After missing the Region playoffs in 2005 for the first time in recent memory, the Perham Pirates had a clear mission this season...dominate the HI-10 and get back in position to make another run at the State Tournament.
The Pirates cruised through the league this summer, going 13-3 and taking yet another HI-10 regular season title. Their hopes of gaining the postseason crown as well got off to a good start last Friday with a 5-3 win over Wadena-Deer Creek in a first round playoff game.
After getting out of a two-on and no-out jam in the top of the first, the Pirates got on the board in their half of the inning on a RBI single by Matt Olson, scoring Phil Kirchner.
Perham struck again in the bottom of the second when Noah Johnson's RBI single scored Matt Richter, giving the Pirates a 2-0 lead.
The Shockers broke through against Perham starter Matt Olson in the top of the third. Travis George lined a one-out single into right field and a wicked hop turned it into a stand-up double. Next, Jamie George followed with an infield hit Jason Brueske walked to load the bases. After a strikeout, J.J. Truax hit three-run double to right, giving W-DC a 3-2 lead.
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After Perham tied the game in the fourth on an RBI double by Johnson, they regained the lead for good in the seventh.
Johnson led off with a double and scored on a single by Kirchner for the go-ahead run. Kirchner later scored an insurance run on a RBI single by Jon Kotaska.
W-DC had their chances to break open the game, but they left the bases loaded in the sixth and seventh innings before the Pirates took control.
Olson went the distance in the win for Perham, scattering nine hits while walking four. Jamie George pitched just as well for the Shockers as he allowed eight hits and walked four.
Offensive defense
If Perham wants to advance to the Region 14C playoffs, they will have to do it through the losers bracket after a 9-3 loss to Bluffton in the HI-10's second round.
A poor defensive effort by the Pirates lead to seven errors. Bluffton took advantage by scoring three times in the third and six runs in the seventh.
Meanwhile the Braves Dustin Geiser allowed just six hits to Perham over nine innings for the win. Kotaska took the loss for Perham in six-plus innings of work.
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Bluffton beat New York Mills 4-3 Friday night in their first round game. The Braves have assured themselves a spot in the upcoming Region 14C playoffs.
Elimination game
Perham will now play New York Mills on Friday night at a site to be determined due to the District VFW tournament in Perham. The loser will be knocked out of the playoffs, the winner will advance to face Bluffton for the HI-10 title on Sunday.
Both first and second place teams from the HI-10 will advance to the 14C Tournament, which begins August 3.
New York Mills already won one elimination game as they beat W-DC, 5-3, on Sunday night.
