Miners dig up a quarterfinal win over Carrington at Class B state baseball tournament

Talk about it

JAMESTOWN — Beulah’s quick-strike offense put Carrington in a big hole.

The Miners scored four runs in the first and three more in the third en route to an 8-1 victory in the quarterfinals of the Class B state baseball tournament Thursday at Jack Brown Stadium. It’s the first time at state for both teams.

“Since it’s the first time we made it, it feels good getting that first win,” Beulah junior Brett Koch said.

Beulah (25-5) meets Lewis & Clark in tonight’s second semifinal, set for around 7.

Carrington starting pitcher Scott Engelhorn struggled early, walking Karson Hintz and Tanner Dolbec to start the game. Patrick Becker followed with a double to get the Miners out to a 2-0 lead. Beulah’s Casey Duppong walked and scored on an error, and Erik Ham singled in Becker.

“We’re aggressive at the plate,” Koch said. “We were thinking earlier this season that if we made the state tournament, we were going to be just as aggressive.”

The big bats continued in the third with a trio of scores, led by Koch’s two-run double. Koch was the toughest out of the day, finishing 2-for-2 with a walk and a run scored from his No. 9 spot in the order.

“We think he’s a good hitter,” said Beulah coach Bob Koch, Ryan’s father. “He’s got the right approach. He’s had a big year.”

Carrington coach Wayne Shipman said the early deficit was too much to overcome.

“The first inning set the tone for them,” Shipman said. “They got momentum their way and we were never able to stop it.”

Overshadowed by a strong offensive showing was starting pitcher Trevor Zacher (6-0), who worked all seven innings. He gave up one earned run on three hits, walking three and striking out five. He threw 91 pitches.

Beulah 403 001 0 — 8 8 1

Carrington 100 000 0 — 1 3 1

Trevor Zacher and Dalton Oliger. Scott Engelhorn, Austin Hewitt (6) and Tysen Rosenau. W– Zacher (6-0). L–Engelhorn (4-2).

Highlights: B, Zacher 7 IP, R, ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 5 K; Brett Koch 2-2, 2B, 2 RBI, BB, run; Patrick Becker 1-2, run, 2 RBI. C, Taylor Skytland 1-3, R, BB.

Aarhus is a sports reporter for The Jamestown Sun, which is owned by Forum Communications Co.

Tags: beulah miners, sports, baseball, preps, updates