Gabe Armitage legs out an infield single | Photo by Carol Colby
The Breckenridge Cowboys (10-2) continued their strong season Thursday with a Heart O’ Lakes Conference road sweep of Park Rapids Area (5-9).
GAME ONE – BRECK 14, PARK RAPIDS 3
Leading 4-1, Breckenridge exploded for 10 runs in the fourth inning. Cooper Roberts, Jaxson Riggs and Gabe Armitage all doubled in the frame, while Lawson Oliphant, Charlie Kratcha and Armitage tallied RBI singles.
Armitage was lethal in the No. 5 spot of the order, driving in two and scoring three additional runs. Tucker Snyder, Kratcha and Oliphant recorded two RBIs each as eight Cowboys found the hit column.
Riggs earned the win with a steady outing on the mound. The senior righty completed four frames and allowed one earned run. Park Rapids only mustered two hits against the flamethrower, fanning four times and drawing three walks.
GAME TWO – BRECK 8, PARK RAPIDS 4
Brendan Tretbar held the Cowboys hitless through four innings, before Roberts and Riggs poked back-to-back singles to tie the game at 3-3 in the fifth. Armitage then delivered the go-ahead run on a fielder’s choice.
Jaxson Lopez and Ernst tacked on a pair of RBI singles to extend the damage. When the dust settled, Breckenridge held a comfortable 7-4 lead following five hits in the frame.
Armitage worked through early adversity to get the win. The senior righty pitched 6 ⅓ innings, including four scoreless frames, holding the Panthers to one earned run. Armitage allowed seven hits and two walks while striking out five.
Ernst grabbed the final two outs, working around an error to induce a double play turned by first baseman Snyder and shortstop Kratcha to end the game.
Breckenridge hosts Long Prairie-Grey Eagle in a pivotal Section 6A contest Friday. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. on B 92.7 FM and KBMW News Live YouTube. Robert Wanek has the call alongside Brady DeVries.
