MNB baffles Bennington to start state

WAYNE, Neb. — The nearly five-hour rain delay was worth McCook’s wait as those MNB Seniors scored a 1-0 Class B state tournament win over Bennington Saturday night.

Trae Koetter led the victory by pitching 6 1/3 innings and season-long ace Clayton Stevens got those final two outs for McCook’s 25th win this season.

Logan Greenlee’s second-inning infield single scored DJ Gross for the only run Koetter would need. McCook (25-14) started state better than last year’s tough 4-3 defeat to eventual champion Omaha Roncalli.

“It feels great,” Koetter told media following the win. “It’s nice to secure another spot where we’re not just fighting to stay in the tournament.”

“My fastball was working. I was able to keepit low and they were fouling it off,” he added. “The curveball wasn’t working too bad either, and the defense helped a lot.”

Koetter reached the maxium allowed 105 pitches so Stevens entered and needed just eight to finish this win.

Stevens will now start on the mound in today’s elimination game against Wahoo. McCook lost 11-8 to Hickman on Sunday.

“You’re in the state tournament and you’re up 1-0, you are going to throw your best,” Smalley explained about Stevens pitching in relief for his first save this season. “Clayton came in and got the job done.”

Bennington nearly dropped in the game-tying run against Stevens , though, when Derek Greenlee slipped while pursuing a final fly ball.

The tying run rounded third base before getting a “stop” sign.

Meanwhile, Greenlee didn’t let the misplay slow him. He quickly recovered and fired a throw into third.

Seth Dugger caught the ball and tagged this Bennington runner outbefore he could return to third.

MNB prevailed despite just two hits all game from Logan Greenlee.

“Give their (Bennington) pitcher some credit. He had all his pitches working and did a fantastic job of keeping us off-balance,” Smalley explained.

“And we can’t say enough about Trae’s performance,” the coach concluded. “Mentally, that’s a hard game to stay in when you’re only up 1-0. But Trae likes the pressure. He handled it great tonight.”