2025 Cottage Grove Coyotes Capture Their 6th TCMABL 18+ Championship!

 

Twin City MABL, 18+ Division

Coyotes 7, Sea Donkeys 0

 

The 2025 Cottage Grove Coyotes of the Twin City MABL won their sixth 18+ League Championship in franchise history (5 in the last 9 seasons) by defeating the Minneapolis Sea Donkeys by a final score of 7-0. The Coyotes finished their regular season 15-7 (19-7 overall) 3^rd place in the National Division.

 

The offensive attack was balanced and a force to be reckoned with all season long. Veterans Charlie Bartholomew (.421 AVG, .452 OBP, team leading 32 Hits and 19 RBI, 1 HR); Hans Heggernes (.495 OBP, 27 Hits, 19 RBI, 19 BB, 16 R); Tony Mueller (.432 OBP, 26 Hits, 20 R, 11 RBI, 11 SB); Spencer Scott (.473 OBP, 25 SB, 20 Hits, 21 R, 18 RBI); Chris Fleming (.390 OBP, 20 Hits, 15 R); Adam Devore (.510 OBP, 11 Hits, 10 BB, 4 HBP); Michael Hietpas (.377 OBP, 13 Hits, 13 R); and Mike Lippert (.353 OBP, 15 Hits, 13 R, 12 RBI); led the way offensively and established the tone for getting guys on base and driving them in.

 

Rookie catcher, Dylan Giglio broke out in the playoffs for the Yotes, capping off his rookie campaign with an excellent offensive season (.469 OBP, 14 Hits, 13 R, 3 2B, 9 RBI).

 

The offense was rounded out with solid performances by veterans Adam Olson (.304 OBP, 7 Hits, 8 R); Matt Ruben (9 Hits, 7 R); and Sam Jenson (.429 OBP, 8 Hits, 5 SB). Other notable, yet unforgettable Coyote and new Dad, David Eddy (.286 OBP, 3 BB, 3 R).

 

The Coyotes pitching staff (handled by Devore, Giglio, Bartholomew, Lippert & Jensen) were arguably the best staff in the TCMABL, allowing a league low 54 runs (41 earned) against in 22 regular season games and 10 Shutouts (3 in the playoffs).

Ace of the staff and 2025 Playoff MVP - Jason Eddy (7-3, 6 SHO, 77.2 IP, 1.17 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 91 K, 1 SV) has been a Yotes staple for years, and 2025 was no different. Jason also led the offense with 10 XBH (9 2B, 1 HR).

 

The Yotes staff was rounded out by Matt Grill (2-1, 1 SHO, 25.2 IP, 1.64 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 16 K, 1 SV) who was nearly unhittable in the Playoffs, with 2 W and a CG SHO; Alex Kreiling (3-3, 1 SHO, 31.2 IP, 3.54 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 26 K) was a horse on the mound for the Yotes all season long; and spot starters Charlie Bartholomew (4-0, 2 SHO, 23 IP, 0.91 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 16 K, 1 SV); Austin Jerylo (2-0, 13.2 IP, 2.56 ERA, 1.68 WHIP, 6 K, 1 win, 3 saves) and one unbelievable pitching performance by Spencer Scott (5.2 IP, 0 H, 13 K, 1 win).

 

After a missing a first-round playoff bye – the Yotes turned on the juice and never looked back. First up were the #6 seed Battalion Bats. The Yotes destroyed the Bats with a final score of 22-0, hitting up and down the lineup with 10 separate Coyotes picking up a hit.  Dylan Giglio led the charge going 2 for 3 with a 2B and 5 RBI.  Jason Eddy picked up the win in a CG Shutout.

 

Round two the Coyotes faced off against #2 seed - the Minneapolis Legends.  Matt Grill picked up the win, tossing a gem going all 9 innings in a 3 hit CG Shutout.  Charlie Bartholomew led the offense going 3 for 5.  The Coyotes moved on to the next round with a 4-0 win.

 

The semi-finals featured a matchup with longtime TCMABL rivals the #1 seed Eden Prairie Cardinals.  Matt Grill picked up the win on the mound going 7 innings with 7 strikeouts and allowing 3 Earned Runs.  Jason Eddy led the Offense going 3 for 4 with 2 doubles, 3 RBI and picked up the Save in 2 perfect innings of relief while adding 5 strikeouts.  Matt Ruben celebrated his 40^th Birthday by delivering a clutch 2 RBI Double late in the game to secure the win. The Coyotes advanced to the TCMABL Championship and handed the Cardinals their 2^nd loss of the season (both to the Coyotes) with a final score of 13-7. 

 

The championship game featured a rematch of the 2024 season and a chance for revenge against the Minneapolis Sea Donkeys.  Starter Andy Gaddis pitched well for the Sea Donkeys, but ultimately the dangerous Yotes bats came to life and chased him out of the game. Hans Heggernes got the scoring started and broke open a 0-0 tie with a clutch 2 out RBI single to score Rookie Dylan Giglio. The Yotes added 1 more run in the 6^th and 3 Runs in the 8^th before Jason Eddy blasted a 2 Run HR to put the game out of reach. Eddy was in full control, picking up the Win, finishing with 9 IP, CG Shutout (2^nd of the Playoffs) scattering 8 hits and striking out 4.  Final score Coyotes 7, Sea Donkeys 0.

 

In 4 playoff games, the Yotes offense pounded out 46 runs, 53 hits, 9 2B, 39 RBI, 9 SB, and 1 Jason Eddy long-ball to put a cherry on top of the Championship game. Matt Grill (2 W, 16 IP, SHO, 10 K, 2 BB, 1.31 ERA, .94 WHIP), Jason Eddy (2 W, 16 IP, 2 SHO, 11 K, 4 BB, 0.00 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) and the Coyotes Defense held playoff opponents to 7 runs (3 earned) and 3 shutouts in 4 games.