2 IRISH DRAFTED: Pitchers, Bill Dunker and Josh Simon have been drafted by teams advancing to State Tournament play. Dunker was selected by the Cannon Falls Bears, who play in Gaylord Sunday afternoon vs. the Region 8C runner up. Gametime is 1:30 PM approximately. Simon was then taked by Hampton, who will play Sunday Morning at 11 in Gaylord vs the 8C champion.

IRISH ELIMINATED: St. Benedict scored 4 in the 9th inning Sunday to take a 10-9 win over the Irish, eliminating them from state tournament contention.  Mike Goldsmith and Craig Boser hed 3 hits apiece. Seth Ambroz and Mathew Pexa had 2, with Pexa driving in 3. Thank you to the players and fans for another great Summer at Bonin Field.

CANNON FALLS WINS IN 13: Irish hitting managed only 4 hits and lost a 3-2 contest in the first game of region 3C Friday night. Mike Goldsmith had 3 of the hits and a big RBI in hte 10th inning gave the Irish a chance, but they couldn't squeeze out another run. Bill Dunker took the tough loss on the mound going all 13 innings and striking out 10, allowing all 3 runs. He threw 175 pitches and scattered 13 hits. St. PAtrick awaits the loser of Saturday's game between Hampton and St. Benedict. Game time is 2PM site to be determined.

ST. PATRICK ADVANCES TO REGION 3C: By the score of 16-0, St. Patrick routed St. Benedict on Friday night to grab a first round bye in Region 3C. Josh Simon, pitched the distance, picking up his 6th win of the season, striking out 5 and allowing just 5 hits. Simon also was 3-4 on the night which included a 3 run triple, 5 total RBIs, and he also scored a run in the ballgame. Wade Schuknecht was 4-4 which included a bases loaded triple, 7 total RBIs, and another triple that led to the Irish's first run of the ballgame. Schuknechtt reached base in all 5 plate appearances. Craig Boser and Dom De Luca each doubled and had 2 hits. St. Patrick next plays Friday, August 7th @ 8 PM at a site to be announced vs an opponent to be determined.

IRISH TO PLAY FOR REGION BIRTH: St. Patrick beat Shakopee by the score of 12-2 on Tuesday night for a chance to play to advance to region play. Bill Dunker won the game on the mound to advance to 9-2 on the season. Hitting leaders were Mike Goldsmith, Josh Simon, and Dom De Luca who each had 2 hits. De Luca drove in 4, and Goldsmith 3. Jeff Bjerke also added 2 RBIs. The Irish next play @ St. Benedict on Friday night in Elko, game time is 8PM.

ST. PAT WINS GAME, LOSES PEXA: Mathew Pexa collided with a baseruner head on at full speed in the top of the second Sunday forcing him out of the line up for at least a week. Mathew will be reevaluated early next week. The final score was 3-1. Seth Ambroz got his 4th win of the season going 8 innings and allowing just a run. Jake Malz picked up his 2nd save of the season. Wade Schuknecht, Adam Almich and Mike Goldsmith each had 2 hits for the winners. The playoffs begin Tuesday night as the Irish host Shakopee in Veseli, the game starts at 8PM.

IRISH TAKE DOWN WARRIORS: St. Patrick clinched the top spot in the DRS with a 5-3 win over veseli on Friday night. Josh Simon was 4-5with a double and also picked up the win on the mound, going 7 innings, then gave way to Bill Dunker, who picked up the save with two perfect innings. Mike Goldsmith was 2-3 with a double and scored 3 runs. Mathew Pexa was 2-4 with a double and drove in 4. Craig Boser was 2-4 and also doubled. The next game for St. Patrick is at 2 PM at Bonin Field Sunday vs. St. Benedict.

IRISH SWEEP WEEKEND: St. Patrick took two this weekend defeating New Prague and Webster. With a win this weekend, St. Patrick will clinch the DRS League crown. The next game is Friday night in Veseli, game time is 8PM.

ST. PATRICK GET SWEPT OVER WEEKEND: St. Benedict and Montgomery each took games away from the Irish over the weekend in come from behind fashion. At St. Benedict on Saturday, the Saints scored 5 in the 8th to take over the lead and a bases loaded Irish rally was snuffed out by Saint pitching. On Sunday, the Irish blew a 4-1 lead and trailed 7-4 in the 9th when Craig Boser hit his first HR of the campaign, but the rally fell short. The Irish next play Friday night in Veseli vs. New Prague.

IRISH SCALP BRAVES: A game close early got ugly late when the Irish posted 13 runs in the final 3 innings at LeSeuer, winning 15-0. Josh Simon was the winning pitcher and Jake Malz picked up his first career save. Leading the attack offensively was Mathew Pexa and Dane Pleiss who each had 3 hits, Pexa knocking in 3 runs as well. Josh Simon had 2 hits and 4 RBIs. The DRS/CVL All Star Game is next on the schedule. It is Friday night in New Prague. Game Starts at 8PM and a homerun Derby beforehand. This years Irish reps are Mike Goldsmith, Josh Simon and Bill Dunker. The next Irish game is then Saturday @ St. Benedict and it starts @ 2PM.

GREEN SILENCE YOTES: Winning 10-2 on Sunday the Irish move to 12-3 in DRS play. Bill Dunker picked up his 8th win of the season going 8 innings and allowing 2 runs while fanning 9 batters. The Irish scored 4 in the bottom of the first and 4 more in the 6th to seal the deal. Leading the hitters was Seth Ambroz who was 4-5, Craog Boser also knocked in three. The Irish next play in LeSeuer on Tuesday night at 8 PM.

JORDAN BREWS IRISH: St. Patrick lost 3-2 in Jordan Thursday night. Jake Malz pitched very well through 7 innings and gave way to Seth ambroz who had a rocky 8th and allowed the game winnig run on a wild pitch. Leading the hitters was Dom De Luca who was 4-4 with a run producing double. Bill Dunker was 3-4 and Craig Boser also added a double. The Irish will not play until July 5th at home vs. Shakopee.

IRISH TAME DOGS: Josh Simon threw a 6 hit shutout and also added a first inning solo HR that would prove to be the game winning RBI vs Union Hill, Wednesday night in Veseli. THe final score was 2-0, the other run scoring in the fifth when Mathew Pexa's 2 out single up the middle score Bill Dunker from 2nd. The Irish play at Jordan Thursday night @ 7:30 PM

IRISH SWEEP ACES: The offense mustered just 4 hits but managed to scratch across 2 runs in the top of the fifth and win 2-1. Craig Boser and Wade Schuknecht doubled, neither produced scoring. Bill Dunker tossed a 5 hitter and picked up his 7th win fanning 6 along the distance, in which he threw just 85 pitches. The Irish next play Union Hill at Veseli Wednesday night at 8PM.

BELLE PLAINE DOWNS ST. PATRICK: The Irish left 15 men on base and couldn't catch a break in a 7-3 loss to the Belle Plaine Tigers. Colton Borwege was 4-5 in the contest. Bill Dunker and Wade Schuknecht were each 2-5 and Schuknecht included 2 RBIs. Dom De Luca suffered the loss going six innings and allowing 4 earned runs. St. Patrick plays at Lonsdale on Sunday at 2PM.

IRISH EDGE WARRIORS IN 11: Bill Dunker moved to 6-1 on the season after pitching an 11 inning complete game in which he struck out 8, in a 4-3 win over Veseli. Wade Schuknecht may have busted out of his slump as he went 3-5 with the game winning RBI in the 11th . Seth Ambroz also added two hits. The Irish trailed 3-2 in the bottom of the 10th and were down to their last out when Matt Ambroz doubled to left and drove in a run, but Josh Simon was iced at home. A scoreless top half for Veseli led to the Irish loading the bases on a walk by Jeff Bjerke, a single by Seth Ambroz, and an intentional pass to John Jenness. With bases loaded, Schuknecht hit a ball in the the 3B/SS hole which was knocked down, but Jake Malz beat the throw home for the win. St. Patrick next plays Satuday afternoon at home vs. Belle Plaine at 2PM.

DUTCHMEN FLY BY IRISH: St. Patrick led 3-0 after the top of the first and 4-1 after 2 but let the lead slip and took a 7-6 loss at New Germany. Mike Goldsmith, and Josh Simon each had 3 hits in the game, Simon included a game tying 2 run HR in the 8th and had 3 RBI total. Matt Ambroz, Bill Dunker and Colton Borwege, each had 2 hits in the game, Dunker knocking in 2. John Jenness relieved Dom De Luca and took the loss allowing the game winner in the bottom of the 8th.

BATS GO QUIET INTO THE NIGHT: Prior Lake pitching stymied Irish hitting and beat St. Patrick 6-1. The Defense committed several errors early and Prior Lake took full advantage. Josh Simon was on the bump and pitched well despite the score, only one run was earned. Of the six Irish hits, Mike Goldsmith and Bill Dunker had 2 apiece, Goldsmith included a double. St. Patrick plays a non league game at 4PM in New Germany Saturday and then collides with Blue Division leading Veseli on Sunday at home at 2PM.

IRISH FILLET MUSKIES: 10 more hits for the Irish offense, including 3 from red hot, Mike Goldsmith, plated 6 runs en route to victory at New Market. Goldsmith had an RBI double in the second inning. Mathew Pexa and Matt Ambroz each had a pair of singles and Adam Almich hit a 2 run single to cap the scoring. Bill Dunker advanced to 5-1 on the year throwing the complete game and fanning 5. St. PAtrick next plays Thursday night in Prior Lake at 7:30 PM.

HITTING STAYS HOT: St. Patrick pounded out 14 hits in a 15-2 win at Shakopee Friday night. After scoring 2 in the first, and 3 in the third, the Irish scored 8 in the fifth. The knockout blow was Bill Dunker's 3 run double in that inning. The Irish totaled 5 doubles and 5 different players tallied 2 hits. Seth Ambroz picked up his second win striking out 11 in 6 innings.

ST.PAT, GOLDSMITH, STUN ACES: Mike Goldsmith sealed the deal with grand slams in both the 7th and 8th innings, ending a 14-2 win over Lonsdale. Mike finished 3-6 and totalled 9 RBIs. Dom De Luca, Josh Simon, and Wade Schuknecht had two hits apiece each included a double, and Adam Almich was also 2-2 and was on base all 5 plate appearances, walking once and getting hit by pitches twice. Bill Dunker advanced to 4-1 on the season, allowing 2 runs over the 8 inning contest.

IRISH HUNT DOWN MALLARDS: Josh Simon pitched a 5 hit complete game, allowing one run, en route to picking up a 7-1 win at Montgomery. Simon was also 3-4 and had 5 RBIs in the game. Along with Simon, Bill Dunker was 3-3 with a late sac bunt and scored twice. Jeff Bjerke and Mike Goldsmith also had 2 hits apiece. The Irish will next host Lonsdale on Sunday @ 2 PM.

IRISH WEAR OUT SOX: St. Patrick cruised to a Memorial Day weekend sweep, completing it at Webster by the score of 14-0. Seth Ambroz led the 13 hit Irish attack with 3 of his own which included 2 RBI's. Mathew Pexa had a pair of hits and a pair of RBI's. Bill Dunker pitched his way to his third win of the season, striking out 10. The Irish will next play at Montgomery on Friday night @ 7:30.

ST. PAT REELS IN MUDCATS: Jeff Bjerke's pinch hit, walk off, RBI single to center capped off a 2 run bottom of the ninth to steal a 2-1 win over Prior Lake on Sunday at Bonin Field. Josh Simon started on the bump and was impressive, but he gave way to Seth Ambroz, who retired all six men he faced to get the win. Leading the offense was Matt Ambroz who returned from Omaha to go 3-3 and had a key sac bunt in the ninth inning. John Jenness was also 2-3 but was lifted for clutch hitting veteran, Bjerke in the ninth. The Irish play Webster at noon Monday in Webster.

IRISH SCOLD BULLDOGS: Bouncing back from a disappointing Friday night loss, the Irish knocked off the Union Hill Bulldogs by the score of 4-1. Bill Dunker was brilliant on the bump, scattering 7 hits and striking out 9 in a complete game victory. The win is Bill's 125th in his now 13th amateur season. Mathew Pexa paced the offense and struk early with his second first inning solo HR in as many Sundays. Pexa finished 2-5 which included a double and he aslo scored the first 2 Irish runs. Craig Boser continued his hot hitting with a 2-4 and Dom De Luca added a 2-3 effort. St. Patrick next plays Sunday at home vs. the Prior Lake Mudcats. First pitch is 2PM.

O'S FLY BY IRISH: St. Patrick jumped out to an early 3-0 lead but let it slip away as the New Prague Orioles defeated the St. Patrick Irish by the score of 6-4. Seth Ambroz made his DRS debut on the hill, but gave way in the fifth inning to Mathew Pexa, who took the loss. Leading the offense was Pexa, who was 3-5 and doubled. Seth Ambroz was 2-4 with two doubles. Craig Boser and Mike goldsmith also had 2 hits apiece. St. Patrick next plays at Union Hill on Sunday afternoon, first pitch 2 PM.

IRISH FILLET MUSKIES: Smashing 13 hits in an 11-0, 7 inning win, the Irish advance their record to 1-1 on theh young season. Leading the offense was Craig Boser, who had 3 singles. Mathew Pexa started the scoring in the first inning with a towering solo HR to left and it would hold up as the game winning RBI. John Jenness, Seth Ambroz and Bill Dunker had 2 hits apiece. Dunker pitched all seven innings, earning the win, allowing 4 hits and striking out 6. The Irish next play at New Prague on Friday night at 7:30 PM.

IRISH OPEN SLUGGISH ON OFFENSE: Defending Class C Champion Elko stymied Irish hitting, limiting them to no runs on only four hits. The Irish had 8 total baserunners and advance just two of them as far as third base. Bill Dunker started the ballgame on the mound, going six innings, striking out 5, but suffered the loss after he allowed his two runs in the first. St. Patrick bext plays Sunday at Bonin Field vs,. the New Market Muskies. First pitch is at 2 PM.

2009 SEASON PREVIEW: The Irish look ahead to the 2009 campaign after another deep run in the state tournament in 2008. St. Patrick will return a stron hitting lineup led by Mathew Pexa, who led the team in all triple crown categories. Josh Simon, Mike Goldsmith, Matt Ambroz, and Jeff Bjerke all had strong seasons as well and provide a potent dose of hitting in the top and middle of the lineup. The pitching was strong again in 2008 and will stride forward after the loss of Derek Bergstrom to the New Market Muskies, where he has a strong family tradition. Bill Dunker and Josh Simon will carry the majority of the load on the hill. Dunker was 11-2 in 2008 with 96 strikeouts and only 13 walks. He needs just 2 wins to reach 125 for his career. In other news, Luke Hanzel has also defected to New Market, Ryan Johnson continues his career in Michigan, and the jury is still out on Tom Kreuser, the big righty from Jordan, whether he will return. St. Patrick will square off with the Mongomery Mallards on Sunday, April 26th at 2 PM in Montgomery. The first scheduled home game is vs. Elko on May 10th.

SEASON ENDS: With a 9-7 loss to Isanti, St. Patrick's season ended Saturday. The Irish loaded the bases in the 8th and 9th but couldn't force in the runs needed to take the lead. Josh Simon, Mathew Pexa, and Jeff Bjerke had 2 RBIs apiece leading the attack. Simon was the losing pitcher. Congratulations on the good run, Irish.

IRISH ROLL MAPLE PLAIN: Bill Dunker threw 7 hit baseball earning the shutout win Friday night in Chaska. Dunker moves to 11-2 on the season and has an ERA of 0.34 in the State Tournament. Dom DeLuca had 3 hits which included 2 doubles. Jeff Bjerke dealt the big blow in the 5th inning, blasting a 3 run HR to right center. Mathew Pexa and matt Ambroz had 2 hits apiece as well. St. Patrick plays Isanti @ 3:30 PM in Chaska Saturday.

IRISH DROP ONE: 3 errors hurt Irish pitching and only mustered 6 hits on offense, losing 5-4 to St. Stephen in 13 innings. Jake Schmidt started and was relieved in the 6th inning by Josh Simon who pitched very well, but suffered the loss. Matt Ambroz had 2 hits and walked twice leading the anemic Irish attack. St. Patrick next plays Maple Plain on Friday night @ 8:30 PM in Chaska. The loser of this game is eliminated from the 2008 State Tournament.

DUNKER TWIRLS A GEM: on just 89 pitches, Irish starter Bill Dunker shut out the Carlos Cougars, 8-0, Friday night. Dunker allowed only 5 hits and struck out 6 along the way. It was his team leading 10th victory of the season. Josh Simon led the offense going 3-4 and knocked in 3 runs. Mike Goldsmith, Matt Ambroz, and Wade Schuknecht each had a pair of hits. Jeff Bjerke and Ambroz knocked in 2 runs apiece. St. Patrick will play Carlos on Sunday afternoon in Chaska @ 1:30 PM.

IRISH WIN IN 14 INNINGS: 3 hours and 49 minutes it took for St. Patrick to advance over Milroy by the score of 3-2. The Irish got 2 in the sixth off of 2 suicide squeezes on back to back pitches. Milroy scratched a run in each of the 8th and 9th innings to tie it up. The run in the ninth scored on a contraversial call at the plate, and it chased starter, Bill Dunker from the game. He pitched 8 2/3 innings, struck out 6 and allowed just 1 earned run. he was relieved by Prior Lake draftee, Jake Schmidt, who finished the game, collecting the win. Jake pitched 5 and a third innings and pitched out of a couple of tight jams along the way. The winning run came in the 14th inning when Josh Simon took his 4th walk of the game, stole 2nd base and scored on mathew Pexa'a clutch single to left. St. Patrick will face Carlos on Friday, August 22nd @ 8:30 PM in Chaska.

IRISH FLAT IN SEEDING GAME: By the score of 6-0, Blue Earth won Region 4C on Sunday evening. Josh Simon was thrown to the wolves, and suffered the loss. Simon was however, the Irish's best hitter, going 2 for 3. The Irish congradulate the Pirates for their tournament birth and wish them luck. St. Patrick plays Milroy on Thursday night @ 8:30 PM in Shakopee.

ST. PATRICK WINS 2 AND QUALIFIES FOR STATE: St. patrick hammered the ball on saturday beating Waterville 8-1 and Blue Earth 10-1. Bill Dunker allowed just 4 hits in the afternoon game and Mike Goldsmith knocked home 3 runs to lead the Irish over Waterville. Dunker struck out 10 along the way. In the nightcap, Mathew Pexa grabbed the lead for the Irish in the 1st inning with a 2 out solo HR, his 5th of the season. Derek Bergstrom started on the hill and picked up the win. Prior Lake draftee, Jake Schmidt entered the game in relief. He worked 3 2/3 innings, picking up the save.

IRISH LOSE 12 INNING THRILLER: St. Patrick led 3-1 but couldn't hang on to the lead in the 9th inning. Derek Bergstrom pitched 8 solid innings before giving way to Josh Simon, who took the tough loss, his first of the season. Both teams had chances to win the game late but good defense prevailed until the 12th. St. Patrick will play Waterville @ 1 PM in Waterville, Saturday.

IRISH COMEBACK TO WIN: St. Patrick won 13-12 on Saturday on the strength of a Josh Simon 2 run HR to tie it up in the 8th and an Adam Almich walkoff walk in the ninth. Simon drove in 4 in the game and was also the winning pitcher in relief. Matt Ambroz and Luke Hanzel had 3 hits apiece. St. Patrick will play Union Hill in the 2nd round @ 4 PM in Waterville.

IRISH ADVANCE: 10 hits and 10 walks powered the Irish into Region 4C play with a 13-1 victory over New Prague Sunday. Dom Deluca had 3 hits and drove in 2. Mathew Pexa and Josh Simon had 2 hits apiece, with Simon hitting a HR and getting the win on the mound. Simon pitched the distance striking out 7 Orioles. Luke Hanzel added a HR, his 3rd, in the 8th, which was a walkoff hit. He drove in 4 on the day.

O'S EVEN IT UP: Despite Derek Bergstrom's 18 strikeouts, the Orioles defeated the Irish 3-2 Friday night. Mike Goldsmith was 3-5 at the plate and Adam Almich and Mathew Pexa were each 2-3. Almich's included a double. The two teams will play the deciding game at 2PM at Bonin Field Sunday.

GREEN TAKE GAME 1: Matt Ambroz and Mike Goldsmith had 3 hits apiece leading the charge to a 9-5 win in game one of the playoff series with the New Prague Orioles. Mathew Pexa added a pair of singles and Wade Schuknecht had 3 RBIs adding to the attack. Bill Dunker gutted out 8 innings, picking up his 8th win of the season before giving way to young lefty, Derek Bergstrom, who struck out the side to slam the door shut in the top of the ninth inning. The two teams will meet Friday night in New Prague. The game starts at 8PM.

IRISH WIN WHITE DIVISION: New Market stunned Union Hill Sunday afternoon by the score of 3-2. New Market's victory gave St. Patrick the one game edge on Union Hill and the White Division Crown. St. Patrick will play New Prague in Elko, Wednesday night @ 8 PM in game 1 of a best of 3 series. Union Hill will host Prior Lake.

ST. PATRICK HUNTS MALLARDS DOWN: During the church festival, St. Patrick finished the regular season on a high note, beating Montgomery 7-2. Josh Simon moved to 4-0 picking up the complete game win, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits. The offense was highlighted by Wade Schuknecht's solo HR, his first in 3 seasons. Schuknecht, Mike Goldsmith, Mathew Pexa, Matt Ambroz each had 2 hits apiece.

IRISH DOWN WARRIORS: Derek Bergstrom looked strong again in his victory over Veseli. The young lefty struck out 8 in 6 innings of work before giving way to the bullpen in is last outing of the regular season. Mathew Pexa started the scoring in the top of the first inning with a solo HR to right centerfield, his team leading, 3rd of the season. Jeff Bjerke was 3-4 with 2 doubles and drove in 3 runs. Craig Boser was 4 for 5 with 2 doubles. St. Patrick plays Mongomery on Sunday during the St. Patrick Church festival. Game time is 1 PM.

ST. PATRICK STOMPS O's: 14 runs on 13 hits including a 4-5 effort from Mathew Pexa, including 2 doubles and a HR were the story at Bonin Sunday. Craig Boser was 3 for 3 knocking in 2 and Matt Ambroz was 2 for 3 with a double, to lead the Irish charge. Josh Simon moved to 3-0 on the season, striking out 6.

IRISH TOP THE HILL: Derek Bergstrom stymied the Union Hill offense, yielding just 2 runs, and striking out 11, in a 10 inning complete game victory. Tied at 2 in the 10th, Jeff Bjerke reached on an error and was replaced by a pinch runner. Matt Ambroz was hit by the first pitch of his at bat. Dom DeLuca, who earlier put the Irish ahead with a run scoring single, dropped in another single scroing Bill Dunker from second. Craig Boser walked and then John Jenness knocked in 2 more with a single to right centerfield. Bergstrom slammed the door shut in the 10th.

IRISH TAME COYOTES: Scoring 14 runs on 17 hits, the St. Patrick offense came to life in Shakopee. Matt Ambroz led the offense, collecting a double and a triple, with 3 RBIs along the way. Luke Hanzel was 3 for 6. Mike Goldsmith, Josh Simon, and Colton Borwege each collected 2 hits. Bill Dunker advanced to 7-2 on the season, going the distance, striking out 9.

IRISH GAIN HUGE WIN: Josh Simon pitched 7 innings of great baseball and was 3-5 at the plate with 2 RBIs, leading the way for the Irish to win against Elko. Simon gave way on the hill to Bill Dunker who picked up the win, his 6th, in relief. With a tie score in the bottom of the 8th, Jeff Bjerke led off the inning with a pinch hit single and advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch. Mike Goldsmith walked but then a flyout to Center and a foul out to first looked like it would spoil the inning. That was until Dom DeLuca, with a full count, singled up the middle scoring Bjerke. Matt Ambroz then added an insurance run for the 2 run win, Elko's first league loss of the 2008 season.

THREE NAMED TO ALL-STAR TEAM: Newcomer John Jenness, outfielder, Mike Goldsmith, and 2nd year pitcher Derek Bergstrom will represent the Irish in this year's all star game held Friday, July 11th in Arlington. First pitch is @ 8 PM.

ACES ACE IRISH: Derek Bergstrom can't buy a break, as the offense let him down, losing 1-0 to Lonsdale. Dom DeLuca led the way with a single and 3 walks, but the Irish left 18 runners on base. Bergstrom struckout 8 going the distance.

DUNKER SHUTSOUT SAINTS: Allowing 7 hits and striking out 6, Bill Dunker improved to 5-2 on the season. St. patrick won 3-0. Mathew Pexa had 2 hits including a double. Wade Schuknecht, John Jenness and Adam Almich each drove in a run.

SIMON DOMINATES: In just 83 pitches, Josh Simon threw a one hit, shutout on Tuesday night in Montgomery, leading the Irish to a 3-0 win. Simon was also 2-5 at the plate. Mathew Pexa and Craig Boser each had a double and Luke Hanzel added an RBI.

GREEN ISLE WINS BATTLE OF IRELAND: Derek Bergstrom pitched well enough to beat the Green Isle Irish but the defense let him down in the 6th allowing 3 unearned runs. Bergstrom allowed just 2 hits but St. Patrick mustered just 3. Wade Schuknecht tripled in the 7th with one out and Bill Dunker knocked him in with a ground out, but it was all St. patrick could get falling short, by the score of 3-1.

IRISH SINK CLIPPERS: Bill Dunker and Watkins's Bruce Geislinger locked horns in a low scoring, extra inning, pitches duel in the opening round of the Miller Lite Invitational. The game was scoreless until the top of the 8th when Matt Ambroz got his 2nd hit of the evening, Craig Boser walked and Luke Hanzel squirted a grounder through the second baseman to plate courtesy runner, Jake Malz. Wade Schuknecht cracked a 2 run single after that and Dunker sealed the win with a scoreless bottom half.

IRISH SWEEP WEEKEND: Derek Bergstrom pitched the 8 inning win over the New Market Muskies by the score of 12-2. Mike Goldsmith and John Jenness led the offense with 3 hits apiece. Luke Hanzel was 2-5 and Jeff Bjerke hit his 2nd HR in as many days, each had 2 RBIs.

ST.PATRICK WEARS OUT SOX: The Irish scored 2 in the first and 9 in the 3rd inning and cruised to a 17-2 victory over Webster. Ryan Johnson pitched to the winfor the Irish. Leading the offense was Mathew Pexa who was 5 for 5 and walked, drove in 2 and scored 4 runs. Jeff Bjerke added a 3 run HR and a single. Matt Ambroz and Luke Hanzel each had 2 hits.

BULLDOGS TAKE A BITE: St. Patrick got spanked 9-0 in a makeup game from April 27th. Bill Dunker took the loss on the mound. The Irish scattered 8 hits but couldn't plate a run, looking flat again. Mathew Pexa haf 3 hits, including a double, and Jeff Bjerke had 2 singles to lead an anemic offense.

IRISH BREW JORDAN: St. Patrick won a rain shortened 8-2 decision over a weary Jordan team who had participated in last weekend's New Prague Tournament. Tom Kreuser beat up on his alma mater allowing just 6 hits and 2 runs, 1 earned, picking up his team leading, 3rd win. The middle of the Irish order did most of the damage, compiled of Mathew Pexa, Dom DeLuca, Ryan Johnson, and Luke Hanzel. The foursome combined for 8 hits in 15 at bats, and 5 RBIs. Mike Goldsmith reamined hot, collecting 2 more hits.

IRISH WIN ON LATE INNING BUNT: Wade Schuknecht laid down a perfect suicide squeeze, plating pinch runner, Ryan Johnson, to win the game in the bottom of the 9th by the score of 4-3. Mathew Pexa was 3-4 includung a solo HR and 2 RBI. Craig Boser was also 2 for 3 with an RBI, but the story of the day was Derek Bergstrom, who struck out 17 Sox in 7 2/3 innings of work, but was credited with no descision. Bill Dunker relived Bergstrom after the sox hit a 2 out 2 run single to right to tie the game, and picked up the win.

ST. PATRICK DROPS HOME GAME: In a pitcher's deul, the Irish came up short, losing 2-1 to Prior Lake on Saturday. Ryan Johnson started on the hill and took a tough loss. Mike Goldsmith led the way on the offense with a 3-5 day. Mathew Pexa drove in St. Patrick's only run with a fielder's choice that plated Bill Dunker, who led off the inning with a walk.

IRISH STREAK BROKEN: Elko handed the Irish their second loss of the season after they had reeled off 6 wins in a row. Managing just four hits on the night, in which Craig Boser and Jeff Bjerke had 2 apiece, the Irish were routed, 10-1. Bill Dunker started and took the loss, as he and the entire team looked flat and will try to rebound this weekend at home with games against Prior Lake on Saturday and Webster on Sunday.

IRISH CHOP DOWN WARRIORS: Mathew Pexa drove in 2 with a double in the 3rd inning and St. patrick never looked back, downing Veseli by the score of 7-1. Mike Goldsmith was 2-5 with a double and 2 RBIs. Jeff Bjerke, and Bill Dunker also added doubles, and Adam Almich was 3-4 with a double and an RBI. Tom Kreuser threw eight very strong innings, scattering 5 hits and just 1 run, earning the win.

ST.PATRICK COMPLETES WEEKEND SWEEP: In comeback fashion, the Irish walked out of St. Benedict with the win. Leading the charge for the Irish was Mathew Pexa, who was 3-5 and had 3 RBIs. Josh Simon started the game but gave way to Derek Bergstrom, who over 4 innings, struck out 6, picking up his first win this season.

IRISH REEL IN MUSKIES: 8 of the 9 Irish starters had at least one hit, led by Dom DeLuca who was 3-4 and collectd 5 RBIs. Bill Dunker improved to 2-0 going 8 innings striking out 8, allowing just a single earned run.

IRISH TOP O'S: Luke Hanzel hit his 2nd HR in as many games and the Irish beat New Prague 9-4. Tom Kreuser Started the game on the hill for the Green but gave way to Josh Simon who picked up the win. Mike Goldsmith was 5 for 6 with 3 doubles. Hanzel finished with 3 hits, and 3 RBIs. Wade Schuknecht, Ryan Johnson, Dom DeLuca, and Adam Almich each had two hits.

ST. PATRICK BATS COME TO LIFE: The Irish slugged 18 hits in an 8-1 win at Lonsdale on Sunday. Luke Hanzel went 3 for 5 including a solo HR off former Irish pitcher Phil Tisdel, his first of the season. John Jenness continued his hitting ways with 3 singles and 2 RBI's. Colton Borwege, Jeff Bjerke, Mike Goldsmith, and Dom DeLuca all had 2 hits apiece. Craig Boser and DeLuca both knocked in 2 runs. Bill Dunker improved to 1-0 on the season, allowing a first inning run, then settling down, not allowing a runner to second base until the 8th inning, his last. Ryan johnson finished the game completing a scoreless 9th.

IRISH GAIN 1ST. WIN OF SEASON: In ugly fashion the Irish scored 3 runs in the bottom of the eighth. Two on a 2 run wild pitch, followed by a Jake Malz single. Malz recorded the Irish's first RBI of the season. John Jenness was 2 for 2, and was hit by 2 pitches. Jenness also had a very solid game behind the dish and is starting to look real comfortable in green. Bill Dunker was strong allowing a run over 6 innings of work, striking out 8. Tom Kreuser picked up the win in relief, pitching the final 3 frames.

IRISH FALL IN OPENER: St. Patrick's pitching and defense were solid but the bats wouldn't wake up as they mustered only 6 hits in a 2-1 loss in Prior Lake. 6 different players had hits led by AdamaAlmich's 5th inning double. He would later score on a throwing error. Bill Dunker went 5 innings striking out five. Tom Kreuser pitched 3 1/3 solid innings in relief before giving way to Ryan Johnson with a man on third and one out in the ninth. A wild pitch decided the game. Kreuser takes the hard luck loss.

2008 IRISH PREVIEW: The Irish begin 2008 a little hungrier than the year before after failing to make it to the State Tournament for the first time since 2003. The Irish lose Mike Sticha after 2 years on the team. Mike played outfield primarily and when not starting was the first pinch running option. Mike plans on umpiring this summer. Johnny Johnson threattens to hang 'em up after playing for the Irish since 1993. The jury is still out as the weather gets nicer. Phil Tisdel will defect to rival Lonsdale this summer hoping for a little more playing time on the infield and a few more innings on the mound. Phil was getting things turned around here after a rocky start. Matt Ambroz led the way hitting .357. He returns from his fresman year at the Univ. of Nebraska- Omaha some time in mid to late May, although he plans to be home for the opener. Wade Schuknecht hit .342 and Mathew Pexa .311. Jeff Bjerke took sole posession of the HR lead on the last night of the season. He finished with 5, one ahead of then rookie Luke Hanzel. Ben Scheffler was the only other Irish with more than 1 (2). Returning to head the Irish pitching staff is veteran Bill Dunker who finished 11-2 with a 2.17 ERA which ballooned after a rough start in Belle Plaine. Dunker struck out 100 batters while just walking 15 and also recorded 2 saves. The Irish are exited about what they have seen from left-handed N.P.H.S. Senior Derek Bergstrom. Derek finished with a 1.74 ERA last season in limited time. Tom Kreuser returns after a strong 6-4 season and will search for consistancy. Other returning pitchers include Ryan Johnson who finished strong down the stretch, Jake Malz, and Dom DeLuca. The Irish will again be led by Monte Hennen.