Three Tigers combine to pitch shutout vs. 'Waska

Thank goodness the baseball Tigers were not scheduled to play yesterday (Tuesday). A day when the blowing dirt or smoke filled the air as wind was relentless. I've never seen anything like it. So the Tigers were spared having to try to breathe amidst such conditions on the diamond. Looks to me like some games were actually played out and around. 

Most recently the Tigers won in a dominant way over Minnewaska Area at 'Waska. We blanked the Lakers 10-0. It was our 12th win against five losses. Just two games left in the regular season against Melrose and BOLD. The regular season wraps up on Friday. 

Our big inning against 'Waska was the seventh: six runs. Prior to that we had two runs each in the first and fifth. Our fielding was pretty clean: one error. 'Waska meanwhile committed five errors. Not a lot of hits in this game: four by MACA, one by 'Waska. Three Tigers shared the pitching work: Riley Asmus, Ozzy Jerome and Parker Nohl. Jerome got the win. The losing pitcher was Sawyer Erickson. 

At bat, Brayden Carlson doubled and drove in two runs. Travis Buss drove in a run. Hunter Westerman walked and reached on HBP. He stole a base and scored a run. Jack Kehoe walked and he too got hit-by-pitch. He scored a run and drove in a run. 

Ozzy Jerome walked, scored a run and drove in two runs. Alex Asmus had a hit, walked, stole a base, drove in two runs and scored two. Riley Asmus stole a base and scored two runs. Riley Saito made his home on the basepaths as he went two-for-two, walked and was HBP. He stole a base and scored three runs.

 

Blown away, yes

Weren't you stunned this morning (Wednesday) to notice there wasn't a trace of wind? The earliest settlers out here were shocked at how strong and persistent the wind could be. The earliest ones took the "Wadsworth Trail" which I have been fascinated to research. Named for a Civil War general. The fort eventually got a name change from "Wadsworth" to "Sisseton." Not sure why that was done. Wadsworth was heroic in his service to the Union cause. 

The wind here on the prairie was striking in its severity. We were assaulted by the wind on Tuesday. And I have to ask: Was loose dirt in the air, or smoke from Canadian wildfires? Both? And at times the limited visibility was just like in a winter blizzard. The wind backed off overnight. So I took my bike downtown just now to have my biscuits and gravy (the Wednesday special) at DeToy's Restaurant. 

Detoy's was overflowing on Sunday for their Mother's Day buffet. Literally not a place open when I entered. I thought I arrived early enough that it wouldn't be a problem. Wrong-O. But it was problem solved as a server who I knew opened up a spot at the end of the counter. I availed myself of the offerings. Dessert too! 

I think there are only three days of the whole year that DeToy's offers the buffet. It used to be every Sunday. I guess food waste is a problem with buffets. Considering the ever-rising cost of food, a buffet is helpful for really loading up your stomach so you can "coast" for two or three days. 

DeToy's can feel heartened by its popularity on Sunday. But I'm also reminded of a comment made to me by my No. 1 contact at our UMN-Morris. Erin said "I think Morris could use another restaurant." 

I rely on restaurants because it's not practical for me as a single person to do much if any food prep at home. My refrigerator/freezer has been disconnected ever since Mom passed on. 

The people at Caribou Coffee tell me they have a new "bacon breakfast sandwich" now. Will have to try soon. I tried the "breakfast bowl" and found it not to be a good value. Isn't it harder to find good food value these days? We read more and more about "shrinkflation" and "skimpflation." The food industry constantly modifies its food to try to maximize its profit. 

Some people write that the food we purchase these days is "poisoning us." Not far-fetched. Synthetic bacon instead of real bacon etc. It is concerning. But I have faith in my biscuits and gravy at DeToy's on Wednesday morning! Maybe DeToy's does not have as much competition as they should. But the food there is reliable, helps keep my mind sharp!

 

You should all be shocked and scared by the new inflation report! 

 

- Brian Williams - morris mn innesota - musicstuff54@gmail.com