Brainerd Braves win first game

Shortstop Matt Aberle hit a fourth inning, two-run double leading to a 4-2 Brainerd Braves win against the Harding Dinosaurs Friday in Victory League baseball at Don Adamson Field.

It was Brainerd's first win of the season as Tony Whitlock struck out 12, walked none and gave up two unearned runs for the win.

"It was a huge win for us because if we lose it puts us at 0-3," said Braves manager Derek Owen. "They're our big rival and it was a big division game.

"Tony came through big. He even said his pitches had a little more too them and his fastball had a little more pop. He was definitely on. Plus, we only committed two errors compared to five a game we had been committing.

"It was a huge win for us because we lose it puts us at 0-3."

Derek Owen

Braves manager

Catcher Nate Foss was 2-3 and Thor Wicklund was 2-3 with a run for Brainerd.

Harding's Eric Hanneken was 2-4 and Gary Woitalla was 2-3 with a run.

Harding -- 2 8 2

Brainerd -- 4 7 2

WP -- Tony Witlock. LP -- Dan Rocheleau. 2B -- Brd-Matt Aberle. Overall -- Brd 1-2, Hrd 1-2. Next game -- Brainerd hosts Lastrup 1:30 p.m. May 22.