SLP Orioles Sting Edina Hornets

 The defending Section 6AAAA Champion Edina Hornets came to Derrick Keller Field Monday night and they ran into the outstanding pitching of Miles Jungroth who recorded 11 strikeouts to help lead the St. Louis Park Orioles to a 4-1 win.  

The Orioles would take the lead in the bottom of the second inning when Edina shortstop Peter Sullivan bobbled a ground ball, allowing Danny Montanez to reach first base. Montanez would advance on a single from Cole Denton and cross the plate on Geiber Silva-Gonzalez's single.  

Jungroth would be in control, striking out the side in the second and third innings after beginning the respective innings with base hits.  St. Louis Park would increase their lead in the bottom of the fifth as Josh Middleton led off with a single and Graham Sullivan's RBI triple off the left field fence would score Middleton.  Sullivan headed home as Alex Hokenson reached base on a throwing error by Hornet second baseman Charlie Carlson.  Montanez would drive Hokenson home on an RBI single.  

It looked like Edina would make a comeback in the top of the sixth.  Charlie Strodl's RBI single brought home Mike Simonson to cut the lead to three.  Marty Hirte, pitching in relief of Jungroth, walked Ben Molitor, son of former Twin Paul Molitor to load the bases but pinch hitter Reid Lafrenz grounded out to Montanez at second to end the rally.  

Things would get interesting for the Hornets in the top of the seventh with two outs.  Jack McCoy and Simonson reached base on singles, putting the tying run at the plate as George McIntyre came up.  There would be no tie game as McIntyre flied out to Sullivan in right field to end the game.  

St. Louis Park improved their record to 2-2 and will head to Benilde-St. Margaret's on Tuesday, April 23 at 4:30 PM.  Edina fell to 1-4 and will also return to action on the 23rd as they host the Minnetonka Skippers at 6 PM at Braemar Park.  

The Passing of John Bartz

 He was involved with high school sports for many years as a coach, referee, athletic director and tournament director.  

On April 9, John Bartz passed away at the age of 89.  

Bartz was the athletic director at North St. Paul High School for 16 years before moving within the district to Tartan High School, serving as an assistant principal. 

In 1985, Bartz became an associate director at the Minnesota State High School League.  He served as tournament director for boys and girls hockey, the Prep Bowl and Alpine Skiing.  Bartz was also instrumental in creating adapted athletic opportunities for students with disabilities.  He oversaw adapted athletic tournaments in soccer, floor hockey and softball.  

In addition to his work with the MSHSL, Bartz was a long time hockey official.  He worked 11 state tournaments and was on the ice for seven state championship games.  

Bartz was a pivotal figure in one of the most prestigious high school events in the nation as well as opening the doors for handicapped athletes.  May he rest in peace.