Fort Atkinson Generals pitcher Rick Klotz talks about his 1-hit shutout in Thursday's Night League playoff game versus Stoughton.

SMOKIN’ STOUGHTON — Fort Atkinson Rick Klotz fired a one-hit shutout Thursday night to guide the Generals past visiting Stoughton, 3-0, in Thursday’s Eastern Section semifinal playoff game. Klotz allowed one hit and no walks while striking out two to pick up his second Night League playoff win of the season. The only Stoughton batter to pick up a base hit was erased one batter later by a 4-3 double play started by second baseman Tom Dehnert. With the win, Fort Atkinson advances to take on top-seeded McFarland, which defeated Albion 15-1 in Thursday’s other Section semifinal. The winner of Thursday’s game will advance to the Home Talent Night League Final Four. The Generals also continue Sunday League play this weekend at Jones Park versus Albion. — Daily Union photo by Josh Smith. UNDER THE TAG — Fort third baseman Corey Schoenherr can’t get the tag down in time to get Stoughton shortstop Aaron Nelson. Schoenherr was 0x2 in the game, but laid down a sac-bunt in the fourth inning that moved a pair of runners into scoring position. Both scored. — Daily Union photo by Josh Smith.

Fort Atkinson Generals manager Tim Garant said right-hander Rick Klotz was pumped up when Garant told him he would start Thursday's Home Talent Night League playoff game.

It showed on the field.

Klotz fired a one-hit shutout to carry the second-seeded Generals past the No. 3 Stoughton Merchants, 3-0, at Jones Park in a Eastern Section semifinal playoff contest.

With the win, Fort Atkinson advances to face No. 1 McFarland, which defeated No. 4 Albion, 15-1, Thursday night.

Klotz, who also earned the win in Fort Atkinson's 11-5 quarterfinal win over Jefferson a week ago, allowed just three base runners the entire game. Stoughton designated hitter Justin Moore led off the second with a single for the Merchant's only hit of the night. However, Moore was erased by a 4-3 double play one batter later.

Klotz did not walk a batter, but did hit shortstop Aaron Nelson with a pitch twice. The Fort Atkinson right-hander struck out two.

Fort Atkinson (23-9 overall, 9-3 Night League) got the only run it needed in the third inning. With two runners on, first baseman Dan Dean hit a broken-bat single down the third base line. The ball got past Merchant third baseman Ron Vosberg, which allowed Generals shortstop Sam Hartwick to score from second base.

The Generals scored two insurance runs in the fourth inning. Catcher Brandon Deuster led off the frame with a single before second baseman Tom Dehnert drew a walk.

Third baseman Corey Schoenherr laid down a beautiful bunt that died just in front of the plate. Schoenherr was thrown out at first, but advanced the runners into scoring position.

Left fielder Tyler Burns hit a shallow fly ball to right field, but it was deep enough for Deuster to sprint home just ahead of the throw for a sacrifice fly. After the play at the plate, Dehnert alertly advanced to third, sliding head first and beating the tag by an eyelash.

Then Klotz helped his own cause, stroking a single to the outfield to drive in the final run of the ball game.

Dean and Deuster paced the Generals with 2-for-3 efforts. Chris Koepke, Scott Kammer, Luke Sherratt and Klotz all finished with one hit each.

Stoughton's Erik Sperloin was saddled with the loss, giving up eight hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out one while surrendering three earned runs.

Fort Atkinson is now one game away from the Night League Final Four. The Generals will travel to McFarland Thursday for the Eastern Section final versus the host Muskies.

The first pitch is set for 7:30 p.m.