New Ulm rolls past Willmar

NEW ULM -- Willmar started out strong, but New Ulm seized control immediately after en route to 10-run ruling the Cardinals 12-2 in five innings Thursday in the Cardinals' season opener.

Willmar produced two runs on Jacob Damhof's double in the first inning as the Cardinals had seven players bat. But New Ulm silenced Willmar's offense for the game's final four innings.

Willmar was held to three hits in the game -- Nathaniel Swoyer and Derrick Loiselle both singled -- while New Ulm pounded out 12 hits.

The Eagles batted 10 in both the second and fifth innings and had their leadoff hitter, Adam Loose, go 4-for-4.

New Ulm took a 6-2 lead into the fifth and later plated six runs in the inning to invoke the 10-run rule. A communication error amongst the Willmar infielders allowed two runners to score the 11th and 12th runs for New Ulm.

Willmar drew just one walk while three New Ulm pitchers combined to strike out seven Cardinals.

Willmar plays another non-conference game away from home on Saturday when it takes on Minnetonka at 1 p.m.

New Ulm 12, Willmar 2

Willmar (0-1) 200 00 -- 2 3 2

New Ulm (1-0) 042 06 -- 12 12 2

HITTING - Willmar: Nathaniel Swoyer 1-for-2; Jacob Damhof 1-for-2, 2b; Derrick Loiselle 1-for-2 ... New Ulm: Adam Loose 4-for-4, 2b; Erik Curry 1-for-2; Zach Hoffmann 1-for-2; Kevin Kauffmann 1-for-3; Jason Schaul 1-for-3, 3b; Elliot Backer 1-for-2; Dalton Deinhart 2-for-3; Quinn O'Connor 1-for-1

PITCHING (ip-h-r-er-bb-so) -- Willmar: Andrew Bangen (L) 2-7-4-2-2-0, Dean Stier 21/3-5-6-6-3-1, John Kraemer 1/3-0-2-0-3-1 ... New Ulm: Kevin Kauffmann 2-2-2-0-1-5, Zach Quiring (W) 2-1-0-0-0-1, Dalton Deinhart 1-0-0-0-0-1