WINSTED – One of the biggest surprises this season was the Winsted Wildcats. Not that they are back at the Region 7C Tournament once again, but the fact they are back as the No. 2 seed after an impressive regulars season.
All season long the Winsted Wildcats have been winning their own way. After posting a 10-3 overall record this season, the Wildcats are looking for even more as the No. 2 seed.
The Wildcats have won games this season in a variety of ways. The one constant that will remain for them in the Region 7C Tournament is pitching and defense.
The names Shane Khan and Jake Volness are familiar ones when it comes to Winsted. Those two have carried the load for the Wildcats on the mound the past few seasons, but the addition and growth of a couple of younger pitchers have given Winsted one of the best pitching staffs in the CRVL this season.
The emergence of Leighton Buhr and Alex Heimerl has been huge for Winsted this season. Both have delivered big performances on the mound all season long, ultimately giving Khan and Volness some extra rest when needed. That extra rest proved to be big this season as the Wildcats and the other teams in the CRVL were forced to play a 13-game schedule in a little over a month.
Winsted also features a couple of key relief pitchers that only help the staff. Jake Prehn and Brady Jenkins are both the perfect mix up for Winsted late in games, and it’s worked all season long. In their 13 league games this season, the Wildcats have only allowed more than four runs in two of them.
As their pitching took a big step forward this season, Winsted also relies on their defense. Ryan Quast has turned himself into one of the most consistent shortstops in the league. Prehn holds down the right side of the field at second, while Tesch (dirty jersey and all), is one of the more overlooked third basemen in the league.
Winsted hasn’t been at the state tournament since 2016. As the No. 2 seed, they’ll be looking to get back there after having one of their best regular seasons in the past decade.
Gregg Kohler has been a key addition for the Wildcats this season. Coming back to the team for the first time since 2016, Kohler provides a veteran presence and leadership for Winsted.
Winsted opens Region 7C play at home against Mayer Saturday, Aug. 8 at 3 p.m. at Denis M. Campbell Field.