Spartans Have Season End In Section Championship

ST. CLOUD — The ROCORI Spartans returned to the field on Thursday, June 6 to continue the Section 8-3A Playoffs in an attempt to not only reach the section championship but perhaps make another trip to the State Tournament.

ROCORI began the day by coming out on top to reach the section title game, but ultimately fell short to see its season come to a close at the Municipal Athletic Complex in St. Cloud.

The Spartans opened things up by concluding a rain-suspended game against Alexandria in the losers' bracket, resuming play in the fifth inning with a 9-4 advantage over the Cardinals. ROCORI ended up breezing to victory, coming away with a 14-4 win to advance to the section championship.

In that win, Zander Folkerts went 1-for-2 with two runs scored and four RBI, Tyler Prom went 3-for-3 with one run scored and two RBI, and Jacob Stalboerger went 2-for-3 with three runs scored to lead the Spartans. Max Fredin and Jace Griffin each drove home two runs, while Jack Boos, Kaden Rausch, Hunter Fuchs and Caleb Maddox each added one hit.

On the mound, Fredin through the first four innings back on Tuesday, giving up seven hits, two runs, one walk and striking out two. Rausch resumed the game on the hill on Thursday, giving up four hits, two runs and no walks over one inning in relief.

With the win over Alexandria, ROCORI advanced out of the losers' bracket for a rematch against Little Falls, a team the Spartans would have to beat twice to advance to state.

The Spartans ultimately came up short against the Flyers dropping the game 7-2 to see their season come to a close.

Leading the way for ROCORI in the finale was Tyler Prom, who went 2-for-4, and Jacob Stalboerger, who drove home one run. Jack Boos, Zander Folkerts, Max Fredin on Caleb Maddox each recorded one hit for the Spartans.

Fredin threw the first three innings on the mound, giving up three hits, three runs and striking out three. Fuchs pitched 0.1 innings in relief, giving up two runs, while Raush threw the final 2.2 innings, giving up just one hit, no earned runs and striking out three.

With the season drawing to a close, the Spartans conclude the year with a record of 14-11 overall. Thank you to all of our seniors for your contributions to the ROCORI Baseball program and thank you to our fans for your support all season long!