Pirates fall in semifinals

Brady Ambrose

REEDSBURG-Ryan Slaught allowed one run, striking out eight in seven innings and Eric Simon drove in three runs as third-seeded Middleton knocked off second-seeded host Reedsburg in a HTL Northern section semifinal game Sunday at Reedsburg.

The Pirates fell behind early as Middleton tagged Reedsburg starter Steve Hedgepath for three runs through the first five innings, one in the second and two more in the fifth inning. The Pirates finally got their first base hit of the game in the fourth when Kris Rosholt singled with two outs, and Don Molitor followed with another base hit before Dakota Berg grounded out to second to end the threat. Reedsburg got on the board in their half of the sixth. With one out Brandon Peyer walked and moved to second on a wild pitch. Peyer then stole third base and scored on Rosholt's two out base hit that cut the lead to 3-1. But Middleton added two more runs in the seventh for a 5-1 lead before the Pirates scored a lone run in the eighth inning when Peyer drew another walk, moved to second Trevor Berndt's base hit and scored on Rosholt's third base hit of the game. But Middleton tacked on three more runs in the top of the ninth inning to take a 8-2 lead and seal the win. The Pirates now will turn their attention to the night league playoffs where they will start action Thursday night when they host Sauk Prairie at 7:30 p.m.