The #11-seeded Staples Wreckers used a strong first inning to defeat the #14-seeded Norwalk Bears 13-2 to punch their ticket to the state tournament semifinals. The Wreckers had six runs cross the plate before Norwalk could even record an out.
The Wreckers were powered by four different players having multi-hit games, highlighted by Bruce Schlegelmilch ’27, who had a grand slam in the first inning.
The pitching was also a highlight for the Wreckers with Cole Landgraf ’27 on the mound to start the game. Landgraf pitched five innings, giving up two runs on three hits with seven strikeouts.
“I worked on attacking hitters and letting my defense work behind me,” Landgraf said.
The Wreckers move to 17-7 on the season and a State Semifinal matchup against #10-seeded Fairfield Ludlowe, who beat #2-seeded Southington in the quarterfinal. Fairfield Ludlowe is coming off an FCIAC Championship, but the Wreckers defeated the Falcons 11-9 in their lone regular-season matchup.
