Spartans Start Strong To Top Storm

SAUK RAPIDS — ROCORI hit the road on May 7 in a continuation of a marathon week of games, facing Sauk Rapids in a Central Lakes Conference battle.

The Spartans didn't waste any time jumping out ahead in the game, tallying eight runs in the first inning to cruise to a 9-2 victory over the Storm at Bob Cross Field.

Home runs returned in Sauk Rapids, with Nolan VanLoy hammering his second home run of the season to finish 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run scored to lead the Spartans. Caleb Maddox was also hot at the plate, finishing 3-for-4 with two runs scored and one RBI. Charlie Upgren added one hit and two RBI, Cal Heying had one hit, one run and one RBI, and Cooper Notch, Noah Olmscheid and Blake Kelly all pitched in with one hit and one run scored.

Reeca Kalla put together a strong outing on the mound to grab the win, tossing a complete game and giving up seven hits, two runs, two walks and striking out five.

With the win, ROCORI improved to 8-5 overall on the season and also improved to 3-4 in Central Lakes Conference action. The Spartans get back on the road in Willmar on May 8 before capping off the busy week with a battle against Paynesville on May 9 at St. John's University.