EMMONS – Louie Toulouse already knew it was tough to beat a good team three times in one season.

Tuesday, July 24, 2001

EMMONS – Louie Toulouse already knew it was tough to beat a good team three times in one season.

On Monday, he learned it’s even tougher to do it four times.

Toulouse’s Glenville-Emmons American Legion baseball team lost 11-0 in the opening round of the West First District Tournament to Blooming Prairie, an opponent G-E beat three times this summer.

&uot;I think it’s just that old adage, ‘It’s tough to beat a team three times in one season,’&uot; said Toulouse. &uot;We found out it’s tough to beat a team four times in one season.&uot;

Like the first three meetings, Monday’s game at Emmons was close – at least at the start. But some errors allowed four unearned runs to score in the top of the second inning and that, according to Toulouse, opened the flood gates.

&uot;Everything they did was right, and we did very few things right,&uot; said Toulouse. &uot;They turned four double plays. Every time we hit the ball, it was right at someone.&uot;

Mitch Meier started on the mound for G-E and deserved a better fate. In three innings he struck out six and walked none while giving up eight runs – only one of them earned – on eight hits.

Richie Mathis pitched the final three innings. He allowed three earned runs on five hits, with two walks and no strikeouts.

Glenville-Emmons had only three hits, one single each by Paul Kleven, Matt Learn and Matt Webb.

The loss dropped G-E’s record to 7-7. The team has a bye in Wednesday’s second round of the double-elimination tournament and plays again Friday against an opponent to be determined.