West Allis NATIONALS Baseball

A safety squeeze by Mike Wajerski scored Jason Koconis in the fifth inning and proved to be the decisive run in Monday's 3-2 victory over the Kiwanis. With two outs and Koconis on third, Wajerski surprised Racine with a well-placed bunt down the third base line. Racine's catcher broke from behind the plate to make the play, but Koconis successfully eluded his tag and scored standing. The hustle play gave the Nationals a 3-0 lead at the time. The Nationals scored their first run in the first inning. After Wajerski flew out to lead off the game, Jake Paige singled, Alex Franson reached on an error, and Erik Dunn ripped an RBI single to left. The Nationals second run scored on a sacrifice fly by Tom Donovan in the third. That offense proved adequate for starting pitcher Joe Kissler. Kissler battled for all nine innings and was supported by error-free defense that included two outfield assists from Erik Dunn. Kissler's record improves to 6-0, though he did allow his first two earned runs of the season. The rival Cubs are next for the Nationals. The two teams square off in a Milwaukee Independent League doubleheader on Saturday night at Harden Field. First pitch is 6PM.

With the parent club taking a well-deserved holiday break, management had to look to the farm system for this week's Player of the Week recipient. Down at Wilson Park Alex Elliott proved worthy. Though official stats are not kept at the Rookie League level, scouts attested that Elliott's performance against the Yankees was "5 tool spectacular." Congrats to the Nationals top prospect for the 2013 season.

The Nationals met the Jetsetter Pilots for the first time on Saturday afternoon at Simmons Field. Having been off for two weeks, a bit of rust was evident for both teams. Despite the rust, the Nationals had little trouble disposing of the hapless Pilots. (0-14) Tim Ustruck toed the rubber in game one for the Nats, throwing 6 innings and allowing only 1 earned run. Ustruck, though not sharp, effectively mixed his pitches and achieved a career high with 8 strikeouts. Mike Wajerski and Jake Paige led the offense. Wajerski scored 4 runs while Paige scored 2 and knocked in two. Game two saw Joe Kissler and his sparkling ERA take the hill. Joe threw two more scoreless innings before departing with arm soreness. Jim Dettman threw the final five frames for the victory. Tom Donovan led the offense with a single and a double and 3 RBI's. Jim Dettman contributed 3 hits, and Mike Wajerski added 2. Next up for the Nationals are the Land O' Lakes League's Racine Kiwanis. The teams will square off Monday night at Zirkel Field in McCarty Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7PM.

Tuesday's game versus the Jetsetter Pilots was cancelled due to rain. This game will be made up as part of a Doubleheader on Saturday July 12 at Simmons Field. The start of the FIRST GAME HAS BEEN CHANGED TO 12 NOON. The second game will begin 15-20 minutes after the completion of game 1.

While the Nationals do not endorse or condone gambling, they do acknowledge that adults will choose to engage in this seedy activity. In fairness to all bookmakers, the following is a roster update: Joe Reisinger: Broken Fibula; out indefinitely; Surgery on June 20 Jim Jungbauer: Elbow ligament tear; Target Return: July 15 New Signing: Erik Dunn, outfield/catcher, June 21 Jason Koconis, infield, June 21