Springers go 2-1 at Nick Bell Classic

For July 17 Cold Spring Record

COLD SPRING, Minn. – The Cold Spring Springers went 2-1 this past weekend at the annual Nick Bell Classic in Cold Spring. The Springers opened the round-robin tournament with a 9-6 win over Shakopee on Friday, July 13; then lost 2-0 to the Austin Blue Sox on Saturday, July 14, and ended the tournament on Sunday, July 15 with a 3-0 win over the Minneapolis Cobras.

Cold Spring raised its season record to 29-7 overall and 12-1 in the Lakewood League.

Ryan Holthaus had three hits and drove in two runs to lead the Springers over Shakopee 9-6. Darren Heying added three hits and an RBI, and Ben Griffin drove in two runs in support of winning pitcher Zach Reif (4-1), who didn’t allow an earned run in 4 2/3 innings. Rick Burtzel pitched two innings in relief and Zach Femrite collected the save.

Sean Breslin pitched all seven innings and allowed only two hits while striking out six as the Blue Sox shut out the Springers 2-0. Ben Griffin had a double in the second inning and Ryan Lieser had a single in the sixth for the Springers. Chris Butala (1-1) pitched three innings, taking the loss, and Zach Femrite pitched the last three innings.

Andy Bulson pitched a complete-game two-hit shut out against the Cobras. Bulson (6-3) allowed only three base runners. Ryan Holthaus had an RBI double and Mike Burtzel had an RBI single in a two-run fourth inning. Chris Butala added an RBI double in the sixth inning.

The Springers have three scheduled games this week. They will travel to the Brainerd Bees for a 7:30 p.m. Lakewood League game on Wednesday, July 18; host the Minneapolis Angels at 8 p.m. Friday, July 20; and host St. Louis Park at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 21.