The Minot Hot Tots are back in action tonight after a long break between games in today’s doubleheader against the Duluth Huskies. Game one went to Duluth in a 5-2 decision. Evan Kleinhans carried a no-hitter through 5 1⁄3 but Minot could not find the run support to grab a lead in that time; Duluth led 1-0 when Kleinhans was pulled. 

      The Hot Tots game two starter will be Camden Dimidjian. Dimidjian pitched against the Huskies earlier this season which resulted in a 5-4 loss. He had a great start, going five innings allowing just three hits and one run. However, Minot ended up giving up their 4-1 lead in the final three innings. In today’s game, Dimidjian is looking to attack Duluth’s hitters. In a conversation with him this afternoon, he said that he wanted to stick with his fastball, saying that it does not light up the radar gun, partially due to his Tommy John surgery from two years ago, but it still fools hitters low in the zone. He is looking to stay low over the plate to give Duluth a harder time finding powerful barrels. He added that he is willing to mix up his pitches if need be, particularly going to low-low breaking balls in two-strike counts. Dimidjian has a 4.00 ERA across eighteen innings of work. 

      Henry Allen, as expected, is the Hot Tots go-to man for clutch hits. He hit a home run in this morning’s game and is batting .333 this season with a .954 OPS. Allen said in a conversation during batting practice today that he has learned from his mistakes against Duluth earlier this season and will look to make an impact in the number-two spot in the lineup. However, batting is not the only place Allen makes a difference. He also makes a lot of plays on defense in a lot of different positions; both infield and outfield. After playing third base yesterday and left field earlier today, he will move to right field.

      The Hot Tots and Huskies face off at 6:35 tonight. Come to Corbett Field or tune in on Northwoods League+.

Written by Ethan Jennings