Hennen, Mudhens blank Hancock, 6-0

Fans always appreciate watching good game. On Fan Appreciation Night at K.P. Kompelien Friday night in Minneota, that's exactly what they witnessed.
After a scoreless battle for seven innings, the Minneota Mudhens' offense came to life in the eighth inning, highlighted by Tyson Sonnenburg's three-run homer, en route to a 6-0 victory over the Hancock Orphans.
Danny Hennen went the distance on a four-hitter for the win. He walked none and struck out a season-high eight batters.
"Danny threw a great game," said Sonnenburg, the Mudhens' player/manager. "He's been huge for us this year once again, and very reliable to get us deep into a game."
Hennen worked out of trouble in the seventh inning when Hancock loaded the bases with no outs on a double by Brandon Shaw, a single by Derrick Foss and a walk to Mike Milander. Hennen then enticed Herbert Rodriguez to pop out to shortstop Jake Leighton for the first out and then struck out the next two hitters to escape unscathed.
The Mudhens had only four hits through seven innings against Hancock starter Bryan Shaw before the right-hander tired in the eighth and allowed five hits while hitting one batter.
Pinch-hitter AJ Myhre led off the eighth inning when a single and Brock Buysse followed with another single. A wild pitch moved the runners up a base, and both scored on Austin DeVlaeminck's single for a 2-0 lead.
Leighton then reached on an error and Austin Buysse single home DeVlaeminck to make it 3-0. Sonnenburg then uncorked his third home run of the season over the left-center field fence.
"It was nice to see the bats finally come awake, and it was a nice way to end the regular season," said Sonnenburg. "As always, we love the support we get from the community."
All 12 of the Mudhen players saw action in the final home game of the season.
Minneota will open the Region 9C playoffs at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 23 against Dawson in Ortonville. The winner takes on Madison at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 24 in Madison.

Minneota 6, Hancock 0
Hancock.....................000 000 000 - 0 4 3
Minneota....................000 000 06x - 6 8 0

Minneota hitting: Austin DeVlaeminck 1-for-4, run, 2 rbi; Jake Leighton 1-for-4, run; Austin Buysse 2-for-3, run, rbi; Tyson Sonnenburg 1-for-4, 3-run HR, 3 rbi; Alex Pohlen 0-for-3; Danny Hennen 0-for-3; Everett VanHecke 0-for-1; Preston Nuy 1-for-3; Grady Moorse 0-for-1; Landon Rolbiecki 0-for-2; AJ Myhre 1-for-1, run; Brock Buysse 1-for-3

Minneota pitching (ip-h-r-er-bb-so): Danny Hennen (W) 9-4-0-0-0-8