Algoma 9, Branch 4
June 3, 2009

The Branch Blaze dropped their Shoreland League opener 9-4 Wednesday night in Algoma. The Blaze took the early lead when Paul Smith drove in Chris Wettstein with a double in the opening half inning. The Penguins responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning as lead off hitter Brian Qualman reached on a walk and then scored on a balk by Branch pitcher Dereck Klein.

The score remained tied until the top of the 3rd when Branch's Josh Lemke scored on a passed ball and Smith was plated by Steve Linzmeier who grounded out. Once again, however, Algoma responded with two runs of their own. Penguins short stop Tyler VanLanen drove in Ryan Moede and Kirk Rodrian with a double. Branch regained the lead in the top of the 5th when Lemke scored on a single by Smith. The Penguins managed to tie the game in the bottom of the inning when Aaron Moede scored on a double by Chad Luluzerne.

Klein was removed after the fifth after giving up four runs, only one earned, on three hits and nine walks. He struck out four. Klein was replaced by Justin Otto who gave up five runs and five hits in the inning giving the Penguins a 9-5 lead that they would not relinquish. Otto took the loss for the Blaze going three innings and giving up five runs, four earned, on seven hits and 2 walks while striking out two. Brian Qualman picked up the win for Algoma. He pitched four innings of relief and gave up no runs on no hits while walking three and hitting four batters but striking out five.

Smith led the Blaze offense going three for four with a double and two RBI's. Wettstein and Lemke eached chipped in a hit and Linzmeier drove in a run. Laluzerne was the offensive star for the Penguins. He had three hits in five at bats, including a double, and drove in two runs. Rob Ray and VanLanen each had two hits for Algoma with VanLanen driving in three. Ryan Klessig started for the Penguins and was not involved in the decision going five innings and striking out six while allowing four runs, one earned, on five hits and walking none.

For box score, click here.