look back against Edina

By Ethan Olson, SportsEngine, 05/19/23, 7:00AM CDT

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The Skippers notched four runs in the first inning and held on from there to blank the Hornets.

William Koeppen launched a home run during the second inning, jumping Minnetonka's lead to 4-0. Photo by Brennan Schachtner, SportsEngine

William Koeppen launched a home run during the second inning, jumping Minnetonka's lead to 4-0. Photo by Brennan Schachtner, SportsEngine

Presence at the plate went a long way for Minnetonka Friday night in their Lake Conference matchup against Edina. The confidence never wavered from the Skippers, who’s dugout was screaming loud all night long in what was an 11-0 victory.  

The game burst open right away in the top of the first, as the Skippers (11-5) seemed to find their rhythm almost instantly. Junior Nathan Wheeler started it off by pounding a deep double that scored his team’s first run of the game. Then, Ethan Binder and Colten Benedict followed him up with hits that put the Skippers up 4-0 over the Hornets (11-6) early.  

But there was still so much of the game to be played, and Minnetonka coach Paul Twenge knew that.  

Soren Epple pitches for Edina late in the game. Photo by Brennan Schachtner, SportsEngine

Soren Epple pitches for Edina late in the game. Photo by Brennan Schachtner, SportsEngine

First Report

Minnetonka found its momentum early through some instant at-bat success on Friday night, racking up four runs in the first inning. From there, the Skippers (11-5) consistently added runs thanks to the focus they put in at the plate against Edina (11-6) ace Soren Epple.  

It was junior Nathan Wheeler who got the Skippers going in their 4-0 blitz in the top of the first inning. He slammed a double deep into left field and that got his team’s runners in position to strike again. It was then that second baseman Colten Benedict pushed the lead to 4-0 over the Hornets with another double that caused major trouble for the Edina outfielders.  

And the Skippers never let up that pace, adding two home runs and seven more runs in the next four innings. First, senior William Koeppen connected sweetly on a solo homer. Then junior Milos Spasojevic went the distance himself, tapping the scoreboard to score two more runs. It wasn’t just offense either for the Skippers, as their infielders — including Koeppen and Benedict — made multiple highlight double plays on the night.  

While it was a complete game for the Skippers, Epple was effective at striking out his opposing batters. He racked up seven strikeouts on the night, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Skippers from taking Friday’s game 11-0 in five innings.  

Jack Kochevar celebrates the final out, after pitching a 2-hit complete game for Minnetonka. Photo by Brennan Schachtner, SportsEngine

Jack Kochevar celebrates the final out, after pitching a 2-hit complete game for Minnetonka. Photo by Brennan Schachtner, SportsEngine

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