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St. James Area has a much-improved team in 2025.
That squad was on display on Friday as the Saints swept the Arrows in a Big South Conference doubleheader at A’s City Field.
St. James easily defeated PAS in Game One, 14-3, while coming through with a 4-3 conquest in eight innings during the second game.
“St. James has a good team,” PAS head coach Rick Zollner noted. “They are athletic, and they threw two good pitchers at us.”
Pipestone Area Schools’ Luka Quist (left) prepares to tag out St. James Area’s John Boelke during a Big South Conference doubleheader on Friday, April 25, at A’s City Field. The Arrows made some fine plays; however, the Saints still swept this twinbill. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
In the distant past, the Saints were a Minnesota powerhouse under two-time state Hall of Famer Howard Schmidtke, who coached there for more than four decades. Schmidtke is great-grandfather to Pipestone A’s head coach Avery Ploeger.
PAS had a chance to win the second game; however, the Arrows made costly gaffes during the bottom of the sixth — which only extended the inning.
Reggie Blom knotted the score at 3-all in the second game. Blom was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored on John Boelke’s bunt.
Wyatt Haler pushed across the winning run for St. James on Sawyer Olson’s RBI single.
Olson was the starter in Game Two, striking out six and allowing two earned runs. However, Talyn Tande was the winning pitcher of record.
St. James spoiled another fine pitching performance from Arrow senior Weston Reinhard, who threw 7-2/3 innings with 10 strikeouts. Reinhard yielded four runs (three earned) on five hits and he issued one hit batsman.
PAS’ Nick Bruns served as catcher in the second game for Landon Johnson, which was a baptism by fire. Johnson served as designated hitter, going 1-for-3 with a walk.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Nick Bruns frames a pitch during Game Two of a doubleheader versus St. James Area. Bruns played in place of Landon Johnson. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
PAS head a 2-0 lead after five innings only to see St. James deadlock the score at 2-all after six.
Nohel Vivanco gave the Arrows what proved to be a fleeting 3-2 lead in the eighth. Overall, the Arrows left eight runners on base and batted 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position.
Trevor Chaulsett was hit by an Olson pitch, and later scored on Landon Quist’s RBI single. Vivanco then grounded out into a double play.
Pipestone Area Schools’ head baseball coach Rick Zollner motions Trey Boelman to head for home plate. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Trey Boelman walked and scored in the fifth inning as Chaulsett ripped a double to left center field. Vivanco walked, and the threat persisted.
However, Landon Quist and Johnson both struck out.
Judson Brekke and Haler scored runs for St. James in the sixth.
Chaulsett was the lone Arrow to have multiple hits in the game, and Zayne Zollner also had a hit for the Arrows in the No. 6 slot.
Diamond notes
PAS (3-6) played a single game versus Luverne on Tuesday before traveling to Jackson County Central Thursday. The Arrows will be home for a doubleheader Friday versus Blue Earth Area.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Zayne Zollner pitched for the Arrows during a doubleheader versus St. James Area from Friday, April 25. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
BASEBALL
Linescores
Friday, April 25
Big South Conference
At A’s City Field
Game One
St. James Area 14, Pipestone Area 3
Score By Innings
SJA 3 0 2 0 2 5 2 — 14 12 1
PAS 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 — 3 11 4
WP: Talyn Tande, SJA
LP: Zayne Zollner, PAS
3B: Reggie Blom, SJA
2B: Wyatt Haler, Max Westman and Talyn Tande, SJA; no extra-base hits for PAS
Game Two
St. James Area 4,
Pipestone Area 3 (8)
Score By Innings
PAS 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 — 3 4 3
SJA 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 — 4 5 0
WP: Talyn Tande, SJA
LP: Weston Reinhard, PAS
2B: Trevor Chaulsett, PAS; No extra-base hits for SJA