July 2025

CROSS PLAINS — On a hot, sweltering summer Sunday, Devin Romine was as cool as a cucumber.

With temperatures pushing 90 degrees, the Cross Plains right hander tossed six innings of no-hit ball against visiting Sauk Prairie in the quarterfinals of the Home Talent League’s Northern Section playoffs.

Romine’s gem — and an offense that came to life in the later innings — helped the Businessmen post an 11-2 win over visiting Sauk Prairie.

“Devin was outstanding today,” Cross Plains manager Randy Meinholz said. “Every time I call on him, he has amazed me. We’re very fortunate that he’s pitched the way he has for us this year. He has been a force.”

Romine worked seven innings to pick up the win, allowing two hits and five baserunners while striking out six.

Cross Plains improved to 7-6 and will travel to Ashton (11-2) for a Northern Section semifinal game Sunday at 1 p.m.

“We are the mustard capital of the world now,” declared Barry Levenson, founder of the National Mustard Museum in Middleton. “With all apologies to Dijon, France, and French’s mustard, we are the capital of mustard.”

ASHTON — Many would agree that there was no better place to be on Sunday than watching a Home Talent League game at the local ‘Field of Dreams.’

The two best teams in the Northern Section — Middleton and Ashton — went head-to-head for the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

There was certainly a lot of offense, as both teams combined to amass 16 runs, 23 hits and four home runs. The visiting Middleton 29ers had the edge where it mattered most, though.

First baseman Alden Cleary blasted a three-run home run and was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle, while left fielder Drew Farrell came on in relief to slam the door and spark Middleton to a thrilling 10-6 victory over the host Ashton A’s on Fan Appreciation Day.

“This was a game we had marked when the calendar came out,” said Cleary, who finished with three hits. “We knew it was going to be a big game. They have great fans, and it’s a fun place to play.”