Manitowoc 0, Branch 10
June 28, 2009

BRANCH — Branch pitcher Justin Otto allowed only three hits over seven innings and got all the help he needed from the Blaze bats in a 10-0, eight-inning Shoreland League shutout of the Manitowoc Heat on Sunday afternoon in Branch.
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The Blaze, who improved to 4-3 in the Shoreland and 6-7 overall, scattered runs across six of the eight innings with three runs in the eighth off of an error, four walks and a hit batsman to seal the victory.

Josh Lemke led the Blaze bats, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI in sixth inning. Lemke also pitched the top of the eighth, facing only four batters after issuing a one-out walk.

Craig Gossen had an RBI-double in the fourth for Branch and Paul Smith eventually scored in the sixth after getting on base via a lead-off double.

For the Heat, Eric Dayton struck out 13 batters over seven innings but gave up seven runs as well. Five were earned.

Morgan O'Connell had two of the Heat's three hits and stole a pair of bases.

Up next for Branch is a trip to Kewaunee on Friday while the Heat travel to Algoma on Wednesday.

From the 6/29/09 edition of the Herald Times Reporter.

For box score, click here.