The doubters were plenty during the offseason, even though Minnoka finished runner up in the AAA last season, the online speculators and local baseball rumor mill had the Grays going backward. Most not even picking the pack to even make the AAA again. We agree teams around the Grays got better in this off-season, but so did the Grays. Want proof? How about a month of May were the Grays went an inspired 3-0 with a 52-2 run differential.
One of the new wolves on the team, Bub Lovas started Opening Day vs the Minneapolis Bombers, the southpaw surrendered zero runs on one hit over four innings, striking out one and walking one. Fritz Coyro, Jack Nelson, and Billy Diaz all put in work in relief out of the bullpen, steering their team towards the 13-0 victory. Last year’s batting champion continued his ways as Joey Olson led the lineup to victory by driving in five runs. Olson went 3-for-4 at the plate – including two doubles. Overall, a great way to start the season.
The following week the Grays traveled to Northeast to visit the other Minneapolis team, the Diablos. Once again talk was high about the devils revamped roster and improvement and the wolves answered that with 28 runs in four innings. Jack Nelson homered twice in the game and Joey Olson homered as well creating a new record for the Grays for homeruns in a single game with three. Minnoka Grays had 17 hits in the game. Matt Johnson, Nelson, Olson, Joe Tupy, and Michael Crane each managed multiple hits for Minnoka Grays. Johnson went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead the pack in hits. Nelson got the win pitching three and striking out five. The game was called because the lights never came on as they had at least one more inning of play. The 28-0 win was the biggest win since the 35-0 pounding over the Yankees in 2013.
The following Sunday the Grays took on the new and improved Richfield Rockets and their rookie ace Colin Warren. Minnoka asserted their will over the Rockets on their way to an easy 11-2 victory. Alex Gonzalez in his first start was untouchable pitching a perfect game going into the fifth inning. He ended up with eight punchouts and one hit in five and the win. He also helped himself with a 3-4 day at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing four bags. Six Grays doubled and Johnson tripled in the win. Minnoka Grays racked up 18 hits overall. Gonzalez, Olson, Mike Weyrauch, Dustin Rode, Mark Von Ruden, and Nick Larson all had multiple hits for pack. Olson and Gonzalez all had three hits to lead that Sunday.
Memorial Weekend and a cancelled date gave the Grays a long vacation, as their first game is not until June 1st at St. Michael, they then turn around and play the Angels again the following Sunday. June will be a real challenge for Minnoka as multiple people will be on vacation, working or playing with other teams during some big games. Example, the Grays have eight batters for the Thursday game vs St. Michael. Yikes.
At least we can look back on May and the Grays hot start as an example when the whole squad shows up to play, they definitely are an AAA team – if not more. Hopefully a Championship team. Let’s get by June first though.
