Six-run inning keys CG-Belgium semifinal win

Every Cedar Grove-Belgium High School hitter scored at least one run, Ira Hilbelink set at least one record and the Rockets rolled into the state title game with a 13-4 win over Marathon in the Division 3 semifinal on June 16.

The Rockets pounded 14 hits and drew nine walks in the game that started a few hours late due to rain on Neuroscience Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute.

They took a 2-0 lead right off the bat in the top of the first inning.

Leadoff hitter Griffin Knight singled and stole second. Hilbelink popped his first of three triples, this one to the right field wall, then came home on an Austin Knapp RBI single.

The Red Raiders got on the board in the third inning and took their only lead of the game, scoring three runs on three hits, an error and a bases-loaded walk.

“Everybody was just a little amped up, a little nervous still in that moment,” catcher Connor Waters said. “We just came back and responded. We’ve been really good at that this season.”

The Rockets didn’t bat an eyelash. They batted around, scoring six runs in a bizarre top of the fourth inning. Carter Schmitz singled, then took second on an errant pickoff attempt and third on another one.

Jonah Banton hit a sharp grounder to third, and Schmitz tried to score but was tagged out at the plate.

The Rockets had one man on and one out.

No. 9 hitter Griffin Posthuma drew his first of three walks on the day, bringing the top of the order back up. Knight flew out, then Waters was hit by a pitch to load the bases with two outs and Hilbelink, the top-ranked junior in the state according to Prep Baseball, stepping up to hit.

The junior clocked a bases-clearing double to the left-center wall.

“I was so confident. I knew I was going to do something good,” Hilbelink said.

Knapp followed with his second straight RBI single, a shot to left field. Josh Anzia then reached on a throwing error, putting runners on second and third.

Seth Race sent a grounder through the left side for a two-run single.

The Rockets scored six runs with two outs. They led, 8-3.

“Two outs doesn’t mean anything. Our 1 through 9 can hit,” Knapp said.

“We’re definitely a big hitting team. We’ve been in these situations. We know we can do it and we’ve just gotta perform,” Race said.

The Rockets added a run in the fifth inning when Banton scored on a wild pitch. They didn’t get a hit, but Banton, Posthuma and Hilbelink each drew a walk.

Hilbelink had settled in on the mound. He allowed five hits, four runs (three earned) and four walks while whiffing six and hitting a batter in 5-1/3 innings.

“The confidence that our offense built up for me — on the mound that helped a lot,” he said.

Hilbelink said his bat had cooled of late but hitting in the cage with his father helped get his swing back on track.

He went 4-for-4 with three triples, a double, four RBIs and an intentional walk.

Coach Tom Race regularly says Hilbelink is the best player he’s seen this season, even after seeing top players on high-end  nonconference teams Race schedules to challenge his squad.

Knapp relieved Hilbelink on the mound, pitching 1-2/3 scoreless innings, walking two and hitting one.

“It was a little nerve-wracking. I hadn’t pitched much,” Knapp said.

“Once I started warming up, I’m like, we got this.”

The Rockets added four runs in the seventh inning.

Hilbelink led off with a triple, and Knapp singled him home with a bolt that ricochetted off the third baseman’s glove and went into left field. Seth Race drew a one-out walk, and runners moved to second and third on a wild pitch.

Schmitz followed with a two-RBI liner to center, and complete a roller coaster game for the Rockets’ senior. He made two base running mistakes that led to outs at third, but he also turned two double plays, one to end the game.

Banton then singled, moving Schmitz to third. Posthuma’s fielder’s choice scored the fourth run of the inning.

Posthuma had an RBI, three walks and scored a run.

“I’m just trusting the process with the work we’re putting in at practice every single day,” he said.

“It’s awesome but we’re not happy yet. We’re happy on Thursday.”

That sentiment was echoed by his teammates and coach.

“We’re obviously really excited, but we know our goals and the job’s not finished,” Schmitz said.

“We’re not happy. Nope Not yet,” Hilbelink said.

Forty-eight hours later, they were.