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Broncos look to go deep into amateur tournament
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By ARIY-EL BOYNTON, Sports Editor
| 08/07/2009 |
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The Madison Broncos' journey in the Class B state amateur baseball tournament starts on Saturday, when they face Dimock-Emery at Cadwell Park in Mitchell. The Broncos are eager to see if they can do some damage in the 32-team, single-elimination tournament.
"I'm eager to play, you bet," Greg Biagi said after the Broncos beat Salem 7-5 in the District 4B tournament last weekend. "I have only seen the Corn Belt teams, so it will be nice to see the other teams in the state."
Biagi, who hails from Washington and played baseball at Dakota State University in 2006 and '07, was asked by Broncos mananger Jim Rhodes if he would like to play for Madison this season.
Biagi was quick to jump at the chance.
"It's my first love, and it's great to get out there and play," said Biagi.
He has been a welcome addition to the Broncos.
"Biagi is great to have behind me and all of the other pitchers," said Mitch McNary, the winning hurler in last Saturday's game. "His bat has given us power."
It's the offense which Rhodes says is the key to the Broncos' success.
"I like our pitching against anybody's, but this is an offense game," said Rhodes. "We have to score runs if we want a chance."
The Broncos will send McNary to the hill in the first game.
"I like that opportunity. I definitely want the ball when we need a win," said McNary, who pitched for North Dakota State University in 2006. "I like the defense behind me."
Last year, Madison fell to Tabor 5-4 in 12 innings in the first round of the state tournament.
"That hurt," said McNary. "We had some talent and could have gone deeper if we would have won. But we went done fighting, and that's what we do every game."
Last year's starter against Tabor was Dan Rhodes. He and McNary are quite the one-two punch, according to Coach Rhodes.
"Those two pitchers give us a chance in a lot of games. They put the ball in play and create potential outs. That is needed at state," he said.
Other pitchers have started or pitched in relief this season. Among them are Nick Bird, Chris Brozik, Ray Wagner and Jesse Brown.
Even Biagi has gone to the hill, something he has not been able to do since his sophomore year in high school because of arm problems. He has been called on to be a closer for the Broncos and hopes that he can pitch in the state tournament.
"I hope I'm out there on the mound, because that means we're ahead and I have chance to shut them down," he said.
Joining the Broncos at the state tournament will be Post 25 players Ryan Steffensen and Jeremy Jensen.
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