Last year Oconomowoc was 2-0 against Sussex with both wins coming in the 9th inning. In their first matchup in 2012, the same held true. In a very well played game by both teams, the Five O's broke a 3-3 tie in the top of the 9th and held on to earn the win and improve to 2-0 in the Land O Lakes and 4-0 overall. Each team traded runs in the top of the 1st before each pitcher settled down. Five O's starter Chris Fischer gave up a 2-run home run to left fielder Seth Kroenke in the bottom of the 3rd but then managed to quiet the Cardinals bats for the next 5 innings. Oconomowoc managed to tie the game at 3-3 scoring 2 runs in the top of the 5th on four straight hits by Bob Bolson, Chandler Ziemann, Jeff Rhoads and Derek Nelson. Things remained that way until Bob Bolson doubled to right center in the top of the 9th with one out. After a deep fly out by Ziemann, Jeff Rhoads was intentionally walked to bring Derek Nelson to the plate. Following Bolson's lead, Nelson lined a double to right scoring Bolson who ended up being the game winner. Sussex did not go quietly in the bottom half. Steve Rhoads came in to relieve Fischer and gave up a lead off single to right by Bryan Laabs. A sac bunt moved him to second base with one out. Rhoads then walked Kroenke and then enduced Sussex clean up hitter Todd Johnson to ground into a 4-6-3 double play to secure the win.
Chris Fischer earned the win for Oconomowoc going 8 innings allowing 3 runs on 8 hits while walking 4, striking out 2 and hitting 1 batter. Steve Rhoads picked up the save going 1 innings allowing no runs on 1 hit while walking 1. Travis Thompson took the loss for Sussex going all 9 innings allowing 4 runs on 13 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. At the plate Oconomowoc was led by Chandler Ziemann who was 4 for 5 with a double and 2 runs scored. Jeff Rhoads, Derek Nelson and Bob Bolson all contributed 2 hits each in the winning effort.
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