Minster Edges Wapakoneta in Pitcher's Duel with Timely Bunts

Wildcats use suicide squeeze plays and clutch hitting to claim 4-1 victory

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:21am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes, using a vibrant color palette of navy, green, and orange to capture the dynamic energy of the sport.Minster's strategic use of bunts and strong pitching proved decisive in their close victory over Wapakoneta.Wapakoneta Today

In a tightly contested baseball game, the Minster Wildcats defeated the visiting Wapakoneta team 4-1 on Monday. Minster used a pair of well-executed suicide squeeze bunts, along with strong pitching from Andrew Ketner and Dominic Meyer, to secure the win.

Why it matters

This game highlighted Minster's ability to execute the small details of the game, like bunting and playing solid defense, which often prove crucial in close matchups between evenly-matched teams. Minster's veteran coach Mike Wiss emphasized the importance of these fundamentals in winning close games late in the season.

The details

Minster struck first when Ty Hein scored on a Wapakoneta error in the bottom of the first to tie the game 1-1. In the fourth inning, Minster's Jace Hemmelgarn scored on a suicide squeeze bunt by Andrew Wiss to give the Wildcats a 2-1 lead. Wiss then added an insurance run with an RBI single in the sixth, and Minster tacked on another run with a suicide squeeze bunt by Johnny Inskeep. Dominic Meyer pitched four scoreless innings of relief to earn the win for Minster.

  • Wapakoneta scored their lone run in the top of the first inning.
  • Minster tied the game 1-1 in the bottom of the first inning.
  • Minster took a 2-1 lead with a suicide squeeze bunt in the fourth inning.
  • Minster added an insurance run with an RBI single in the sixth inning.
  • Minster scored their fourth run on a suicide squeeze bunt in the sixth inning.

The players

Andrew Ketner

Minster's starting pitcher, who threw the first three innings and allowed one run on three hits.

Dominic Meyer

Minster's relief pitcher, who threw four scoreless innings and earned the win.

Andrew Wiss

Minster's shortstop, who executed a suicide squeeze bunt to give Minster the lead and later added an RBI single.

Jace Hemmelgarn

Minster player who scored the go-ahead run on the suicide squeeze bunt in the fourth inning.

Mike Wiss

Minster's veteran head coach, who praised his team's execution of fundamental plays like bunting.

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What they’re saying

“We talk about the suicide squeeze at home sometimes, but mostly later in the year. Everybody on our team knows that this game isn't easy. And sometimes, against a really good team like Wapak, you have to do the little things, a sacrifice or a suicide squeeze, to put a run on the board...or another run on the board. You don't think about your batting average, you think about what it takes to win.”

— Andrew Wiss, Minster Shortstop

“All the little things that we did today are what wins baseball games. And against a team that swings the bat as well as Wapakoneta does, what Andrew Ketner (three innings) and Dominic Meyer (four innings) did...that was pretty good work.”

— Mike Wiss, Minster Head Coach

What’s next

Minster will look to build on this win as they continue their season, while Wapakoneta will aim to bounce back in their next matchup.

The takeaway

Minster's ability to execute fundamental plays like bunting and play strong defense proved to be the difference in this close game against a talented Wapakoneta squad. This victory highlights the importance of mastering the little things in baseball, especially for a veteran coach like Mike Wiss who has led his team to multiple state championships.