For the first time in Class B state amateur tournament history, the Garretson Blue Jays will play in the title game.
The Blue Jays knocked off the Dell Rapids Mudcats 7-4 in the semifinals of the Class B state amateur tournament on Saturday at Cadwell Park.
Garretson (18-6) will now play in the state title game at 2 p.m. on Saturday against the Alexandria.
Garretson surrendered three runs against the Mudcats in the first inning, but it did not allow another run until the sixth inning.
The Blue Jays, meanwhile, scored all their runs in the first three innings and that was enough. Garretson scored three runs in the top of the third inning to go ahead 7-3. Brady Bonte smacked a two-RBI single to highlight the inning.
ADVERTISEMENT
Dustin Steckler earned the win for Garretson. He pitched the complete game and allowed four earned runs. He scattered eight hits and struck out seven batters.
Zach Lukes paced the Blue Jays at the plate. He hit two singles and a triple.
The Mudcats used three pitchers in the game. Drew Sweeter started and took the loss for the Mudcats. He gave up six hits, five runs (two earned) and struck out two batters in two innings.
Matt Wilber pitched a 1/3 of an inning. He allowed three hits and two runs.
Dell Rapids then brought in ace Jared Donahue to pitch the final 6 2/3 innings. He struck out 13 batters and gave up only three hits, but Dell Rapids' offense could not get going.
The Mudcats finish their season 19-7.
Garretson 313 000 000-7 12 1
Dell Rapids 300 001 000-4 8 3
ADVERTISEMENT
WP: Dustin Steckler. LP: Drew Sweeter. Pitchers: Dustin Steckler and Brady Bonte; Drew Sweeter, Matt Wilber (3), Jared Donahue (3) and Jeremy Van Heel. 2B: Jared Donahue, Grant Olson. 3B: Zach Lukes.
