Moving closer to their baseball happy place

Ira Hilbelink didn’t have his best stuff on the mound, but he had one of the best bats in Division 3 history on Tuesday in a Division 3 state semifinal in Grand Chute.

The Rockets overcame adversity and overwhelmed Marathon in a 13-4 victory.

Hilbelink set a single-game record across all divisions with three triples and possibly a total bases record with 16. He had four RBIs and was intentionally walked once.

“The past few games have been a little frustrating for me, just trying to find my swing because I started the year off pretty hot. Kind of toward the end it’s been a little slow,” he said. “So this week I’ve just been trying to hit in the cage as much as possible with my dad and I’ll text a friend. And it kinda showed today.”

Coach Tom Race said he hasn’t seen a better player this year.

“He’s obviously the best player on the field, obviously the best player in Division 3,” he said, “and of all the teams we play — Division 1 Whitefish Bay and Division 2 New Berlin Eisenhower — Ira’s the best that I’ve seen.”

The Rockets scored two runs in the top of the first inning, then fell behind 3-2 after a couple of mistakes helped the Red Raiders take their only lead of the game.

In the sixth inning, the Rockets scored six runs, all after two outs. Hilbelink cleared the bases with a three-RBI double, and Austin Knapp sent him home with an RBI single.

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

No. 9 hitter Griffin Posthuma drew one of his three walks to bring the top of the order back to the plate.

“Just taking advantage of the opportunity I get out there. Just playing it one pitch at a time,” Posthuma said.

“He had a tremendous game today. That’s what we’re looking for. Every at-bat was quality today in the semifinals for state. That’s a pretty big deal for a sophomore,” Race said.

All nine Rockets scored at least one run. Knapp had three hits and three RBIs and pitched the final 1-2/3 innings. Seth Race had three hits and two RBIs. The Rockets had 14 hits, nine walks and stranded 12 runners.

They committed one error to the Red Raiders’ four.

Senior Carter Schmitz showed mental toughness. He made an error in the field and a couple of base running mistakes at third, but he also turned two double plays, including one to end the game as rain that delayed its start had picked up again.

“He just needed a hug,” coach Race said. “Brandon (Banton, assistant coach) and I hugged him and said forget it, then he went out that inning and turned a double play just like he always does.”

The team’s excitement over the victory was tempered by work left to do to reach its goal.

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

The Rockets, 22-5, play Dodgeville, 25-2, for the state title at 12:30 p.m. Thursday. The game will be broadcast on local TV. For information, visit www.wiaawi.org/Sports/Spring/Baseball/Tournament.