Big Sixth Inning Helps SLP Orioles End Three Game Losing Streak

 What could be a preview of the Section 6AAAA Tournament in late May took place Tuesday night as Kristofer Hokenson hit a three run homer to break a scoreless tie and Stefano Giovannelli pitched a four hit complete game to lead the St. Louis Park Orioles to a 5-0 win over the Wayzata Trojans at Derrick Keller Field at Dakota Park.  

It was a battle for the first three innings between Giovannelli and Wayzata's Noah Karschnik as neither team erased the zeros from the runs column on the scoreboard.  Giovannelli gave up three hits but he was supported by the strong Oriole defense.  As for the Trojans, Karschnik cruised through the St. Louis Park lineup like cars driving down Minnetonka Blvd.  He did not allow a base runner through three innings.  

There would be no perfect game when the Orioles came to the plate in the bottom of the fourth.  Ben Farley flied out to left field and Hokenson hit a one out double.  But Zach Helfmann was called out on strikes and Andruw Vela flied out to left field to keep the game scoreless.  

But there would be good news for St. Louis Park in the bottom of the sixth.  Henry Odens led off and was hit by a pitch and Farley singled to advance him to second base.  Then Hokenson sent a long drive that sailed over the right field fence for his second home run of the season and the Orioles took a three run lead.  The lead would increase to four when Helfmann drove the ball over the left field fence.  Following Stanley Regguinti's walk.  An errant throw to first by Wayzata relief pitcher Joey O'Brien advanced Regguinti to third.  Giovannelli came up and drove Regguinti home on an RBI single to put St. Louis Park ahead by five.  

The Trojans came to the plate in the top of the seventh but could get runners on base as Giovannelli retired the side in order to preserve the shutout.  

St. Louis Park ended a three game losing streak and improved their record to 6-5 they will host the Cooper Hawks on Wednesday, May 11 at 6 PM at Derrick Keller Field.  Wayzata fell to 4-6 and will also be back in action on the 11th, hosting the Armstrong Falcons at 6:30 PM.