Merrill Varsity Baseball: Close loss to Antigo, win against Lakeland

The Merrill Varsity Bluejays entered last week with a 3-4 record and went 1-1 on the week, with Monday’s scheduled game against Marshfield washed out by weather. They dropped a tough 4-5 loss to Antigo on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, then bounced back with a 12-10 road win at Lakeland on Friday, May 1.
Traveling to Antigo, Merrill wasted no time getting on the board. Second baseman Cooper Wendorf delivered a sacrifice fly in the top of the first to plate second baseman Erik Grunenwald and give the Bluejays an early 1-0 lead. But the Red Robins answered with five runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 5-1 advantage.
After a scoreless second, the Bluejays rallied in the third to cut the lead to 5-4. “We led off the inning with a couple of walks and a hit to load the bases,” Head Coach Shawn Schultz said. “Ryker Remington’s sac fly was dropped by the right fielder,” scoring two. Center fielder Cole Rudie then stole third and scored on an error to complete the three-run frame.
Pitcher Cam Wallin steadied the game after the rough first. “Cam Wallin really pitched well after the first inning, not giving up another hit until the sixth inning,” Schultz said. Noah Klug came on in relief to retire the final batter of the sixth.
Merrill had one last chance in the seventh. Catcher Ryker Remington worked a leadoff walk, and singles from Connor Josiger and Brody Klebenow loaded the bases with one out. It wasn’t enough. “But we just couldn’t push the tying run across,” Schultz said. “We left 13 runners on base in the game.” First baseman Tyson Ott was also a solid contributor at the plate for the Bluejays in the loss.

On Friday, the Bluejays made the trip to Lakeland and put together a big offensive effort to win 12-10. Third baseman Connor Josiger was the standout at the plate. “Offensively, Connor Josiger had a big night with 3 hits and 5 RBI,” Schultz said. “Grunenwald, Ott and Wendorf also collected two hits apiece.” Josiger finished 3 for 5, 1 R, 5 RBI, including a double, while second baseman Erik Grunenwald, shortstop Cooper Wendorf, and first baseman Tyson Ott rounded out the offensive attack.
“We did a good job offensively, taking advantage of their mistakes along with our strong hitting,” Schultz said. “We also did a good job on the bases, putting pressure on with 7 stolen bases.”
Pitcher Noah Klug earned the win on the mound, keeping Lakeland in check early. “Noah Klug did a great job on the mound, holding them to two runs through five,” Schultz said.

The Bluejays are now 5-6 overall and 2-6 in the Great Northern Conference with a busy stretch of games ahead. “We have a huge week this week with six games in six days,” Schultz said. “So we hope to continue to hit the ball as we have been and tighten up on the defensive side of the ball.”