New faces have become the driving force of the Minot Hot Tots 2025 season. The Tots have found themselves in a sticky situation a few times so far this season but an expanding roster has led to some improvements. At the beginning of the Northwoods League season, there are many players who are unavailable for some of the opening games. However, with some new additions, the Hot Tots are looking to find their stride.

        One thing that has improved largely for the Minot Hot Tots over the last few games has been their pitching. When speaking to Hot Tots head coach Brian Lewis ahead of last Sunday’s game against the Mankato Moondogs, he discussed their bullpen reset that they had been patiently awaiting on their Wednesday off-day. Lewis was right about the bullpen finding a new gear after they gave up just two runs in that 6-2 win over the Bismarck Larks last night. Jason Masick made his Hot Tots debut yesterday as the starting pitcher. At Wagner in the spring, he was typically a reliever, pitching twenty-eight innings over twenty-one appearances. The Tots stretched his start over three innings where he gave up just one hit and two runs. Lucas Morici, who made his debut last Sunday, threw an excellent four innings, which included striking out the side with the bases loaded. He allowed just four baserunners while striking out seven. Nolan Girard finished things off, pitching the final two innings and giving up just one hit.

       Performances from position players have been on the rise for the Hot Tots as well. Last night, Matt Toomey hit his first home run of the season. There have, once again, been some new faces impressing the coaching staff; TJ Stottlemyre and Tate Vogler. Stottlemyre is a freshman from Cal State-Fullerton who has played in seven games so far for Minot. He has a .323 OBP in those games but it has been his defensive performance that has impressed so far. His .933 fielding percentage has been stellar and Coach Lewis has expressed his trust in him at shortstop. He went as far as to say that if Minot had held on in game two against Duluth, Stottlemyre would’ve been given the game ball just for his defensive performance. Vogler also made his debut this week in Monday’s game against Duluth. He just finished his freshman season with the 2025 Ivy League champions, the Columbia Lions. He made thirty starts this spring and recorded a .297 batting average. Coach Lewis mentioned that he had one of the best rounds of batting practice he had ever seen at one point this season.

        The Dakota Dust-Up Rivalry between the Minot Hot Tots and Bismarck Larks has seen three games so far this season, and they have all gone to the Hot Tots. Coach Lewis says that he and his team understand this rivalry between Minot and Bismarck and are determined to bring home the rivalry trophy for the first time in team history. Game four of the season between the Tots and Larks is tonight. In the spirit of Friday the 13th, the Hot Tots are holding Murder Mystery Night at Corbett Field, sponsored by Escape Point, at 6:35.

Written by Ethan Jennings