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Gopher softball hits rock bottom after sweep

By Don Bowman

It was not going to be a banner year for the Minnesota Golden Gopher fastpitch team in 2010. However, after losing a pair (7-0, 11-2) at home against a mediocre Purdue squad (7-7), the lady Gophers have hit rock bottom in the Big Ten standings.

Heading into this weekend’s action the Gophers are sporting a 1-13 mark in Big Ten play, and a disappointing 15-33 record overall. Despite the rough year, a handful of Gophers are enjoying stellar seasons. They include: Malisa Barnes (.327), Heidi Carls (21 RBI’s), Alex Davis (9 HRs) and Lacey Middlebrook (2.52 ERA). Michigan currently is atop the Big Ten with a 14-1 record (40-6 overall), while Ohio State and Illinois are second and third, respectively.

Resmondo wins in Kansas

The No. 1 rated major team in the land, Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Phonemasters (Fla.), topped the other ‘big dog’ in major men’s slow pitch softball, Dan Smith/Menosse/Chaney (CA), 44-34 in the finals of the Turney Memorial Major NIT in Overland Kan., last weekend. In the undefeated game, another slugfest, Resmondo also topped Smith, winning 51-32. Both clubs will be making an appearance at the Dudley/Bud/Easton Classic in Brooklyn Center on June 18-20.

Palm’s homer downs Resmondo

Local softball star Dustin Palm had a memorable moment in Florida a few weeks ago, when he crushed a walk off-two run home run, to stun No. 1 rated Resmondo. The blast, ‘heard ‘round the Everglades,’ came while playing for EWS (Ill.), in a USSSA conference tournament.

Rosemount wins Tartan Invite

The Irish of Rosemount went undefeated (3-0), in claiming the 2010 Tartan Varsity Softball Invitational on May 1. In the finals, the Irish knocked off Surburban East power Cretin-Derham Hall, 6-2. New Prague grabbed third-place hardware as they defeated Winona Cotter 11-2.

Geno Buck joins Bombers Tour

Red Wing native Geno Buck is teaming up with Chris Larsen, slugging for Team DeMarini on the Long Haul Bombers tour this summer. The tour has already signed on to play in 10 major league baseball venues this season, but unfortunately no stops are planned at this time for Target Field in Minneapolis. Other teams on the tour are: Brett Helmer/Brian Wegman (Easton), Jeff Hall/ Todd Pease (Bass), J.D. Genter/Brent McCollum (TPS), B. J. Fulk/ Greg Connell (Worth), and defending champion Denny Crine/ Jeremy Isenhower (Miken).

Crew/Combat is back for 3010

Lock your doors, hide your women and children, the MT Crew softball club is back for 2010! Playing under the new name of Crew/Combat, this club will be one of the favorites at USSSA Men’s Class ‘C’ Worlds this fall! Wearing the ‘C’ as the acting captain of the 2010 Crew version will be: Gordy ‘Shooter’ Morrison, along with his supporting cast of Mark Morrison, Perry Siedel, Troy Peterson, Chris Duda and other quality additions.

Get well soon, Mike

Let’s Play Softball/Baseball offers its very best wishes to well respected umpire Mike Ellenz, who is fighting medical issues at this time. The Inver Grove Heights resident is one of the top umpires in the Midwest, working the Dudley Classic and the Fireman’s, in addition to serving as an NCAA umpire for many years. Good luck Mike!

Wicked, Dehn claim USSSA berths

Wicked Sports and Dehn Bros. Painting are among men’s class ‘D’ teams who have won world and nationals USSSA berths respectively in recent weeks. Good luck in the show!

Mosquitoland set for May 20-23

The 12th annual Mosquitoland Classic, a mens 50’s-70’s SPA National Slow Pitch Qualifier, is slated May 20-23 at Pioneer Park in Little Canada. Teams from all over the Midwest, including Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Bemidji and more are slated to attend. Entry deadline is May 12. For more information call 651-208-3909!