Sauk Prairie Twins have high hopes

Sauk Prairie’s Home Talent League team came within one win of capturing the league championship last season.   It was an unforgettable run that included three walk-off victories in the playoffs, highlighted by Sam Koenig’s walk-off grand slam in Round 1 of the Final Four versus Verona. Overall the Twins finished with a record of 25-9.   The Twins will start their new season the weekend of July 4, and they’ll do so with virtually the same roster from a year ago.  “2019 was a special season for us,” player/manager Lucas Koenig said. “When you win exciting games it has a tendency to bring the team together.   “By the end, we had great chemistry. In 2020 we will have to start over and find that camaraderie again. I am excited about our roster and playing time will be very competitive as guys push each other.”  Leading the way is Connor Leister, who established himself as one of the top pitchers in the league last season. Lester finished the year with a 1.87 ERA and threw a no-hitter. Offensively, the top of the order includes Alex Mayer, Sam Koenig, Dylan Slotty, Lucas Koenig, and Elliot Dederich, who all hit over .300.   Sam Koenig led the team with four home runs and an OPS of 1.036. Lucas Koenig led the team with an on-base percentage of .539, while Alex Mayer led the team with a .355 batting average.   The Twins will be without Taylor Koenig, who retired after playing the past 13 seasons. Taylor Koenig was a consistent presence in the Twins’ rotation for years, posting a 2.33 ERA over the past five seasons and throwing a no-hitter in 2012. “Taylor will be missed for his consistency on the mound and also his leadership,” Lucas Koenig said. “He is the most mentally tough pitcher I have caught and he always put the team’s success ahead of his own ego.” In all, the Twins are expecting another big year. “I anticipate our defense will be excellent,” Lucas Koenig said. “I will be looking for pitchers to step up to fill Taylor’s roll on the hill. I am also hoping for some guys to step up their hitting to improve our offensive output.”