Mike Goetz Drafted by Brewers
Posted 6-16-06 - One of the most decorated baseball players in school history, former Madison Area Technical College outfielder Mike Goetz was selected in the 25th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers on June 7, a week after being named to the NCAA Division I All-America baseball team for his play this season at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Goetz, who left his mark in 11 season and career categories at MATC - including ranking first in career triples (10), second in hits (143) and third in batting average (.413) and stolen bases (29) - just completed arguably the greatest season in the history of UWM baseball.

Among the highlights this season, Goetz reached base safely in all 57 games for the Panthers and had a hit in all but two games. Goetz led the nation in hitting with a school-record .493 batting average and his .579 on-base percentage and 111 hits were also tops in the country.

Goetz is the first Panther chosen in the MLB Draft since 2002, and the 15th player drafted in the program's history. John Vanden Berg was selected by the Brewers in the 35th round of the 2002 draft.

Kyle Barry, Ryan Kussmaul Drafted By Marlins
Posted 6-9-06 - Madison Area Technical College pitchers Kyle Barry and Ryan Kussmaul were each selected by the Florida Marlins on day two of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Wednesday. Kyle Barry was selected in the 41st round (1235 overall) and Kussmaul was taken in the 42nd round (1265 overall). With former MATC player and current Madison Mallard Brett Scarpetta being drafted in the 38th round last year, MATC has now had three pitchers drafted at the Major League level in the last two years.

Barry is a 6-foot-6, 200-pound right-hander that transferred to MATC from Purdue University, but after two years of college baseball has yet to throw a pitch. The Wilmot, WI, native was injured during the fall of 2004 at Purdue University, underwent Tommy John surgery, and proceeded to medically redshirt in his first year at MATC as well.

Kussmaul saw significant action as a starter for the WolfPack this season, leading the team in opponent batting average (.164) while compiling a 1.67 ERA, which was second-best on the team. The Fennimore, WI athlete had a 2-2 record in 11 appearances with 33 strikeouts over 32 1/3 innings. He also posted one save.

MATC Baseball Head Coach Mike Davenport commented on the 2006 draft picks:

"It's a nice honor for both Kyle and Ryan," said Davenport. "It's a great opportunity for Kyle to recover from his surgery and even though he yet to see playing time due to circumstances beyond his control, it shows the ability and potential he has. We're looking forward to having him be a big contributer next year."

"Ryan showed signs of greatness at times this past season and has a tremendous opportunity to improve on his consistency and achieve his goal of playing professional baseball. We're looking forward to having him back next year as well."

Blaine Rutledge Named All-American
Posted 6-6-06 - Blaine Rutledge, starting infielder for the Madison Area Technical College Baseball team and former Chaska H.S. (MN) athlete, became the thirteenth All-American in MATC Baseball history and the third MATC Baseball player in the last three years to receive All-American honors.  Rutledge received second team NJCAA Division II All-American honors for his play this season.
 
Rutledge led the team in batting average (.423), runs (57), hits (74), doubles (16 - tied for lead), home runs (7) and RBIs (48) during the 2006 season.  His impressive .657 slugging percentage and .551 on-base percentage were also tops on the team.  He is currently playing in the Northwoods League for the Madison Mallards.

MATC Baseball Records Updated
Posted 6-2-06 - Revised and updated baseball records are ready to be viewed. Offensively, Blaine Rutledge left an indelible mark by ranking in the top 10 in 13 categories. Pitcher Brett Scarpetta now holds the third-highest strikeout total in history, and also ranks in six categories.

Scarpetta, Rutledge To Play For Mallards
Posted 5-31-06 - Former MATC baseball players Brett Scarpetta and Blaine Rutledge have signed to play with the Madison Mallards during the upcoming 2006 Northwoods League season.

Scarpetta, who recently completed his second and final season at MATC, is one of the most accomplished pitchers in the program’s history. Twice drafted at the Major League level, by the Chicago White Sox in the 18th round in 2004 and by the Atlanta Braves in the 38th round in 2005, Scarpetta was also named to the NJCAA All-Region XIII and All-District teams in his first season at MATC.

His leadership, great mechanics and feel for the game made him a standout player for the WolfPack again this season. In 10 starts and 11 appearances in 2006, Scarpetta compiled a 1.58 ERA, which was second best on the team, over a team-high 62.2 innings pitched.  The right-hander also struck out 43 batters and held opponents to a .215 batting average, ranking third and second on the team, respectively. Scarpetta additionally threw two complete games and posted one shutout this season, and his 2-3 record belies many quality starts that resulted in no-decisions.

"I’m excited it’s worked out for Brett,” said Mallards manager and MATC assistant baseball coach C.J. Thieleke. "I’m a big believer that he’s just beginning to tap into his potential. He’s going to get better every outing and be a great asset for us.”

Scarpetta joins Blaine Rutledge, who signed with the Mallards last week, as players on this year’s MATC baseball team that have now signed with the Mallards. Rutledge led the team in numerous offensive categories throughout the 2006 season and secured his position in MATC recordbooks. Rutledge led the team in such categories as batting average (.423), runs (57), hits (74), doubles (16 - tied for lead), home runs (7), and RBIs (48). His impressive .657 slugging percentage and .551 on-base percentage were also tops on the team. His ability to play multiple positions was a great asset for the WolfPack this season and should serve him well with the Mallards.

"He'll be a super utility player for us," commented Mallards General Manger Vern Stenman. "It's nice to have a guy that can immediately step in and play a couple positions."

Having MATC assistant baseball coach C.J. Thieleke at the helm for the Mallards will also benefit the transition.

"We're obviously excited to have an MATC baseball player," said Thieleke. "Blaine's got the ability to not only play in the Northwoods League, but be a very good player for us."

Other recent WolfPack players that have played for the Mallards in the renowned wood bat summer league include Craig Nyborg, Matt Holzhueter and Lucas Koenig. The signings continues a growing relationship between MATC and the Mallards that includes Mallards owner Steve Schmitt, who is an MATC alumnus and student-athlete.

"Brett is a quality young man that has the ability to pitch at the highest level," said MATC Director of Athletics Steve Hauser. "He’s had a great career here, and we think he’ll continue to do well with the Mallards."

"We're also happy to hear Blaine is playing with the Mallards after two great years at MATC, and we are very proud of the connection we have with Steve Schmitt and C.J. Thieleke."

Day 3: MATC's Season Ends in Region Final
Posted 5-14-06 - The MATC baseball team battled its way to the NJCAA Region XIII championship game by winning four straight games after an opening round loss to Williston State College (ND) at this weekend's postseason tournament in Bismarck, ND. After an opening round loss, MATC's road to the championship game became a longer, more challenging one.

Following wins over MSU Bottineau (ND), Bismarck State College (ND), and Williston State College (ND) on Friday and Saturday, the WolfPack prepared to face Miles Community College (MT) at noon on Sunday in a must-win situation. The WolfPack sent Brett Scarpetta to the mound in the all-important game. Having endured a regular season of fine pitching performances that rendered numerous no-decisions, the second year standout put together a brilliant complete-game effort. Scarpetta (2-3) struck out nine and allowed just three hits and one run over nine innings, and Blaine Rutledge and Ben Long provided all the support he needed, each hitting solo home runs as the WolfPack prevailed, 3-1. Rutledge was a perfect 3-for-3 from the plate with an RBI and one run scored, and Long was similarly effective, going 2-for-3 with an RBI and one run scored in the win that forced a deciding championship game.

The game did not conclude without controversy, however, as Blaine Rutledge was ejected following a play on at home plate in the sixth inning. Instead of sliding into home plate as NJCAA rules specify, Rutledge ran into the catcher while trying to alter his course on the way. The collision knocked down both players and Rutledge was promptly called out and thrown out of the game. But it was a judgement call that cost the WolfPack further, as Rutledge was suspended for the next game, the championship game, in accordance to NJCAA ruling.

MATC's win over Miles CC was also the Pioneers first loss of the tournament. Had the Pioneers won that game, they would have secured a birth in the District Title Series. But MATC's win forced a deciding, championship game. And having just completed the noon game, the two teams squared off again to decide who would represent Region XIII in the NJCAA District Title Series. For the battle-tested WolfPack, the championship matchup marked the team's sixth nine-inning game in three days.

MATC sent first year pitcher Ryan Kussmaul to the mound in the region final. Kussmaul came into the game with the team's second lowest ERA (1.63), but the Pioneers jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning and didn't look back. Kussmaul allowed five runs on seven hits in four and two-thirds innings, and Brad Lusti Jr. also struggled in relief as he gave up four hits and two runs over two innings. Matthew Weldon closed out the game by pitching one and one-third scoreless innings. MATC came into the contest averaging just over 12 runs a game in the tournament, but without a key leader in Rutledge and playing in their sixth tournament game, could not get anything going offensively as they were held to just two hits in the season-ending loss.

Although it was a tough way to go out, the WolfPack conclude the season as Wisconsin Technical College Conference champions for the fifteenth straight season, state champions, and runners-up in the region. It was a record-breaking season that included a 16-game win streak and many memorable moments. Congratulations to all the players and coaches on a great 35-win season!!

Day 2: MATC Gets Two Wins, Miles CC Next

Posted 5-13-06 - The MATC baseball team is still alive in the NJCAA Region XIII Tournament after walloping Bismarck State College and Williston State by scores of 18-4 and 17-8 on Saturday. MATC will now play Miles Community College on Sunday at noon in a must-win game for the WolfPack. The Pioneers have not lost, so MATC must defeat them twice in a row in order for MATC to win the region and advance to the District Title Series in Iowa.

In the first game, Brad Frank and Johann Andes each homered as MATC broke open a 4-4 tie with 14 runs over the last five innings in a 18-4 rout. Ben Long drove in four runs on two hits to lead the way. The hard-hitting catcher also scored two runs. Jacob Spaeth had a superb game, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, four runs scored and three stolen bases. Not to be left out of the 18-hit barrage, Blaine Rutledge pounded out four hits and drove in two more. Kyle Frank (7-2) was solid through seven innings, allowing nine hits and four runs to go along with four strikeouts. Steve Hedgepath slammed the door on the Mystics as he struck out two in a scoreless eighth inning.

It was more of the same in the day's second game, as the WolfPack avenged their opening game loss to Williston State College with a 17-8 thrashing. Brad Frank homered for the second consecutive game and added two runs scored and two of MATC's 18 hits in the ballgame. Michael Pena was 4-for-5 with four runs scored and Dan Nelson and Matthew Lenski each went 3-for-5. Rutledge had two hits and joined Nelson with three RBIs. And Ron Lindahl tripled and drove in two runs for the WolfPack, who scored two runs or more in six out of the game's seven innings.

Stephen Gilgenbach (7-3) made his way around allowing eight runs, seven hits, and five walks to get the win. He struck out nine batters over six innings pitched, and Andy Fitzgerald threw a scoreless seventh inning, fanning two.

Day 1: MATC Rebounds From Opening Loss

Posted 5-12-06 - The MATC Baseball team recovered from an opening round loss by winning their second game Friday night to stay alive in the NJCAA Region XIII Tournament in Bismarck, ND.

In the opening round game against Williston State College, Craig Meier was hit hard in the early goings. Williston State scored five runs in the first inning, but MATC chipped away and eventually took a 7-5 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning. After Brad Lusti Jr. allowed two leadoff hits to start the ninth inning, Nathan Kafka came in hopes of sealing the game. Unfortunately, Kafka gave up a game-ending walkoff home run and the WolfPack were handed a stunning loss.

Had they won the first game, MATC would have enjoyed a nearly 24-hour break until their next game. Instead, with one loss, MATC began its battle to get back into contention for the championship game just three hours later against MSU Bottineau (ND).

The WolfPack's bats came alive in the second game against MSU Bottineau (ND). MATC pounded out 15 hits and scored runs in six of the last seven innings in the 16-6 win. Brandon Duffy (4-3) was steady in the complete-game performance, allowing six runs over seven innings and striking out five. Johann Andes led the charge with four hits, five RBIs and two runs scored. Brad Frank homered and drove in four runs and Ben Long added two hits, three RBIs, and two runs scored in the rout. Michael Pena also contributed two hits and drove in a pair of runs. With the win, the WolfPack advance to play Bismarck State College (ND) on Saturday at 2 PM.

MATC Routs Kishwaukee in Season Finale
Posted 5-8-06 - MATC collected an important win Sunday in game two of a home doubleheader against Kishwaukee College. With the win, the WolfPack conclude the regular season with a 31-21-2 record, and now turn their attention to the playoffs.

In the second game, Ben Long drove in five runs and Blaine Rutledge went 3-for-3 as the WolfPack pounded out 12 hits in the seven-inning victory. Long blasted a 3-run homer in the bottom of the third inning, and MATC added four runs in the fourth and four more in the seventh inning. Stephen Gilgenbach (6-3) pitched seven strong innings, striking out seven while allowing just one run and two hits to get the win.

Rutledge had two singles and a double to boost his batting average to a team-best .408 heading into the playoffs. He also finishes the regular season leading the team in other key offensive categories including hits (62), home runs (6), RBIs (39 - tied with Long), slugging percentage (.625) and on-base percentage (.548).

MATC came back from being down 9-3 going into the bottom of the ninth in game one against the Kougars. The WolfPack strung together five runs and had runners on first and third with two outs, but couldn't quite complete the rally in a 8-9 loss. Brett Scarpetta (1-3) was charged for six runs but allowed only one over six and two-thirds innings. He struck out three but walked five in the game. Brad Frank led the way offensively with four hits and three RBIs.

MATC Loses Two vs. Div. I South Suburban
Posted 5-8-06 - MATC faced a formidable opponent in South Suburban College, the No. 12 team in the country in NJCAA D-I on Saturday. The WolfPack staged a late-inning rally in game one of the twin bill, but fell 6-7 before losing the second game 2-8.

MATC tied the game at 2 in the fourth inning of game one on Dan Nelson's RBI-ground and Brad Frank's RBI sacrifice fly. After the Bulldogs added five runs over the next two innings, MATC responded with two runs in the bottom of the sixth to cut it to 7-4. Brad Frank laced a double in the inning to score Dan Nelson, and Paul Lennart then doubled to score Frank. MATC added one run in the eighth inning, and another in the ninth on Jake Spaeth's solo home run that brought the WolfPack within one, but the game ended on a line-out with one runner left on base.

Craig Meier (3-4) took the loss, allowing six runs and six hits over five and one-third innings. Brad Lusti Jr. allowed one run and three hits in two and two-thirds innings of relief. Johann Andes also pitched an inning of relief.

Kyle Frank (6-2) had a rough outing in game two, allowing four runs and five hits through two and a third innings pitched. Pitching in relief, Andy Fitzgerald gave up one run over the next three innnings, and Matthew Weldon surrenderred three runs, none earned, in one third inning pitched. Johann Andes went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI in the loss.

MATC will play Kishwaukee on Sunday
Posted 5-4-06 - MATC will play Kishwaukee College instead of Joliet Junior College on Sunday, May 7 at NOON at Robin Roberts Field. Come catch the action.

MATC Wins One of Two vs. No. 8 Elgin CC
Posted 5-5-06 - MATC won their 30th game of the season as they split Thursday's doubleheader against the No. 8 team in the country, Elgin Community College (IL). After dropping the first game 2-3, MATC posted their seventh shutout of the season in a 2-0 win.

Down 2-0 in game one, MATC knotted the game in the fifth inning. Jake Spaeth led off the inning with a single and Ron Lindahl followed suit to put runners on the corners. Ben Long, who came into the game hitting a team-best .410, put the WolfPack on the board with an RBI single. After stolen bases by Long and Lindahl, Blaine Rutledge grounded out to bring in another run.

Both teams went scoreless until the Spartans pulled ahead with a run in the top of the ninth. Matt Lenski singled to start off the bottom half, but MATC got no closer as the game ended on a double-play. Ryan Kussmaul (2-2) took the loss despite a solid outing in which he allowed two runs, three hits and struck out three through six innings pitched. Lindahl and Lenski each had two hits apiece for the WolfPack.

Brandon Duffy, Brad Lusti Jr., and Nathan Kafka combined to shutout the Spartans in game two, 2-0. MATC scored a run in both the second and third inning and showed great poise in holding the lead from there. Duffy effectively held the Spartans in check until the fifth innnig, when Elgin led off with a single that went extra bases due to a WolfPack error. With the leadoff batter on third, Duffy got the next batter to fly out for the first out. After hitting the next batter and throwing three straight balls to the following hitter, Brad Lusti Jr. came in to pitch in a defining moment. Lusti Jr. inherited a 3-0 count, but cooly threw two strikes and then got a pop fly out for out number two. He followed that with a ground out to squelch the Spartan scoring threat.

Lusti Jr. (2-0) then pitched a scoreless eighth to grab the win. Nathan Kafka struck out two as he sent the Spartans down in order in the ninth to earn his fifth save. Earlier, Blaine Rutledge doubled and scored the game's first run in the second inning. Rutledge again doubled in the third inning to score Long, who had belted a double before him.

Nelson's Walk-Off Blast Caps Thrilling Win
Posted 5-3-06 - Dan Nelson delivered a clutch two-out walk-off grand slam to cap a dramatic win in game two of Tuesday's doubleheader with Illinois Valley Community College at Robin Roberts Field.

Before that, MATC had established an early 4-0 lead, and held a 4-2 advantage going into the top of the seventh inning. Ryan Kussmaul started that inning in relief of Brett Scarpetta, who earlier struck out five and allowed just two runs and six hits over six sharp innings.

But before an out was recorded Kussmaul gave up a single, followed by a past ball, and another single to put runners on the corners. Nathan Kafka replaced Kussmaul, but promptly threw the ball away while checking the runner at first base. The error allowed one run to score and advanced the other runner to second. A successful bunt by the Eagles again placed runners on first and third with still no outs. Kafka again checked the runner at first, but the throw was misplayed and the game was tied up. With runners at second and third, Kafka retired the next three batters with two ground outs and a strikeout.

In the bottom of the seventh, Blaine Rutledge walked and Johann Andes doubled to put runners at second and third with one out. After an intentional walk, Trevor Coogan struck out to bring up Dan Nelson with the bases loaded and two outs. With two strikes on him, Nelson sent a drive over the left field wall to win it. Nathan Kafka (1-0) got the win and Rutledge, Coogan and Andes each recorded two hits in the game.

MATC struggled mightily against a crafty lefthander in game one, finishing with six hits in a 2-7 loss. Stephen Gilgenbach (5-3) allowed seven runs over three and one-third innings pitched.

MATC Loses Two to Sauk Valley CC
Posted 4-29-06 - The MATC baseball team lost two tight games to Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, IL on Saturday, April 29.

In the first game, MATC managed only one run on seven hits and the host Skyhawks scored three runs on four hits as the WolfPack fell 1-3. Craig Meier (3-3)received his third loss as he pitched a complete game, striking out six. Catcher, Ben Long went 2-for-3 with one RBI in the loss.

In the second game, the WolfPack scored four runs over the first three innings while Sauk Valley CC answered with five runs of their own. The game finished that way as MATC fell 4-5. Former DeForest H.S. athlete, Kyle Frank (6-1), received his first loss of the season as he pitched four innings, giving up two earned runs and striking out two. Ben Long once again went 2-for-3 with one RBI while Johann Andes went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Dan Nelson had two RBIs as the WolfPack fell to 28-16-2.

Baseball Splits Doubleheader with Triton
Posted 4-27-06 - The MATC baseball team saw their 16-game win streak come to an end, but they salvaged the second game to split Tuesday's doubleheader against host Triton College.

Brett Scarpetta (1-2) held Triton scoreless through the first four innings of game one, but ran into trouble in the fifth. After a past ball and an infield-error, Triton put together a string of hits to score all five of their runs. The WolfPack countered with four runs in the top of the seventh and looked primed to add more, but Dan Nelson hit into a double-play with the bases loaded to end the game. Ben Long had two singles in the game and an RBI.

Brad Frank went 2-for-3 with an RBI triple and the WolfPack tallied 12 hits to capture a 5-1 win in game two. Stephen Gilgenbach (5-2), who threw a no-hitter five days earlier against Rock Valley, provided another strong outing with five strikeouts and one run allowed over five innings. MATC scored four runs in the sixth inning break up a 1-1 tie. Two of those runs came courtesy of Johann Andes, who tripled to score Ben Long and Blaine Rutledge. Kyle Frank pitched a scoreless sixth and seventh to seal the win.

Baseball Cruises to 16th Straight Win
Posted 4-24-06 - The MATC baseball team swept doubleheaders against conference foe Milwaukee Area Technical College on Saturday and Ashford University JV on Sunday to push their win streak to 16 games. The wins improved the WolfPack to 11-1 in conference play and 27-13-2 overall.

MATC scored three runs in the third inning and seven in the fifth to earn a 10-0 win in the first game with the Stormers. Craig Meier (3-2) pitched five strong innings, allowing just two hits and striking out two. Paul Lennart hit a two-run homer in the fifth and Blaine Rutledge had a double and three RBI in the win.

The WolfPack staged a middle-inning rally in game two to capture a 4-2 win. Down 2-0, the WolfPack responded with runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth before Nathan Kafka pitched a scoreless seventh for the save. Andy Fitzgerald (3-2) picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief. Ron Lindahl blasted his second home run of the year in the fifth inning.

Brandon Duffy (3-3) put on a pitching clinic in Sunday's opener against Ashford University JV, throwing a no-hitter through four innings while striking out seven. Steve Hedgepath then pitched three innings of one-hit baseball to close out the game. The WolfPack scored eight runs on eight hits in the shutout win. Dean Mlachnik went 2-for-3 in the game with two runs scored and two RBI.

The WolfPack unleashed a relentless offensive barrage in the second game, scoring 21 runs over the first three innings in a 22-1 rout of the visiting Saints. Michael Kuhn's performance was among many highlights, as he had four hits, scored three runs and drove in four more. Paul Lennart and Matthew Lenski

drove in three runs apiece and three other WolfPack players had two RBI. Matthew Weldon (3-0) pitched four scoreless innings and struck out seven in the five-inning win.

Ashford University JV Doubleheader Added
Posted 4-21-06 - MATC has added a doubleheader to their schedule on Sunday, April 23rd. The WolfPack will face Ashford University JV at 10:00 AM at Robin Roberts Field. Come catch all the action!

Gilgenbach Throws No-Hitter
Posted 4-20-06 - Second year pitcher Stephen Gilgenbach threw a no-hitter in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against Rock Valley, retiring 20 of 22 batters he faced in the complete-game effort.

Gilgenbach (Fond Du Lac, Wis.) struck out five and improved to 4-2, but did allow an unearned run after he walked a batter to start the fifth inning that eventually came around to score off an error. MATC, however, provided ample cushion with seven runs on seven hits as they won their twelfth straight game. Dean Mlachnik had a solid game, going 2-for-3 with 3 RBI and one run scored.

In the first game, Brett Scarpetta nearly pitched a no-hitter of his own, holding the Golden Eagles hitless until a fifth inning single ended his bid. Ahead 7-0 heading to the bottom of the fifth, MATC scored three runs to seal the win, and Scarpetta (1-1) finished with a one-hitter and four strikeouts to his credit. Catcher Ben Long boosted his batting average to .347 as he connected for two singles and drove in 5 RBI.

MATC's Win Streak Reaches Ten Games
Posted 4-18-06 - The MATC Baseball team stretched their win streak to 10 games, sweeping conference opponent Western Wisconsin Technical College in Tuesday's home double-header by scores of 10-3 and 10-0. With the wins, the WolfPack improved to 9-1 in conference play and kept their unbeaten home record intact.

Dan Nelson homered and had a double in game one, leading the way with 4 RBI. Ben Long went 4-for-4 with a double and Paul Lennart and Dean Mlachnik each drove in a pair of runs in the 10-3 victory. Brandon Duffy (2-3) scattered five hits and allowed three runs over six innings. The second-year right-hander also had four strikeouts.

Five WolfPack players had multi-hit games in the second game, as the WolfPack shutout the Cavaliers, 10-0. Among them was Brad Frank, who went 2-for-3 with a double and a single. He also scored two runs and drove in a pair. Brody Wachter tripled and also went 2-for-3 with 2 RBI. Kyle Frank (6-0) pitched five scoreless innings, holding the Cavaliers to just four hits, while striking out three.

MATC Rides Eight Game Win Streak
Posted 4-18-06 - The MATC Baseball team is riding an eight game win streak after two straight sweeps over the weekend.

In the first doubleheader versus College of Lake County, MATC won two close games 5-3 and 4-3.

In the first game, MATC scored their five runs in the fifth inning and never looked back as Criag Meier improved his record to 2-2 and Nathan Kafka earned his second save of the season. Ron Lindahl and Blaine Rutledge each went 2-for-4 while Dan Nelson and Paul Patten went 2-for-3. MATC won 5-3 in seven innings.

In the second game, MATC jumped ahead early scoring four runs over the first three innings. Steve Gilgenbach earned his third win of the year as MATC scored four runs on four hits to get the 4-3 win and the sweep. Dean Mlachnik went 1-for-3 and drove in two runs. Jacob Spaeth kept his team lead in stolen bases as he added two.

In the second doubleheader, MATC took it to the visiting conference opponent, Waukesha County Technical College, outscoring them 35 to 4.

In the first game, MATC scored fourteen runs in the fourth and fifth innings to put the game away, 17-3. Blaine Rutledge recorded five RBIs and one home run on 2-for-3 batting. Ben Derouin added three RBIs on 2-for-3 hitting. Ben Long also went 2-for-3 with two triples while Jacob Spaeth had three stolen bases. Andy Fitzgerald received his second win of the season.

In the second game, MATC continued their hot hitting as they scored nine runs in the fifth inning to end the game. Trevor Coogan went 3-for-4 with five RBIs, Dean Mlachnik went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and Paul Patten went 2-for-3 with three RBIs. Matt Weldon received his second win of the season and MATC won its eighth straight game with a 18-1 victory.

MATC Baseball Wins Four Straight
Posted 4-13-06 - The MATC Baseball team has pushed its record to 15-13-2 with four straight victories. The WolfPack swept Triton College in a home doubleheader on Tuesday, April 11th and followed it up with a sweep of North Iowa Area Community College in Dyersville, Iowa on April 12th.

In the first game versus Triton College, both teams were tied going into the eighth inning. Triton scored one run in the top of the eighth before MATC's half of the inning. MATC scored two runs in the bottom of the inning to win 3-2. Steve Gilgenbach got the win in relief while Matt Lenski went 2-for-3.

In the second game, MATC jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the second inning and didn't look back as they won 7-5. Brandon Duffy got his first win of the season while Jacob Spaeth went 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Matt Lenski and Brody Wachter each had two RBIs.

In the first game against North Iowa Area Community College in Dyersville, IA, MATC scored ten runs over the final three innings to put the game away, 10-1. Dan Nelson had a career day as he went 3-for-4 with five RBIs. Ben Long went 1-for-2 with 2 RBIs. Ryan Kussmaul received his second win of the season.

In the second game, Kyle Frank won his fifth straight game as he went six innings and only gave up one earned run. Dan Nelson went 1-for-3 with two RBIs while Mike Pena and Jacob Spaeth each went 2-for-2 to get MATC a 5-1 win.

Baseball Tallies Two Wins, Losses
Posted 4-10-06 - The MATC Baseball team embarked on a four-game road trip this weekend and finished by halving both of their two-game series against Milwaukee Area Technical College and Waubonsee Community College.

Brad Lusti Jr. (1-0) pitched six great innings in the opener against MATC-Milwaukee to get his first win, allowing six hits and one run while striking out three. MATC scored all three of their runs in the second inning. Ben Long led off with a single, and after Matthew Lenski and Paul Lennart walked, Dean Mlachnik's RBI single gave the WolfPack a 1-0 lead. MATC added two more runs after a Stormers error and a fielder's choice. Stephen Gilgenbach retired the final two batters in the seventh inning to pick up his first save in the 3-1 win.

MATC was all but shutdown offensively in game two's 1-4 loss, managing just two hits against Milwaukee's starter. Blaine Rutledge had an RBI single as he and Matthew Lenksi each went 1-for-2. Craig Meier (1-2) took the loss, striking out nine batters but surrendering four runs on seven hits over six innings.

Seven WolfPack batters tallied at least one hit in an 8-5 opening game win on Sunday versus Waubonsee Community College. Jacob Spaeth went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and an RBI. Paul Patten drove in two runs and Lenski and Mlachnik each had an RBI. Matthew Weldon (1-0) got his first win, allowing three hits and two runs through three innings of work, and Ryan Kussmaul earned his first save of the season.

An exceptional outing by Andy Fitzgerald was unfortunately provided in vain in the second game against Waubonsee. Fitzgerald (1-3) went six innings, allowing one run and striking out six. MATC totaled eight hits in the contest but was unable to translate any into runs. Micheal Kuhn, Rutledge and Mlachnik each went 2-for-3 in a tough, 0-1 loss.

MATC Splits Double-header with Oakton
Posted 4-7-06 - The MATC Baseball team extended their win streak to five games with a 14-8 win over Oakton Community College in the first game of a double-header on Thursday, but saw their streak come to end in a 1-4 loss in game two.

In game one, Brett Scarpetta allowed five runs on five hits over five innings, as the WolfPack saw their 5-1 lead vanish when Oakton tied the game in the fifth and took a 7-5 lead in the sixth. MATC then staged a fierce rally, scoring two runs in the seventh before adding seven more in the eighth to break up the tie. Johann Andes hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning, making it three games in a row that he has hit a home run, and drove in five runs to lead the way. Blaine Rutledge went 2-for-4 with an RBI and Dan Nelson collected two hits and drove in two runs. Kyle Frank (4-0) got the win allowing three hits and two runs over two innings and Nate Kafka gave up a run before retiring the side in the eighth. The WolfPack tallied season-highs in runs (14) and hits (16) in the extra-inning win.

In the second game, the MATC bats went silent in a 1-4 loss. The WolfPack's lone run came in the seventh inning on Ben Long's RBI single. Brandon Duffy (0-3)

picked up the loss, allowing three hits and striking out three through four and two-thirds innings, while giving up four runs. Matthew Lenski and Dan Nelson each went 2-for-4 in the game, as MATC fell to 9-11-2 overall.

MATC Improves to 4-0 In Conference Play
Posted 4-6-06 - Blaine Rutledge and Johann Andes each hit home runs and Ryan Kussmaul earned his first win of the season as the WolfPack trounced Western Wisconsin Technical College in game one of Wednesday's double-header in La Crosse, WI, 7-0. The WolfPack continued their offensive barrage in the second game, reaching double-digits in runs in an 11-6 win. Now winners of their last four games, MATC looks to reach the .500 mark when they face Oakton CC today in Des Plaines, IL.

The hits keep on coming for Blaine Rutledge. The second baseman went 3-for-4 in game one with a home run - his fifth on the season. He also scored two runs and drove in a pair. Ben Long also continues to hit well. The first year catcher had an RBI double in the first inning, and connected for a single in the second inning. Johann Andes led off the second inning with his first home run of the season. After six innings of scoreless pitching and seven strikeouts, Kussmaul gave way to Matthew Weldon, who followed suit pitching a scoreless seventh inning.

Andes went 3-for-3 with five RBI and another home run in the second game, as MATC built a comfortable lead in the first two innings. Blaine Rutledge and Ben Long again did damage, as Rutledge went 3-for-5 and Long went 2-for-3; both had two RBI. Stephen Gilgenbach (1-2) picked up his first win of the season, striking out five through five innings of work. Brandon Lamarche then entered but after a couple walks, a hit, another walk, and two runs allowed and four charged to him in all, he quickly exited. Brad Lusti Jr. got MATC out of the inning, and then sent the Cavaliers down 1-2-3 in the seventh to seal the win.

MATC Opens Home Slate With Wins
Posted 4-3-06 - The MATC Baseball team entertained conference foe Waukesha County Technical College in their home opener on Saturday and treated the fans at Robin Roberts Field to a pair of wins in the afternoon double-header.

After Waukesha scored a run in the first inning of game one, Michael Kuhn knotted the game in the second with a solo home run, his first of the season. MATC added runs in the third, fourth and six innings to distance themselves in the 5-2 victory. Kyle Frank (3-0) worked six innings to get the win, striking out four while allowing six hits and two runs, and Nate Kafka pitched a scoreless seventh inning to earn the save. Jake Spaeth was a sparkplug offensively, going 3-for-4 with three singles and one run scored. Ben Long and Kuhn each had an RBI and Matthew Lenski had a pinch hit, RBI triple in the sixth inning.

Runs came in bunches in the second game for MATC. The WolfPack scored four runs in the first inning and five in the fifth en route to a 12-2, five-inning win. Andy Fitzgerald (1-2) experienced some difficulty locating pitches, allowing four walks in the game, but managed to work around it as he pitched all five innings and allowed just one hit and two runs. Brad Frank had a solid game, going 2-for-2 with a single, a double and three RBI. Blaine Rutledge also collected three RBI on 2-for-3 hitting, and Jake Spaeth had a double, scored four runs and had two stolen bases to push his team-leading total to 11.

Meier Grabs Second Win vs. Kishwaukee
Posted 3-31-06 - Craig Meier allowed 10 hits and seven runs in five and two thirds innings of work, but got the run support he needed to pick up his second win of the season in game one of a double-header against Kishwaukee Community College on Thursday.

Some of the support run came courtesy of Blaine Rutledge, whose torrid hitting pace continues. The second year Chaska H.S. product was a perfect 4-for-4 from the plate, blasting his third home run of the season to go along with a triple as he finished with three RBI. Ron Lindahl also went yard, complimenting his first homer of the season with two more hits, two runs scored and two RBIs. Ben Long contributed a hit and two RBI as the WolfPack tied a season-high with 14 hits in the win. Matthew Weldon and Nathan Kafka shut the door on the Kougars, each pitching two-thirds scoreless innings of relief.

In the second game, MATC made a late charge to even the game at 10 before the game ended in a tie due to darkness. Brad Lusti Jr. had a tough outing, giving up seven runs over three innings. In relief, Steve Hedgepath and Brett Scarpetta combined to allow three runs over the next three innnings. Blaine Rutledge was 2-for-2 with another home run to boost his batting average to a whopping .520. Jacob Spaeth hit his first home run of the season and had three RBI and Brad Frank also had 3 RBI to help bring the WolfPack back. Ron Lindahl, who had a double, and Matthew Lenski were each 2-for-4.

Baseball's Home Opener on Saturday
Posted 3-30-06 - Preseason NJCAA Division II #11 ranked, MATC Baseball will make its home deput in a doubleheader against conference rival, Waukesha County Technical College, on Saturday, April 1 at 12:00 PM at Robin Roberts Baseball Field.

Come catch the action at Robin Roberts Baseball Field. Admission is FREE.

Robin Roberts Baseball Field is located off of Wright Street behind the tennis courts. Coming from MATC, take a right on Straubel Street.

MATC Struggles On Weekend Road Trip
Posted 3-27-06 - One week before their April 1st home opener, the MATC baseball team took to the road for a pair of double-headers in Illinois and Iowa on Saturday and Sunday but returned home winless.

In Friday's first game against Joliet Junior College, MATC gave up three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning in a 5-6 loss. Brad Lusti Jr. struck out two and gave up three runs in five innings of work. Jacob Spaeth tallied a two-run single in his lone at-bat, and Ben Long, Paul Lennart and Ron Lindahl each posted an RBI as Andy Fitzgerald (0-2) took the loss.

In the second game, Craig Meier struck out six and allowed four runs over six innings, but MATC couldn't get the bats going in a 1-4 loss. Dan Nelson went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles and Michael Pena contributed an RBI single.

MATC's offensive woes continued Sunday against Kirkwood Community College. Brett Scarpetta pitched five solid innings, striking out three and allowing just one earned run, but MATC's late inning rally fell short as they lost 2-4. Blaine Rutledge hit his second home run of the season and Matthew Lenski was 1-for-2 with an RBI.

The WolfPack scored two runs to open the second game against Kirkwood, but lost handily 2-12 as Kirkwood quickly answered and piled it on from there. Brandon Duffy exited after giving up eight runs including four earned in two and two-thirds innings of work. Kyle Frank and Ryan Kussmaul combined to allow three hits and four runs in three innings relief. Ben Long pushed his team-high RBI total to nine, going 1-for-2 with an RBI.

MATC Has Soggy End to Spring Trip
Posted 3-18-06 - MATC was supposed to play a double-header with NJCAA Division II Sauk Valley starting at NOON on Sunday but due to rainy weather the games were delayed and a one nine-inning game was scheduled for 5:30 PM.

On a cold, rain soaked night, the WolfPack fell behind early as Sauk Valley scored three runs in the first inning. MATC answered with two runs of their own over the next four innings. After MATC's top of the fifth inning the skies opened up. With rain and hail, the game was cancelled and MATC lost 2-3. Dean Mlachnik was 2-for-2 with one RBI.

Rematch with Indian Hills CC Ends in Loss
Posted 3-17-06 - Steve Gilgenbach pitched well over five innings only giving up one earned run and striking out two batters in his second outing of the spring trip. Unfortunately, MATC committed another three errors on a very windy afternoon at the Kino Sports Complex and could not get their bats going.

NJCAA Division I Indian Hills Community College scored five runs over the final four innings and MATC managed just three hits as the WolfPack fell 0-5 in their final game of the Pima Community College Tournament.

Jacob Spaeth and Blaine Rutledge each went 1-for-2. Spaeth stole two bases to put his season total to six.

MATC Struggles in Loss to Arizona Western
Posted 3-17-06 - MATC struggled defensively in their fifth game of the Pima Community College Tournament in a 8-16 loss to NJCAA Division I Arizona Western College from Yuma, Arizona.

MATC committed three of their four errors in the third inning as the Matadors took advantage, scoring four runs. The Matadors followed up their four run third inning with a nine run fourth inning. After trailing 14-3, MATC closed the gap scoring five runs over the next three innings but Arizona Western proved to be to much as they added another two runs in the sixth to win 16-8 over the WolfPack.

Blaine Rutledge and Ben Long continued their hot hitting as Rutledge went 2-for-3 and Long went 2-for-4 with three RBIs.

MATC Gets 12-2 Win Against Gateway CC
Posted 3-17-06 - MATC posted their third win of the season as Kyle Frank, a former Deforest H.S. athlete, pitched a complete game, striking out two batters and giving up only one earned run over seven innings pitched. MATC bats came alive in the fourth inning and didn't let up as they scored eleven runs over the final four innings to beat Gateway Community College 12-2 in the fourth game of the Pima Community College Tournament.

Catcher Ben Long went 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs while firstbaseman Johann Andes went 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs. Michael Pena came in the fourth inning and was 2-for-2.

MATC Loses Exciting Game to Cochise
Posted 3-16-06 - In the third game of the Pima Community College Tournament, the WolfPack fell behind early 1-5 after four innings to a talented NJCAA Division I Cochise College team. In the fifth inning, MATC bats came alive and posted three runs on four hits to close the gap.

Nathan Kafka came in relief in the seventh inning and struck out three consecutive batters. In the bottom of the seventh, MATC's leadoff batter, Jacob Spaeth got on base and advanced to second on a hit and run and stole third with one out. MATC could not get him home and ended up losing by one run.

Michael Pena went 2-for-4 and Matt Lenski went 1-for-4 with two RBIs on the day.

Craig Meier Pitches One-Hit Shutout
Posted 3-15-06 - Former University of Wisconsin football player, Craig Meier, pitched a seven inning one-hit shutout to claim his first collegiate win in a 9-0 rout of Luna Community College from Las Vegas, New Mexico. Meier struck out eight batters on the way to the win.

Blaine Rutledge continued his red hot hitting as he went 4-for-4 with three RBIs. Ron Lindahl and Dean Mlachnik each went 2-for-3 as MATC exploded for thirteen hits and nine runs in their second game of the Pima Community College Tournament in Tucson, Arizona.

Scarpetta Pitches Well in Tie Against Pima
Posted 3-15-06 - MATC played well defensively and Brett Scarpetta pitched seven strong innings striking out three batters and only giving up four hits and one run in a rematch with Pima Community College.

Two days earlier, MATC lost to NJCAA Divison I Pima CC, 2-12. This time around the WolfPack tied Pima 1-1 in the first game of the Pima Community College Tournament at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona.

MATC's only run was scored by Michael Pena in the third inning on one of Blaine Rutledge's three singles. Rutledge went 3-for-3, stole two bases, and had one RBI. Pima CC scored in the seventh inning to knot the game at 1-1. The game remained tied after eight innings and was called due to the tournament two-hour game time limit.

MATC Struggle Defensively, Lose to Pima
Posted 3-13-06 - MATC played their third game of the season against NJCAA Division I Pima Community College who was playing their twenty-fourth game. MATC struggled defensively as they had eight errors on the game.

Pima CC broke the game open in the fourth inning scoring four runs. Pima continued the onslaught in the seventh and eighth innings scoring three runs in each to finish the game in bottom of the eighth as MATC lost 2-12.

Blaine Rutledge went 2-for-3 while Paul Patten and Matt Lenski each went 1-for-2. Stephen Gilgenbach received the loss in his first outing of season.

WolfPack Get First Win of the Season
Posted 3-11-06 - MATC got their first win of the season as they scored eight runs on 14 hits to beat Sauk Valley Community College on a cold, windy day at Catalina Foothills in Tucson, Arizona. MATC pitchers held Sauk Valley to only one run on four hits to post a 8-1 win, the first of the season.

Kyle Frank, a former Deforest H.S. athlete, got the win as he pitched three and one third hitless innings. MATC took the lead in the sixth inning and didn't look back. MATC had five runs in the eighth inning to break the game open. Michael Pena and Matt Lenski went 2-for-3 while Johann Andes went 3-for-5. Trevor Coogan came into the game in the seventh inning and contributed going 1-for-2 and recording two steals.

MATC Opens With Cool Weather, Bats
Posted 3-10-06 - The 2006 MATC Baseball team made their deput at Hi Corbett Field in Tucson, Arizona against an NJCAA Division I Indian Hills Community College team, also playing their first game of the season.

Brett Scarpetta pitched six scoreless innings only giving up four hits while facing 21 batters. The game remained scoreless into the bottom of the ninth as MATC managed only one hit, a Dan Nelson single.

In the bottom of the ninth, Brian Contreras Davile delivered a two out pitch hit single to score one run, handing MATC the 0-1 loss.

MATC Baseball Schedule Finalized
Posted 3-2-06 - The 2006 MATC Baseball schedule has been updated, as the game times for this year's spring trip in Arizona have been finalized and are ready to be viewed. The 2006 schedule can also be accessed through the main page by clicking "schedules" at the top of the page, and then selecting the baseball schedule under "spring sports."

MATC Ranked No. 11 in Pre-season Poll
Posted 2-28-06 - Baseball season will soon be in full swing as the MATC WolfPack will be in action beginning March 10th when they open the 2006 season in Arizona for their annual spring trip. As always, they will be facing some great competition to start the season.

MATC returns nine players from last year's team that reached the 2005 NJCAA Division II World Series in Millington, TN, including all-region and all-district pitcher Brett Scarpetta, who led the team in strikeouts a year ago. All-conference performers Blaine Rutledge and Brad Frank also return.

The experience of this year's team, paired with the tremendous success experienced under head coach Mike Davenport have earned the WolfPack a No. 11 national pre-season ranking according to the 2006 NJCAA Division II Baseball Pre-Season Poll, which was released earlier this month.