WP--Dan Solarz; Proctor (2-2): Solarz 2R; Kyle Wojtysiak save, 3K in 7th, 2x3 (2B), 2 RBIs; Paul Michelizzi 2-run HR in 5th; Mesabi East: Andy Olson and Nate Holmstad 2H, run; LP--Kaler Palm 7 IP.

(Duluth News Tribune, April 22, 2005)

Rails in LSC opener tonight at Two Harbors

The Rails' baseball team will hold their Lake Superior Conference opener tonight at Two Harbors. The Agates are the start of a three-game, three-day run.

Proctor will host Mora Friday and will travel to International Falls the following day. Both games are for Section 7AA play-off seeding. The Rails will travel to Grand Rapids for a game Tues., May 3.

Rails 6, Giants 4

The Rails used good pitching and a strong defense in getting out of some big jams to beat the Mesabi East Giants 6-4. "I was really impressed with out pitching and defense," Coach Tim Rohweder said. "They did what it takes to finish the job and come away with a much needed victory."

Paul Michelizzi went 2-for-3 with one run scored had three RBI's and a two-run home run in the 5th inning to lead the Rails. Other highlights included help from Kyle Wojtysiak who was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and Dan Solarz who was 1-for-3 with two runs scored.

Dan Solarz (1-1) was the winning pitcher. Kyle Wojtysiak got the save. The losing pitcher for the Giants was Kaler Palm (0-2).

The Rails were able to escape two jams. In the fifth and the seventh innings, Mesabi East was able to load the bases with no outs to record three straight outs and come away with no runs to show for it. In the seventh, Wojtysiak struck out three straight batters to end the game after the Giants loaded the bases.

"Mesabi East was a much improved team from last year," Rohweder observed. "They showed that they can compete in our section and we were fortunate to escape with a big Section 7AA win."

The Proctor Rails' varsity record is 2-2 overall; 1-0 home; 1-2 road; and 2-1 vs. Section 7AA opponents.

(Proctor Journal, April 28, 2005)