May 29, 2023
MINOT, ND – The St. Cloud Rox (1-0) opened the 2023 season in Minot, North Dakota with a 5-3 win over the Minot Hot Tots (0-1). Minot scored three runs in the first inning during their inaugural season home opener but the Rox held the Tots scoreless the rest of the game. The Rox rallied with a run in the 5th inning and four more runs in the 6th inning to take a lead.
Ryan Chmielewski (SW MN State) started the season opener for the Rox. In his first start he finished with 3.1 innings pitched and six strikeouts and no walks. Brandon Jaenke (Viterbo) would enter the game in the 4th inning and was dominant as he pitched 3.1 innings and also had six strikeouts and only one walk. He didn’t allow a run, and gave up only one hit to pick up his first win of the season. Connor Wietgrefe (University of Minnesota) closed out the game with a perfect 2.1 innings pitched with no walks and four strikeouts. The Southpaw picked up his first save of the season.
The Rox were led offensively by Ethan Navratil (St. Cloud State) who was 2-3 with a triple and was on base four times. Ben Vujovich (St. Thomas) added two hits for the Rox.
The All Star Trophy and Awards Star of the Game was Brandon Jaenke with his dominant appearance out of the bullpen.
The final game of the two game is Tuesday Night with a 6:35PM start at Minot. The Rox travel over to Bismarck for a two-game series starting on Wednesday and then return home to Joe Faber Field for the Rox home opener on Friday June, 2nd with a 7:05PM start. There will be a huge post-game fireworks show presented by Coborn’s. Former Minnesota Twins player Doug Mientikiewicz will toss out the ceremonial first pitch and be along throughout the game to sign autographs and take pictures with fans, For a complete game/promotional schedule, ticket information and everything Rox please visit www.stcloudrox.com
