Hermantown opened its 2024 baseball season firing on all cylinders at Duluth’s historic Wade Stadium on Thursday afternoon, blitzing Duluth Denfeld 18-3 on the strength of solid pitching, timely hitting and a 13-run scoring explosion in the top of the sixth inning.
Jimmy Bartsch earned the pitching start for the Hawks, scattering three hits in two innings of work, and was 3-for-3 with three RBIs. Teammate River Freeman picked up the pitching victory by allowing only a single hit in three innings.
Hermantown (1-0) visits Cloquet next Thursday.
2024 Hermantown Baseball Schedule / Results
Wednesday, April 3 -- Defeated Duluth Denfeld 18-3
Thursday, April 11 – at Cloquet, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 16 – at Hibbing, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 18 – Denfeld, 4:30 p.m. Wade Stadium
Tuesday, April 23 – at Proctor, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 25 – at Cloquet, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, April 26 – at Rock Ridge, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 4 – North Branch, TBA Wade Stadium
Tuesday, May 7 – at Duluth East, 4:15 p.m.
Monday, May 13 – at Superior, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 16 – at Duluth Marshall, 4:30 p.m. Wade Stadium
Friday, May 17 – Chisago Lakes, 4:30 p.m. Cloquet
Monday, May 20 – at Proctor, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 21 – at Grand Rapids, 4 p.m.
Thursday, May 23 – at Bemidji (2), 2 p.m.
Tuesday, May 28 – Section tournament begins
Home games at Wade Stadium and Cloquet listed in boldface
2023 Lake Superior Conference Baseball Standings
1. Hermantown (17-6) – 9-1
2. Grand Rapids (17-12) – 6-3
3. Duluth Marshall (17-6) – 5-1
4. Hibbing (6-12) – 4-5
5. Cloquet (11-14) – 3-7
6. Duluth Denfeld (9-14) – 3-7
7. Proctor (14-10) – 1-7
. . .
Hermantown Director of Activities Alex White has been on the job nearly two years. He has five years of experience in the profession, and has worked in education for 10 years.
“I’m originally from Menahga, Minnesota, and formerly taught physical education and worked half-time in community education in Nevas and later as activities director in Aitkin,” said White.
White’s impression of Hermantown Community Schools and the City of Quality Living?
“We're a very friendly district and community overall, and highly supportive,” he said. “I’m impressed how much Hermantown has grown in recent years and how many educators help with our extra-curriculars. Hermantown's a good fit, and I enjoy living and working here.”
Hermantown’s secret sauce for school athletics success?
“We have talented coaches, good individuals who are committed to growing strong relationships with their players,” White said. “We also have great students, who are committed to their craft. We have high-quality school and athletics facilities, including but not limited to a beautiful turf football field and a world-class, multi-use gymnasium. The city expects to break ground on a new turf baseball field this spring, which is exciting. Our school board and administration are strongly engaged and committed to our academic and activities success. They’re always asking, ‘How can we better support this?’”
White’s typical work day?
“Mostly 9 to 5, sometimes until 9 p.m. and on Saturdays to support the site managers, ticket-takers, officials, coaches and teams,” he said. “Winters are the busiest. It’s fun.”