Cavaliers Sunday League Season Ends Abruptly The Cavs had revenge on their mind as they hosted Middleton in the opening round of the Thursday League playoffs. Middleton had beat Verona just one week earlier in the regular season finale at Middleton, however, this time, Verona had ace Cole Kroncke on the hill. Kroncke was dominant in the complete game 3-1 victory, allowing just 5 hits and striking out 11 and 0 earned runs. Verona got all of the offense they would need in the 4th inning. AJ Stoffels singled to lead off the inning and then stole 2nd. He then scored on a one-out RBI double by Derek Burgenske. Then following a walk and single, Derek Murphy delivered a 2-run single to give Verona a 3-0 lead and they would never look back. Cavs Advance in HTL Sunday League Playoffs Verona opened up Sunday League playoff action hosting rival Hollandale, the Western Section 8th seed. Hollandale struck first with a run in the top of the 1st and unfortunately for Verona, it was very costly. In a play at the plate, Verona catcher Derek Murphy got tangled up with the Hollandale runner and suffered a severe hamstring injury that will most likely end Murphy's season. However, Andy Nettum stepped in for Murphy and Verona hardly missed a beat. Nettum delivered a clutch two-out RBI double in the 4th and Verona used a balanced 11-hit attack to outlast Hollandale 10-1. Matt Peetz had two hits and 3 RBI and AJ Stoffels scored 3 runs to lead the Verona offense. Verona pitchers started up playoff action just as they left off last year with Ben Wallace and Matt Niffenegger splitting the duties. Wallace got the win going 7 innings, scattering 4 hits while striking out 8 and walking only 1. Niffenegger struck out 3 of the seven batters he faced. - 6/17/11 Defending HTL Champs scored in every inning and got 4 innings from Matt Niffenegger leading Verona to the 17-2 pasting of Blanchardville in game one. Danny Koss had two hits and drove in five runs while A.J. Stoffels had 2 hits and drove in three runs. Derek Burgenske also had two hits and 2 RBI's in Verona's 13 hit attack. Matt Niffenegger allowed only 3 hits and allowed 2 earned runs in his mound debut this season. He struck out 9 in his 4 innings. Ben Wallace finished up for Verona, who is trying for a 4-peat. It was another cold and windy spring day in the 2011 HTL season. Verona HTL hosted Argyle in it's first home game of the season. With the wind blowing straight in and temps in the low 50's, the veteran Verona HTL team knew it would come down to timely hitting, good pitching, and solid defense. Ben Wallace pitched a complete game 10 K shutout, allowing just four hits and one walk. Verona HTL won 2-0.
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- 9/17/11
Home Talent League 2011 Night League Champions; Kroncke Pitches Verona HTL to Title
Verona wins Night League championship, first since 2007, with a 4-0 win over Orfordville
Jeremy Jones
![Derek Prochaska celebrates with teammates following his two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning of the HTL Thursday Night League championship. The Cavaliers defeated Orfordville, 4-0, for the first Night League title since 2007. [Photo by Jeremy Jones]](http://www.connectverona.com/SiteImages/Article/3867a.jpg)
Sports editor
Matt Peetz and Derek Prochaska supplied the offense and first-year starting pitcher Cole Kroncke capped what was impressive season Wednesday night delivering Verona Home Talent its second Thursday Night League championship in the past five years last Wednesday, 4-0 over Orfordville.
Rather than being disappointed about seeing limited time on Sundays, Kroncke was dominant throughout the playoffs allowing one earned run in four games.
“Ben Wallace (Verona’s Sunday starter) is a really good pitcher,” Kroncke said. “I’m just going out there whenever they tell me to and try and compete for the win every time.
“I’m not worried about when I am pitching. I’m about winning ”
This summer gave Kroncke the opportunity to throw about 50 or 60 innings.
“You figure out your mechanics on your own over the summer and put them in play,” Kroncke said. “Home Talent is a good time.”
After walking the first batter on four pitches Wednesday, Kroncke settled in, allowing just four hits over seven innings in the win.
“Walking that leadoff hitter usually comes back to bite you, but thankfully I was able to find the zone quickly,” he said.
Kroncke struck out the final two Orioles hitters he faced in the bottom of the first before Matt Peetz put the game out of reach in the home half of the inning.
Following Derek Burgenske to the plate after a two-out bloop single, the left-handed hitting Peetz turned on a Joe Lange hanging curveball, which he roped over the right-field fence.
Much like Kroncke, the left-handed Lange was no slouch in the playoffs, tossing a no-hitter against Argyle before shutting out Platteville 2-0 and Dodgeville 4-0 to vault the Orioles into the championship game against Verona.
“It felt really good to jump on them right away, since no one had scored off him in the playoffs,” manager Dale Burgenske said.
It was also nice for Peetz to come through with a big hit.
“Matt hasn’t hit as many home runs this year as we thought he’d have, but it was great time for him to come through,” Burgenske added.
Also struggling lately, Prochaska picked a good time to come through as well, connecting for the Cavaliers’ second two-run home run in the fourth inning following a walk to Peetz.
“He (Lange) throws well,” Prochaska said. “He throws hard enough that you’ve got to respect his fastball and he gets you off-balance.”
Prochaska, who saw one curveball his first at bat, watched one in his second plate appearance before ripping the third into the night sky and over the left-field fence.
“He had a lot of bite on that pitch,” Prochaska said. “I think he was trying to put it in the dirt and sat there about thigh high and I put a good swing on it.”
One run would have been plenty for Kroncke almost any night he took the mound the past month.
“Cole is a hell of a pitcher,” Prochaska said. “Allowing one earned run all postseason, you’ve got to tip your hat to him.”
Verona finished the season a combined, 28-4.
“Any other team in the league that had a season like that would think it’s the greatest record of all-time,” Burgenske said.
It left the Cavaliers disappointed, though, slipping up against Ridgeway on their way for what the team had hoped would be a fourth-straight Sunday championship.
“It’s bittersweet,” Prochaska said. “We come out to play every Thursday and Sunday to win. We got beat by Ridgeway and it stung, but we regrouped and said, ‘Let’s go win Thursday, and that’s what we did.”
The Cavaliers, who clinched their fifth title (the second night league championship) over the past five seasons, are hoping it bodes well for next year.
“Hopefully, that’s a trend – win Night League and then three in a row,” Prochaska said.
It could have very well been the final HTL appearance for Kroncke, who is going to be a second-year pitcher at Madison College.
“If I can play in the Northwoods League next year – I’d love to do it,” Kroncke said. “But I’d always like to come back and play for Verona.”
“We might lose him next year, but everybody on the team would want that for him,” manager Dale Burgenske said. “Hopefully, he’d get picked up by the Mallards and we would come watch him.”
Verona is also hoping to add Northern Illinois freshman pitcher and 2011 graduate Ben Neumann to the squad next year.
HTL: Kroncke, Peetz deliver Cavs to title game
Jeremy Jones
Verona HTL advances to Night League Championship Title Game
Sports editor
Cole Kroncke tossed a complete game four-hitter shut out and infielder Matt Peetz drove in three runs as the Verona Home Talent team advanced into the Thursday Night League championship game with a 6-0 victory over Fort Atkinson last week.
Working with his Madison College head coach Mike Davenport during Verona’s bye, Kroncke tweaked a few things on his off-speed pitches.
“I could a see a difference on my breaking ball especially, which seemed like it was working a lot better today,” he said.
Kroncke, who finished with seven strikeouts, sent at least one batter back to the dugout shaking his head in every inning except the sixth.
A game chalked full of drama, things got interesting in the home half of the second inning following catcher Andy Nettum’s RBI single.
“It’s a crazy league. You walk up to an umpire meeting, and I said I was going to bat 11. I asked the other manager if he had a problem with it, and he said no. End of story.”
That is until rampageous Fort Atkinson fans protested the move when Nick Krohn stepped to the plate in the bottom of the second inning.
“If we would have won, they would’ve protested and we would’ve had to play it over,” Dale Burgenske said. “It was a good move on Nick’s part to say let’s get rid of that 11th position and move on.”
Landon Flora tacked on another run in the second before Peetz walked with the bases loaded in the fifth to push the Cavaliers lead to 3-0.
Verona tacked on three more in the sixth to really blow the game open as A.J. Stoffels’ single back up the box sent umpire Tim Haldiman diving to the grass. Three batters later, Matt Peetz did what he does best, roping a two-run single that stretched Verona’s lead to an insurmountable, 6-0.
“It doesn’t really matter, as long as we are all together and playing for something, that’s all we care about,” Peetz said. “(Thursdays are) a different mentality than Sundays, but right now we’re taking that same mentality into these games. ... It’s just fun to get back on the diamond.”
Cavaliers upset by Ridgeway, eliminated from Sunday playoffs
Jeremy Jones
Sports editor
Losing is not something the Verona Cavaliers Home Talent team is too familiar with, but with a shot at repeating as four-time consecutive champions out the window following last week’s 6-4 loss to Ridgeway, the team now turn its full attention to the Thursday Night League Final Four.
Verona 4, Ashton 1
Cole Kroncke was dominant in a complete-game effort on the mound and Zach Spencer crushed a towering two-run home run as the Cavaliers advanced past Ashton 4-1 and into the Thursday Night League Final Four last week.
Kroncke allowed one run in the first inning before settling down to record nine strikeouts over seven innings at Stampfl Field.
“All year long, Cole’s come on Thursday nights to prove a point,” manager Dale Burgenske said. “He’s made up his mind all year long that he wanted to carry this team all the way to the championship.”
Over the past two weeks Kroncke has shut down Middleton and Ashton, both of which were 12-3 on the season.
“He’s a Sunday a pitcher except right now he’s pitching on Thursdays,” Burgenske said. “There’s no question about it.”
It was Spencer, who now has five home runs in Night League, that supplied Verona with some offensive fireworks.
“I don’t know what it is, but I have been seeing the ball really well on Thursday Nights this season,” Spencer said. “I am just hoping to carry it into Sunday.”
Holding a slim 2-1 lead, Cavaliers’ hitter David Burgenske led off the fourth inning, reaching base on an error by the Ashton shortstop Aaron Gowan.
Following Burgenske to the plate, Spencer got his bat head through the zone quickly, connecting on a 1-0 pitch.
“I was just looking for a fastball on the inner half and I got it,” said Spencer, who briefly stood at home plate watching the shot carry over the pine trees in right field. “Right off the bat, I knew it was gone.”
The three-run cushion was more than enough for Kroncke, who has had Ashton’s number all season, striking out 17 hitters in two appearances.
“They have some good hitters – I kind of had the same game plan for both games,” he said. “I didn’t really change anything just because they were seeing me a second time.”
Kroncke consistently worked ahead in the count with his fastball and sat Ashton down with his off-speed pitches.
Despite Kroncke’s performance, Ashton struck first as Kevin Drunasky singled home Ben Hagstrom, who singled past second and moved into scoring position with a stolen base.
A hit batter and two straight walks with one out helped the Cavaliers knot the score in the bottom of the second. Digging in, Klayton Brandt sent a ball to second where an Ashton led to Verona’s first run.
The Cavaliers were unable to do any more damage until the third, however, as David Burgenske hit into an inning-ending 6-4-3 double play.
A pair of leadoff singles in third from Spencer and Derek Burgenske put runners on base for Matt Peetz, who singled home a run. Hesitating around third, Derek Burgenske was thrown out at home before a strike out and fly out ended the threat.
“The way Cole was pitching, once Zach hit that home run, I knew it was over,” Dale Burgenske said.
Verona play in the Final Four on Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Ridgeway 6, Verona 4
Chris Thousand and the Ridgeway Home Talent team once again proved to be the thorn in the side of top-seeded Verona, upsetting the three-time defending league champions, 6-4 at Stampfl Field in Sunday’s sectional semifinals.
A late season addition, Thousand tossed a complete game and also added a pair of hits and an RBI.
Of Ridgeway’s six runs, only two were earned, as a pair of errors led to three in the decisive fifth inning.
Trailing 3-2 through four, Cavaliers starter Ben Wallace walked one and gave up a single to start the fifth before being let down by his defense.
Fielding a ground ball, third baseman Peetz overthrew second, airmailing a throw into the outfield as Ridgeway’s lead runner had wondered too far off the bag. The first of two crucial errors, the play led to two runs before a dropped ball in the outfield pushed Ridgeway ahead 6-3.
Verona cut the lead to 6-4 in the home half of the sixth, but it was as close as the Cavaliers would come.
“It was a total collapse,” Dale Burgenske said. “We threw the ball around and didn’t get the timely hitting we normally do.”
Wallace got the start for the Cavaliers and worked seven innings, striking out nine while giving up two earned runs on nine hits.
Matt Niffenegger closed out the game, allowing two hits while striking out as many over the final two innings.
Verona had bases runners in every inning, including Spencer on first with no outs in the ninth and the heart of the order coming to bat. But Thousand, who threw 128 pitches, got Peetz to ground into a game-ending double play.
The Cavaliers left a total of 10 runners on base in the loss.
“There are some teams you just don’t match up very well against,” Dale Burgenske said. For Ridgeway, who handed Verona two of the team’s three losses this season, the addition of Thousand from Lakeland College was huge.
“He throws strikes and has some good breaking stuff,” Dale Burgenske said. “When he joined the team it really helped their playoff push.”
The eighth-seed in the Western Section playoffs, Ridgeway went on the road last week to defeat second-seeded Wiota, 2-1, to set up the rubber match against the Cavaliers.
“I am not in favor of allowing eight of nine teams from the section into the playoffs,” Dale Burgenske said, citing that “there is nothing to play for during the regular season.”
A single elimination playoff tournament until the Final Four, it only takes one bad game to be eliminated once the postseason starts.
Western section leading hitter, Derek Burgenske, finished 2-for-5, as did Peetz, who drove in a pair of runs. A.J. Stoffels (3-for-5) and Andy Nettum (2-for-3) also collected multiple hits.
Spencer blasted his second home run in as many games, while David Burgenske added an RBI double in the loss.
- 8/16/11
Verona HTL lost to Ridgeway 6-4 on Sunday, knocking Verona out of the Western Section playoffs. Verona was on a mission to 4-peat but it ended abruptly with a poor performance against a 6-10 team.
Cavs Advance in HTL Night League Playoffs
- 8/1/11
Verona HTL Finish Season With a Bang
A nice crowd came out to Stampfl Field on Sunday to watch the Verona Home Talent Baseball team play its last regular season game versus Platteville. The Cavaliers would not disappoint. Verona HTL beat Platteville 15-2 in 7 innings (10-run rule).
Derek Burgenske homered and went 2 x 2 and Dan Koss tripled finishing 3 x 4 on the day with 4 RBI's. The Verona Cavaliers stung the baseball all day long scoring in every inning. AJ Stoffels, Matt Peetz, and Derek Prochaska each had multiple hit games to help the Verona attack.
Derek Burgenske
Ben Wallace and Matt Niffenegger scattered 7 hits, only allowing 2 runs. Ben Wallace got the win.
Barring any last minute surprises, Derek Burgenske all but wrapped up the Western Section Batting Title on Sunday with his 2 x 2 performance. Verona HTL was represented well in the top 10 leading hitters with Zach Spencer, Derek Murphy, Matt Peetz, and Derek Prochaska.
This Thursday, Verona HTL will host Middleton in the first round of the Night League playoffs at 730pm. On Sunday, Verona HTL will host in the first round of the Western Section playoffs at 1pm. Verona is still waiting to find out the #8 seed opponent for Sunday's game.
Middleton Holds Home Field
Middleton beat Verona 8-4 in a match up of two HTL powers this past Thursday. The game didn't mean anything for either team as the two teams square off this week in the first round of the NIght League playoffs. The seeds were already determined before the start of the game.
Middleton took care of business early as they scored 6 runs in the first 3 innings. Verona tried to recover by cutting the deficit to 6-3 in the top of the 4th but the Middleton bats came alive in the late innings to seal the victory.
Verona looks to win on its home field this Thursday in a Night League rematch.
- 7/27/11
Cavaliers Bounce Back in Convincing Fashion
The Verona Home Talent Baseball team hadn't experienced back-to-back losses since the 2004 regular season. Verona HTL bounced back with a convincing 16-3 win at Argyle to get back on the winning track.
After Derek Burgenske, Zach Spencer, and AJ Stoffels all loaded the bases with singles, Matt Peetz delieverd a bases clearing double to give Verona a 3-0 lead. Verona never looked back. Matt Gust also had a bases clearing single in an 8-run 7th inning.
Derek Prochaska led all hitters with a 3x4 performance including two doubles and 3 RBI.
Derek Prochaska
Derek Burgenske went 3x5 with 3 runs scored and 2 stolen bases, Zach Spencer went 3x4 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI.
Ben Wallace threw 5 innings, only allowing 3 runs on 3 hits. Cole Kroncke came on in relief to close the door, throwing 2 shutout innings and finishing with 4 K's.
- 7/19/11
Verona HTL Lose Back-to-Back Games
On Friday evening, the Verona HTL bats were shut down for the first time this season. Verona only managed 4 hits in 9 innings in a 7-2 defeat to Ridgeway. It was Verona's first loss of the season. Cole Kroncke pitched well for Verona only allowing 3 runs in 7 innings.
On Sunday, Verona bounced back against Monroe taking a 4 run lead into the 9th inning. Monroe put together a remarkable 7 run rally to upset the Cavaliers 11-8.
Verona HTL has clinched the regular season Western Section Championship and the #1 seed in the play-offs. Verona HTL will be finishing up the season at Argyle this Friday night and host to Platteville on July 31. The Cavaliers have a bye this Thursday in the night league. They play their last night league game at Middleton on July 28th. Verona is currently in 1st place in the night league and looking to secure home field advantage for the playoffs.
- 7/15/11
Cavaliers Get 1 of 3 This Weekend
The Verona Home Talent baseball team started the weekend off with a bang by beating Poynette 12-2 in 5 innings. The win was the first of three games this weekend.
Verona is scheduled to make up the RIdgeway day league game tonight which is rescheduled from June 19th. The Cavaliers wrap up the weekend hosting Monroe on Sunday at 1pm.
Last night's contest versus Poynette was again about the potent hitting line-up of Verona. Line drives came from everyone throughout the lineup, knocking in 12 runs on 15 hits in only 5 innings. Derek Murphy got things started in the bottom of the 2nd inning with a line shot base hit up the middle. Hit after hit continued and Verona put 7 up on the board in the bottom half of the 2nd. Klayton Brandt was 4 for 4 on the evening to lead all Verona hitters.
Zach Spencer drove in the final run of the game in the bottom of the 5th inning giving Verona a 12-2 ten-run rule win. Spencer threw all 5 innings for Verona only allowing 2 runs.
HTL ALL-STAR GAME
Verona will be represented by a number of players in this year's HTL All-Star Game. Dan Koss, Matt Niffenegger, and Cole Kroncke were all invited to participate in the 2011 HTL All-Star Game.
Cole Kroncke
Matt Niffenegger
Dan Koss
For the fourth straight season, Dale Burgenske will be managing the HTL All-Star squad.
Manager Dale Burgenske
Please come out on Friday, July 29th to cheer on the Verona HTL players.
- 7/11/11
Verona Bats Scorching in Win
NIck Krohn had two hits and drove in 4 runs and Derek Murphy had a 3-RBI triple in a six-run sixth inning as Verona beat WIota 16-3. Runs came in every inning expept the 1st and 5th innings. Derek Burgenske, Zach Spencer, Matt Peetz, Derek Prochaska, and Nick Krohn all had multiple hit days. Burgenske and Spencer each had 2 doubles and AJ Stoffels and Bill Engelhart each added doubles. Verona scored 16 runs on 14 hits.
Nick Krohn
Ben Wallace pitched 5 solid innings and Matt Niffenegger finished the final 2 innings.
Verona hosts Poynette on Thursday at 7pm in Verona.
- 7/8/11
Kroncke and Verona HTL Get a Big Win
The Verona Home Talent Baseball team traveled to Ashton this Thursday for a showdown of the top two teams in the division, both with undefeated records. Cole Kroncke took the hill for Verona and delivered his best performance on the year.
Cole Kroncke
Kroncke was sharp all night only allowing one run. The Verona offense helped out their starting pitcher by chipping away and producing runs in the middle and late innings. Derek Prochaska doubled in the first Verona run and Dan Koss followed with a 2-out RBI single to give Verona a 2-1 lead.
Derek Burgenske pinch hit with two outs in the top of the 7th inning and gave Verona an insurance run by taking a 2-0 fastball over the center field fence. The home run by Burgenske was his 4th home run in as many games.
Kroncke took care of the Ashton lineup in the bottom of the 7th, taking them down in order to complete the 3-1 victory.
Verona hosts Wiota on Sunday at 1pm.
- 7/7/11
Verona HTL Remains Undefeated
Matt Peetz, Derek Murphy and Derek Prochaska drove in a pair of runs each in the heart of the order Sunday as the Verona Cavaliers pounded out an 8-5 Western Section win at Hollandale.
“We got a lot of runners on base and the heart of our order did a great job of driving them in,” Verona manager Dale Burgenske said.
Skipper Dale Burgenske
Trailing 3-2, Verona leadoff hitter Derek Burgenske scored three runs, including a solo home run in the fifth which tied the game 3-3.
Three batters later Murphy singled home Peetz, who had singled to put the Cavaliers up for good.
Peetz crushed a triple to deep center which the field was barely able to contain, caroming off the top of the fence and staying in play. Murphy followed that up with a walk off Hollandale ace Pat Clerkin before Prochaska and Danny Koss singled in the first two runs of the game.
Hollandale put up a pair of runs in the third to knot the score at 2-all on Beau Dobson’s two-run single. Will Schlimgen led off the fourth with a double and later came around to give the Rockies a 3-2 lead after a pair of Verona errors.
“We were short a few players and had some guys playing out of position, which let to three uncharacteristic errors for us,” Dale Burgenske said. “Hollandale’s field resembles a gravel quarry. It’s a hard place to play and we knew it was going to be a tough game.”
The Cavaliers kept the pressure on the seventh as Derek Burgenske and Zach Spencer collected back-to-back leadoff singles before Peetz and Murphy grounded out to drive each across home plate.
Hollandale pushed two more across in the bottom of the eighth to pull within a run, 6-5.
Burgenske ignited the offense for the Cavaliers once again in the top of the ninth, reaching base with a one-out single. Spencer followed with his second single before Peetz singled home a run.
Prochaska followed that up two hitters later with an RBI double to cap the scoring.
Ben Wallace went the distance to earn the win, striking out 12 in nine innings.
“Ben had a real good outing until they got a couple of bunts down and we threw the ball around to give them a couple of runs,” Dale Burgenske said.
Verona, which has five games left in the regular season, and Stoughton remain the only undefeated teams in the Home Talent League at 11-0.
Dodgeville, which was in second place, fell four games behind the Cavaliers with Sunday’s 7-2 loss against Wiota. The Indians, who Verona hosts this Sunday at 1 p.m., meanwhile moved into second place (2.5 back of Verona).
Regardless of records, eight of nine teams in the section make the playoffs.
“We pretty much locked that up the second or third game of the season,” Dale Burgenske joked. “Now we’re just fighting to have the best record and home-field advantage when the playoffs roll around.”
The Cavaliers (7-0) travel to Ashton (6-0) for a Central Section Night League game between a pair of undefeated teams this Thursday at 6 p.m.
“With Cole (Kroncke) and Matt (Gust) we actually have pitchers this Thursday, whereas in the past it was just a matter of who felt like throwing that night,” Dale Burgenske said. “That makes a big difference.”
- 6/27/11
Verona HTL Gets Weekend Sweep
The Verona Home Talent team entered the weekend in sole possession of first place in the Western Section with Dodgeville and Wiota not far behind. A veteran Verona Cavaliers team knew it was an important weekend on the schedule. Wins against Wiota and Dogeville helped separate Verona from the field and put them in position for another Western Section regular season championship.
Saturday vs. Wiota
As part of a scheduling conflict, Verona and Wiota switched home/away games. Verona traveled to Wiota with Ben Wallace getting the start. With only 10 guys available, Verona knew they were in for a fight. Down 2-0 in the top of the 3rd, the Cavaliers needed a spark. After a Billy Engelhart single and David Burgenske walk, Derek Burgenske came to the plate. He worked the count to 3-0 before sending a shot over the right field fence for a 3-run home run.
Derek Burgenske
Wiota got the lead back, scoring a pair of runs in the bottom of the 4th on a few walks and singles. It didn't take long for Verona to respond. Landon Flora led off the next inning with a walk, Engelhart singled, and David Burgenske bunted for a hit on 0-2 resulting in one run. After two unusual pop ups from two of Verona's top hitters and an intentional walk to Matt Peetz, Derek Murphy belted a 2 RBI single giving Verona a 6-4 lead.
Verona poured it on after that, getting 16 runs on 13 hits with the game being called by the 10-run rule in the 8th inning. Final: Verona 16 - Wiota 4. Derek Burgenske led all hitters going 4-5 with a home run and 4 RBI's.
Sunday vs. Dodgeville
A beaufiul day at Centennial Park in Dodgeville and a great crowd on hand was just what the Cavaliers had been waiting for this season. Verona HTL had experienced one too many games this season with cold temps and strong winds. The temps heated up and so did the Verona HTL bats pounding out 17 hits and scoring 11 runs. Derek Burgenske went deep again for his 2nd home run of the weekend finishing with 2 hits and 4 RBI's. Dan Koss also went deep for his 1st home run of the season and led all hitters going 3 for 4 at the plate with 3 RBI's, 2 stolen bases, and 4 runs scored.
Dan Koss
Riley Tincher was dominant in his second start of the season mowing down the Knights and throwing all 9 innings. Tincher struck out 9.
Multiple hit games came from Zach Spencer, AJ Stoffels (2 doubles), Matt Peetz, Klayton Brandt, and Derek Murphy.
Verona does not play this Thursday in the Night League. Verona HTL travels to Hollandale on Monday, July 5th for a Sunday League game at 1pm.
- 6/24/11
Spencer Powers Verona AGAIN
A cool, damp evening didn't affect the Verona Cavaliers bats as they exploded for 13 runs in 5 innings. Home runs from Zach Spencer and Matt Peetz came in the first inning as Verona jumped out to an early 3-0 lead. Spencer deliverd another line shot home run in the 3rd inning as Verona pulled away on their way to a 10-run rule 13-3 final vs. Evansville. It was Spencer's 4th home run in his last six at-bats.
Zach Spencer
Cole Croncke and Matt Gust combined to shut the Evansville offense down. Gust made his first appearance on the hill for Verona HTL working 2 innings and also going 1 for 2 at the plate.
Verona travels to Wiota on Saturday and Dodgeville on Sunday. Verona is 1.5 games ahead of second place Dodgeville. A sweep this weekend would put Verona in prime position for another regular season Western Section Championship and a #1 seed in the divisional playoffs.
- 6/24/11
2011 HTL All-Star Game (East & Southeast vs North & West)
Friday, July 29 starting at 7:05 pm at Warner Park in Madison
General Admission tickets are $7 each. Contact your local HTL team or the Mallards ticket office.
HTL All-Star Game Event on Facebook -
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131514610262324
Verona HTL Takes Down Cottage Grove
Verona HTL improved its Night League record to 6-0 by beating the Cottage Grove Firemen 11-2. On a gorgeous evening at Stampfl Field in Verona, the Cavaliers welcomed two new Verona HTL players in Matt Gust and Josh Hainzinger. Both coming off a record-setting season with the Verona Area WIldcats, making the first state tournament appearance in school history.
It was the Zach Spencer show versus Cottage Grove. Spencer's first at-bat came in the top of the 1st inning when he drove a ball deep over the right field fence for a 2-run home run.
Zach Spencer
Verona would never look back. Cole Kroncke gave up a pair of runs early in the contest but finished strong over his last 5 innings of work to get the win.
In the top of the 5th inning, Spencer again delivered a monster home run in virtually the same spot his first home run traveled. This 2-run home run gave Verona an 8-2 lead. Spencer finished 3 for 3 with 5 RBI's and a walk.
Verona hosts Ridgeway on Sunday at Stampfl Field in Verona. Game begins at 1pm. Verona's Sunday League record is 8-0 which puts them 2 games ahead of second place Dodeville in the Western Section.
- 6/13/11
Cavaliers Take Two in Blanchardville; Improve Record to 8-0
The Cavaliers traveled to Blanchardville on Sunday for two Sunday League games. The second game was a make up from a May 29th rain date.
Game 1
Matt Niffenegger
Game 2
In the second game of the doubleheader, Ben Wallace and Riley Tinchor combined on 3 hitter. Matt Peetz had two hits and drove in four runs while Derek Murphy and Nick Krohn each added 2 RBI's. Verona hosts Ridgeway on Sunday, June 19th.
Nick Krohn
- 6/10/11
Verona HTL Stays Hot; Remains Undefeated in Both Leagues
The Verona Home Talent Baseball Team continued its winning ways this past week with a trio of dominant wins. Verona HTL outscored its opponents 50-14 in two Night League wins and a Sunday League win. The Cavaliers also added more depth to their pitching rotation with the arrival of Riley Tincher and second year player Cole Kroncke.
Thursday, June 9th vs. Utica
Cole Kroncke and the Verona Cavaliers took care of Utica 10-0 in 5 innings improving to 5-0 in the NIght League. Kroncke recently finished up his first year with the MATC Wolfpack helping them advance to the World Series. Kroncke, who has been hitting high 80's with his fastball, only allowed two hits on the night. Derek Burgenske and Zach Spencer stayed hot at the plate racking up multiple hits and RBI's to lead the offense.
Cole Kroncke
Sunday, June 5th vs. Hollandale
Riley Tincher made his first appearance of the year after finishing his career at UW-Whitewater. Tincher rolled threw the Hollandale lineup finishing with 12 K's and only allowing one hit in a complete game shutout. The Verona bats provided plenty of support scoring 19 runs on 20 hits. Derek Murphy continued his hot hitting finishing with 4 hits. Verona HTL improved to 6-0 in the Sunday League. Verona travels to Blanchardville on Sunday, June 12th for a doubleheader.
Riley Tincher
Thursday, June 2nd vs. Lodi
Verona HTL traveled to Dane, WI for a Night League contest vs. Lodi. Another short-handed lineup, the Verona bats erupted for a season high 21 runs in just 6 innings, beating Lodi 21-14. The game was called after 6 innings because of darkness. AJ Stoffels homered and had 4 hits. Zach Spencer also had 4 hits, including 2 doubles.
AJ Stoffels
- 5/31/11
Verona HTL Wins One for Gramps
It was the first Verona HTL win in over 50 plus years that Keith Simmons wasn't a part of. Keith, better known as Gramps to his family and many Verona sports fans, passed away on Saturday. Gramps was 82. He played and managed the Verona Home Talent baseball team for many years. He continued to support the program as his son-in-law, Dale Burgenske manages the team and grandsons David and Derek Burgenske both still play.
One of his finest memories was the moment in 2008 when Verona finally brought an HTL Championshiop to Verona, the first HTL Championship in Verona HTL history. Gramps and many other former Verona HTL players celebrated with the team as the day became part of history. Home Talent Baseball had a special place in Keith's heart, much like every player, manager, fan, or friend he ever met through his playing and managing days. We'll miss you Gramps.
Keith Simmons
http://www.ryanfuneralservice.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1172267&fh_id=10436
Ben Wallace worked 8 strong innings, only allowing 2 hits and striking out 11 batters to get the 10-2 win versus Monroe. Wallace handed the ball off to Matt Niffenegger in the 9th inning to close out the game. It was Niffenegger's 1st appearance on the mound in 2011. Niffenegger is coming off a serious off-season surgery which has kept him sidelined for the start of the season.
Verona HTL bats were again faced with 20-30 MPH winds blowing straight in. However, it didn't stop them from spraying the ball all over the field. Even many of the Verona HTL outs were line drives right at Monroe defenders. Zach Spencer, Derek Murphy, Andy Nettum, and Matt Peetz each recorded 2 hits on the day leading all Verona hitters.
Matt Peetz
- 5/27/11
"Pencil" Erases DeForest
Landon "Pencil" Flora got the start on Thursday night against DeForest helping Verona improve to 3-0 in the night league. Flora threw 5 complete innings, only giving up 3 earned runs and striking out an HTL career high 6 batters. He also helped his cause at the plate delivering a 2 RBI single in the 5th inning.
Verona HTL catcher, Andy Nettum, had 2 hits on the night to lead all Verona hitters.
Andy Nettum
Attention Fans: Verona HTL would like to welcome Jessie Darrow to the Verona HTL family. A former equpment manager for the New Glarus Tourists, Jessie will be helping Skipper with equipment and other game day responsibilities. We are very excited to have him be a part of our team. He works extremely hard and is very knowledegable about the game of baseball. Please say hello to Jessie at our next game.
- 5/23/11
Verona HTL Stays Unbeaten; Murphy Provides Spark With Bat and Glove
Derek Murphy and the Verona Home Talent baseball team improved its Sunday League record to 4-0 on Sunday defeating the Dogeville Knights 8-5.
Verona HTL got off to a great start thanks to the leadoff lefties of Derek Burgenske and Zach Spencer. Both singled to start the bottom of the 1st inning, setting the table for clean-up hitter Derek Murphy. Murphy battled Dodgeville starter Danny Sullivan, fouling off many two-strike pitches, and drove in Burgenske and Spencer for an early 2-0 lead. Derek Murphy also provided a spark with his glove playing flawless defense at second base.
Ben Wallace worked 7 complete innings. Dan Koss came on in relief throwing two scoreless innings. Derek Prochaska, Zach Spencer, and Derek Murphy each had 3 hits on the day.
Verona hosts DeForest on Thursday evening in Verona at 7:30pm looking to start 3-0 in the Night League. Verona then hosts Blanchardville on Sunday and travels to Monroe on Monday, all part of a doubleheader holiday weekend.
Verona HTL fans can prepare for the 2011 debut of Western Section Co-MVP, Matt Niffenegger on the hill. He will start Sunday vs. the Blanchardville Bullets. Niffenegger is coming off a serious off-season surgery that has limited his participation in 2011. We are excited to see him back in action.
Derek Murphy
- 5/21/11
Spencer Shines against Railmen
Behind the starting pitching and relentless offensive attack, Verona continued their winning ways on Thursday beating the Rio Railmen 10-1. Zack Spencer pitched 5 innings, only allowing 2 hits and striking out 9 batters. Koss closed the door once again pitching the final 2 innings.
Nick Krohn led all hitters with a 3x4 performance.
- 5/17/11
Wallace and Cavalier Defense Shut Down Argyle
Veteran lefties Derek Burgenske and Zach Spencer sparked the offense going 2 for 4 with a double and 3 for 4 with two 1-RBI doubles, respectively.
Zach Spencer
Derek Burgenske
Verona hosts Rio this Thursday evening at Stampfl Field for a night league contest starting at 7:30pm. Verona is 1-0 in the night league. Verona then hosts Dodgeville on Sunday looking to start 4-0. Verona will be without 5 starters this Sunday as some players are traveling to North Dakota for an amateur baseball tournament. Verona HTL will again look to find a way to get a win.
- 5/14/11
Koss silences Waunakee in 1st Night League Win; Verona HTL Alumni shine at the plate
Verona HTL traveled to Waunakee this past Thursday for its first Night League game. With high school and college players still unavailable to play, the HTL once again started the game with a make-shift line-up. Starting line-up:
P - Landon Flora
C - David Burgenske
1B - Derek Prochaska
2B - Aaron Osten
SS - Dan Koss
3B - Nick Krohn
LF - Nick Borelli
CF - Zach Spencer
RF - "Skipper" Dale Burgenske
Aaron Osten, Nick Borelli, and Manager Dale Burgenske (all former Verona HTL players) combined for 5 hits, 2 doubles, 4 runs, and 2 rbi's. Their contributions sparked 7 unanswered runs to win the game. Verona HTL won 7-5.
Waunakee scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 1st. Landon Flora struggled finding the strike zone in his first start of the season on the hill. He settled down and threw 2 scoreless innings before giving the ball up to Dan Koss.
Dan Koss came in and completely silenced the Waunakee offense. He threw no-hit ball the rest of the way and secured the first night league win for Verona HTL.
Dan Koss
- 5/9/11
Bats come alive in 10th inning; Verona celebrates a road win
The Verona Home Talent team traveled to Platteville on Sunday for their second consecutiive road game to start the season. Verona HTL only had 10 players available. Many players played out of position and the batting order looked different again - something Verona HTL got used to in the 2010 championship season. No one blinked an eye.
Just when it appeared the Verona Home Talent team was down and out, veteran Billy Engelhart dug in at the plate.
Never all that fleet of foot, Engelhart proved he had just enough left in his legs Sunday at Platteville’s Hill Field, legging out an infield single which forced extra innings and eventually led to the Cavaliers 10-6 road win in extra innings.
“Once I hit the ball off the pitcher, I thought they had me,” Engelhart said. “I never thought I was going to beat the throw with my speed.”
A bang-bang play, Engelhart legged out the two-out single to score starting pitcher Ben Wallace, who led off the inning two hopping a double to the right-field fence.
Middle reliever Landon Flora worked out of a jam in the eighth inning. Walking the first hitter he faced on four-consecutive pitchers, Flora found the zone, striking out the next two hitters he faced and then inducing an inning-ending ground ball.
Knotting the score at 4-all thanks to Engelhart, Verona unloaded on Platteville pitcher Nick Budden with six runs in the top of the 10th.
Derek Prochaska, Danny Koss, Zach Spencer and Engelhart each had an RBI in the inning, while reliever Nick Krohn knocked in two to earn the win.
“Today shows why we have been so successful,” manager Dale Burgenske said. “Everyone contributes. Today Billy got his chance and contributed in a huge early-season win.”
Manager Dale Burgenske was very happy with his teams composure in dealing with the many changes and also praised the team afterwards for the extra effort in the late innings.
Verona HTL and fans get to celebrate the home opener on Sunday, May 15th. Verona takes on Argyle at 1pm at Stampfl Field.
Bill Engelhart
- 5/3/2011
Opening Day win vs. Ridgeway - Verona 6, Ridgeway 0
It was a bittersweet day for the Verona Home Talent baseball team. The players and fans were excited to begin the 2011 season but heavy hearts made it difficult to focus as the team was mourning the loss of a former teammate and friend in James Doyle. The team took a moment in pre-game to recognize James and spent time reflecting on the good times they had. The team dedicated the 2011 season to James.
Ben Wallace got the nod as the opening day starter. Wallace was dominant in his opening day appearance. Wallace went 7 scoreless innings with 8 strikeouts and only allowing 1 hit. Nick Krohn finished up the game throwing 2 innings and closing out the complete game shutout. Derek Murphy assumed duties behind the plate as Andy Nettum was unavailable.
Matt Peetz delivered the big blow in the top of the 5th inning with a 3-run home run which gave Verona a 5-0 lead. Peetz finished with 2 hits, 2 runs, and 4 RBI. Derek Burgenske also helped the Verona offense as he continued his hot hitting at Ridgeway. Burgenske delivered 2 hits on the day.
The Verona Home Talent team travels to Platteville on Sunday. Verona beat Platteville in the Western Section Championship in 2010. Verona looks to go 2-0 before coming home to play at Stampfl Field for the first time this season. They will host Argyle on Sunday, May 15th in Verona.
Ben Wallace
- 4/29/2011
James Doyle #19 "the Governor"
This past Wednesday, April 27th a dear friend and teammate passed away after 27 great years of life. James Doyle was a member of the Verona Home Talent baseball team from 2002 - 2007. In his last season with the team he won a Western Section Batting Crown and helped the team go 34-5. His last game came in September of 2007. He and his wife Angie moved to Eau Claire, WI to start their new life together. They were married in the summer of 2009.
James will be remembered for his tremendous courage and amazing spirit. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly.
This season, the Verona HTL team will be wearing James' initials and jersey number 19 on their hats in honor of his life.
James, we will always love you and cherish the memories we had together.
JD 19
- Cole Kroncke is in his first year with the MATC Wolfpack Baseball team. He will be returning for his 2nd year of Verona HTL once his college baseball season ends.
- Justin Scanlon and the MSU Spartans will be televised on the Big Ten Network on the following dates:
- April 16th at Ohio State
- April 22nd @ Illinois
- April 30th vs. Penn State
- May 14th at Indiana
Justin Scanlon - Michigan State Spartans
Highlight Video
Verona Home Talent Highlight Video
2010 Home Talent Champions - Verona Cavaliers
Top Row (L to R) - Andy Nettum, "Skipper" Manager Dale Burgenske, Dan Koss, Zach Spencer, Matt Peetz, Derek Prochaska, Ben Wallace, Derek Murphy, Landon Flora, Nick Krohn
Bottom Row (L to R) - AJ Stoffels, Aaron Osten, Billy Engelhart,
Matt Niffenegger, David Burgenske, Derek Burgenske
Not pictured - Klayton Brandt, Cole Kroncke, Nick Olson, Luke Schaser
