Denmark 3, Branch 1
June 14, 2009

BRANCH — Denmark scored two runs in the fourth inning without a hit to take the lead against the Branch Blaze on Sunday.

Mother Nature then delivered the knockout punch.

The rain that moved through the Lakeshore area on Sunday afternoon brought an end to the game with one out in the top of sixth inning as Denmark claimed a 3-1 Shoreland League victory in the shortened game. The second game of the scheduled doubleheader was postponed to July 29 at Denmark, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The Devil Bears scored runs in the first and fourth innings, but didn't tally a hit in either frame.

Two walks a hit batter and a sacrifice fly led to the run in the first, while two more walks, a hit batter, a sacrifice bunt and a throwing error on a fielder's choice allowed Denmark to score twice in the fourth.

Branch starter Dereck Klein only allowed two hits in 5 1/2 innings, but walked seven and hit three batters in taking the loss. He also struck out two.

The Blaze (2-5 overall, 0-2 in the Shoreland League) scored their lone run in the first when Paul Smith drew a one-out walk and stole second base. Brent Robinson followed with a single before Peter Liermann's double scored Smith from third.

Chris Wettstein and Luke Kiel also picked up singles in the game for Branch.

The Blaze will be back in action on Wednesday when they travel to the Green Bay Storm.

For box score, click here.