Perham-The Nimrod Gnats and the Bertha Blazers both advanced to the Region 14C Winner’s Bracket final with victories on Saturday evening at Al Krueger Field at Tuffy’s Stadium in Perham.
The Blazers breezed to a 22-2 victory over New York Mills, while Nimrod squeaked past Midway, 3-2, setting up a 5 p.m. contest, with the winner earning a trip to state.
Four Bertha pitchers combined on a two-hitter in the victory. Patrick Riewer picked up the win. He went four innings, allowing just one hit.
NYM’s Jeff Hamann was tagged with the loss for the Millers. He allowed seven runs in two innings of work.
Dakota Aeling continued his strong hitting in the regions. He finished with three runs batted in on four hits. He connected for a home run, his third of the tournament.
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Marcus Riewer finished with three hits and three runs batted in, while Patrick Riewer and Mike Blom drove in three runs each.
It was a different path for Nimrod to the winner’s bracket final. They defeated the Midway Snurdbirds, 3-2, after falling behind, 2-0, in the second inning.
Nimrod scratched a run across in the third and overcame Midway in the fifth inning with a pair of runs.
Gunner Johnson earned the win for Nimrod. He went nine innings, allowing just two runs on six hits. He struck out 12 Snurdbirds.
Jake Lund suffered the loss for Midway. He went the distance as well. He gave up three runs, one earned, while walking three and striking out 11.
Chris Baso and Steve Wetterling finished with two hits each to lead the Snurdbirds.
Cody Pulju finished with three hits and a run batted in for the Gnats.
In an earlier elimination game, Staples breezed past the Park Rapids Esox, 9-1.
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NG 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0-3 11 2
MS 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-2 6 2
WP: Gunner Johnson
LP: Jake Lund
HR: None
NYM 0 0 0 0 0 2 0-2 2 6
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BB 4 3 2 4 5 4 x-22 19 0
WP: Patrick Riewer
LP: Jeff Hamann
HR: Jeff Hamann
Dakota Aeling
Mike Blom
