By Craig Marx, Editor

Entering Great Northern Conference play for the first time in the 2017 season, the Antigo Red Robins (2-2) took down the Tomahawk Hatchets (0-1) 11-0 on Thursday night from Tyler Kahle Memorial Park.

“The guys came out and played well yesterday having good at bats and playing good defense,” Robins head coach Scott Farmer said. “We were patient at the plate and put good swings on the ball. That is what we are capable of on a daily basis up and down our lineup. We didn’t have ​many hits but even our outs were hit well and the wind didn’t help either as it held some balls up that would’ve otherwise dropped.”

Brady Tatro, Antigo’s starter on the mound, reached the century mark of the pitch count in his shutout win, throwing 10 strikeouts and allowing just two hits and three walks. Tatro downed three consecutive batters in four of his six innings pitched.

“Our defense came ready to play making some nice plays when we needed to. [We turned] our first double play of the year.  Brady threw a great game for us to really help give us the pitching we may need for Saturday,” Farmer added.

Zach Volz recorded the loss for the Hatchets in three innings of work, allowing four earned runs on three hits and seven walks. Fred Koth was responsible for two runs in three innings of relief, walking two batters while giving up three hits.

With the Hatchets walking nine total batters, the Robins’ six hits were enough to plate 11 runners. Cody Urban, pinch hitting for centerfielder Matt Winter in the fifth and sixth innings, went 2 for 2 from the plate with three RBIs to boot.

Tatro finished 1-4 after smashing a three-run homer in the second inning and scored a later run in the sixth after a Tomahawk left field error. Wade Farmer went 1-3 with two runs scored, while third baseman Hunter Kirsch doubled in the second but was left stranded on third after a wild pitch allowed him to advance.

Justin Jarvensivu and Jakob Kahle each posted singles as the Hatchets were held in check with just two hits on the day.

The Robins continue their GNC schedule this Saturday with a doubleheader against Ashland. Games are slotted for 10 AM and 12 PM.

“If we can continue that improvement from game to game now that we are getting time outside on a consistent basis, we should really get things going. Looking forward to the nice weather and two games to play on Saturday,” Farmer said.