by Max Mercy

EVELETH -- Proctor defeated Eveleth-Gilbert, 10-4, in a non-conference baseball game at Eveleth in the season opener for the Rails. Jordan Linder's two-run single in the top of the fourth inning erased E-G's 1-0 lead and the Rails led for the rest of the game.

Winning pitcher John Aase (1-0 W-L, 0.00 ERA) worked the first five innings. He allowed two hits and no walks while accumulating nine strikeouts. Aase allowed four runs, but none were earned. Luke Nordquist pitched two scoreless, hitless innings in relief.

Linder's hit came with two outs and the bases loaded in the Rails' three-run fourth. Proctor's three-run fifth inning included a lead-off double by Aase, an RBI single by Bryce Huffman, and an RBI triple by Matt Johnson.

Johnson's triple chased E-G starter and losing pitcher Cooper Dosan. Dosan allowed three earned runs on six hits and two walks in four and one-third innings pitched. Dosan tripled with one out in the fourth inning to break up Aase's chance to throw his third straight Opening Day no-hitter against Eveleth-Gilbert. 

Proctor added to its lead with RBI singles by Nordquist, Mason Flick, and Ryan Lear in the sixth. The Rails' final run came in the seventh when Linder singled, stole two bases, and scored on a passed ball.

Matt Johnson, Cole Johnson, and Austin Parrott made their varsity debuts. Flick, Lear, and Matt Johnson all notched their first hits at the varsity level.

Proctor (1-0) is at Rush City on Tuesday, April 18.