EDITOR'S NOTE: Michael Achterling is a reserve outfielder on the active roster of the Detroit Lakes Amateur Baseball Club.
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DETROIT LAKES — Detroit Lakes Baseball Club members totaled 14 hits in their 9-5 win over the Hawley Hawks during the Club's home opener at Washington Ballpark on June 1.
A 7-run, fifth inning, capped by a two-run home run to center field by Club starting third baseman Tristan Wimmer led the team to their first victory of the season in front of their home fans for the first time.
"You know, it feels good," said Wimmer, after the game. "We got the (win), first game at home, it's important, and we go on and we got another one on Sunday, we've got to get another (win)."
Club starting pitcher Brandon Johnson located his fastball and off-speed pitches to great effect on his way to the first win in Club history. Johnson threw 93 pitches through 5 1/3-innings of work and gave up four runs, two earned, on 10 hits while walking one and striking out seven. Justin Hoskins relieved Johnson and posted four strikeouts through 2 2/3-shutout-innings while walking one. Matt Huberty closed out the ninth inning, tallying one strikeout in a non-save situation.
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Hoskins also delivered at the plate; going 2-for-4 with a double and run-scored on Wimmer's home run. Also, shining at the dish in the opener was Club right fielder Andrew Kulik, who went 1-for-2 with a two-RBI single and a run-scored as a mid-game substitute.
After the game, Club player/manager Brandon Johnson said the home opener crowd, concessions and the good baseball made for a memorable night at the ballpark.
"I am absolutely elated," said Johnson. "Everything we've planned for months went how it needed to ... but ultimately, it was just a fun night and everything went as planned."
When describing what Wimmer's power-hitting at third base brings to the team, Johnson said, "He's truly one of those guys who's truly special with his attitude and his demeanor."
Adding, those reasons, his solid defense and ability to hit balls over the center field fence are the reasons he will find himself as mainstay in the Club's lineup.
In total, all 19 Club members played during the home opener, but, Johnson said he is looking to solidify the Club's starting lineup in coming games.
The home opener was sponsored by Schiller's House, a Detroit Lakes barber shop, who treated fans to some free trims and ice cream sandwiches during the game. Katie Schiller, owner and operator of Schiller's House threw a strike in the game's ceremonial first pitch.
For their next match-up, the Club will travel to Dilworth to battle the Raildogs on Sunday, June 5 with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m.
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