Bombers edged by Middleton

Drew Farrell has become the most senior member of Middleton’s Home Talent League team. And much like a vintage Cabernet Sauvignon, Farrell seemingly improves with age. Farrell threw a complete-game, four-hitter and led Middleton to a 3-1 win over host Black Earth in a game held last Friday. The 29ers improved to 3-1 on the year, while Black Earth slipped to 2-3. “Black Earth is a really tough team,” Middleton co-manager Jacob Ross said. “Playing Black Earth on a Friday night is something I personally, and our team as a whole, looks forward to each year because of the cool atmosphere. And it is always a really close, tight game.” Farrell was the difference in this game, though. Farrell walked just one, and after giving up a second inning run, blanked the Bombers the rest of the night. “Drew Farrell was fantastic,” Ross said. “The defense made some big plays to get out of a jam in the second inning, but Farrell was able to keep the bases clean for the most part other than that inning.” Offensively, Hayden Hellenbrand had a tremendous game, going 4-for-4 with his first home run and a walk.  With Middleton trailing, 1-0, Hellenbrand ripped a solo home run in the third inning to tie the game. In the sixth, Middleton’s Brady Schmitt led off with a single and moved to second after a sacrifice bunt by Kyle Ripp. Connor Manthey then delivered an RBI single to give Middleton a 2-1 lead. Then in the ninth, Jacob Ross singled and was replaced by pinch runner Jackson  Rademacher. Stephen Paulsen followed with an RBI single to score Rademacher with an insurance run. “We had several chances to score throughout the game, but got clutch hits by both Connor Manthey and Stephen Paulsen,” Ross said. • On deck: Middleton hosts Waunakee Sunday at 1 p.m.