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May 3, 2025

The Holmen baseball team hit the road for a non-conference doubleheader on Saturday, May 3, squaring off with a talented Menomonie squad from the Big Rivers Conference. While the Vikings came up short in both games, the day was marked by strong individual performances, competitive innings, and moments that show this team is continuing to grow as the postseason approaches.

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Game 1 Recap: Menomonie 5, Holmen 2

Holmen jumped out to a quick start in Game 1. Senior Nolan Mashak set the tone with a double in the top of the first, later coming around to score on an RBI single by Jude Anderson, giving the Vikings a 1–0 lead. Mashak again ignited the offense in the third, reaching base and scoring Holmen’s second run to tie the game at 2–2.

Offensively, Braeden Linse had a perfect day at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a walk. His disciplined approach helped set up scoring opportunities, though Holmen was unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position in the later innings.

On the mound, Paul Goryl battled through six innings in a complete-game effort. He held Menomonie to just one earned run, allowing only six hits and striking out three. A few defensive miscues in the middle innings opened the door for Menomonie to plate three unearned runs that ultimately proved the difference.

Despite the loss, the Vikings played clean ball for most of the game and showed the ability to compete against a playoff-caliber opponent.

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Game 2 Recap: Menomonie 8, Holmen 6

The bats came alive in the second game of the twin bill, with Holmen matching Menomonie punch-for-punch through the early innings. Brennon Metzler led the way with a 2-for-3 effort at the plate, scoring twice and adding a stolen base. Nolan Mashak continued his hot streak, driving in two more runs with a pair of hits to finish the day 4-for-6 across both games.

Tyler Rosenow came through with a big two-RBI double in the fourth inning, cutting into a Menomonie lead and keeping Holmen within striking distance. He also scored a run and flashed leather on the infield, helping keep a tight game from breaking open early.

Freshman Brayden Wall provided a boost in relief, tossing three innings and limiting Menomonie to two earned runs while also reaching base and scoring a run in the sixth. Sophomore Kekoa Rodgers added an RBI single, while Jude Anderson chipped in another run-scoring hit to close the gap late.

Holmen mounted a rally in the seventh inning, bringing the go-ahead run to the plate, but Menomonie managed to shut the door with a strikeout to end the game.

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Looking Ahead

Though the scoreboard didn’t swing their way, the Vikings left Menomonie with a clearer picture of where they stand—and the tools they’ll need to sharpen as the regular season winds down. Pitching depth, timely hitting, and plate discipline were all on display at various points throughout the day.

With continued contributions up and down the lineup and growing confidence on the mound, Holmen will look to turn the corner in upcoming Mississippi Valley Conference matchups.