Polk County Middle catcher Gavin Waldbillig

Apple Valley nips Polk Middle in five-inning thriller

Staff Reports

PS Staff

Time did no favors Thursday for Polk County Middle’s baseball squad.

The Wolverines dropped a hard-fought 12-11 decision at Apple Valley Middle, the game called after five innings due to reaching the time limit for all middle school games.

The Wolverines fell to 0-5 with the loss, with the Knights now 1-3.

Nate Fagan had two hits and two stolen bases for Polk Middle, and head coach Alston Rikard cites Fagan’s defensive play as well as the effort behind the plate of catcher Gavin Waldbillig as keys in the game.

“All of the boys dug deep and never gave up,” Rikard said. “They cheered on their teammates and fought all the way until the end. That’s what I’m most proud of.”

The Wolverines are slated to begin their final week of play before spring break on Monday, hosting Bethel Middle in a 4:30 p.m. game at Polk County Recreation Complex.