The Montevideo American Legion baseball team captured the West Central Sub‑State SouthWest Pod title on Tuesday, sweeping a doubleheader against Dawson to claim the championship. The victory sends the squad to the West Central final four, where they will meet Parkers Prairie in a highly anticipated showdown.
Playoff Landscape Takes Shape
Montevideo’s offense was anchored by Griffin Epema, who went 4‑for‑4 and drove in 11 runs, while Brody Dack added a 3‑for‑4 effort and stole two bases. Lathen Nipple contributed a 2‑for‑2 showing and scored three times, helping the team pull away in both games.
Other regional pods delivered dramatic finishes as Redwood Falls secured the SouthEast championship by edging BOLD, with Landon Stoneberg going 3‑for‑3 and delivering two RBIs. Meanwhile, Glenwood‑Lowry clinched the NorthEast Pod after Benson forfeited the scheduled title game; Marc Gruber led the winners with a 4‑for‑5 performance and three RBIs, supported by AJ Svec and Braylen Scharmer.
The upcoming final four will also feature standout performances from elsewhere in the bracket, including a pitcher’s duel between Eden Valley‑Watkins’ Gabriel Schmitt and New London‑Spicer’s Logan Swenson, and St. Cloud Chutes’ five‑run sixth inning that powered a win over Paynesville. In the Central Sub‑State elimination bracket, Nowthen advanced with a five‑run first inning.
Coaches and teammates alike praised the collective effort, noting that the depth of talent across the state signals a competitive future for Minnesota baseball. With the championship games looming, fans can expect high‑stakes matchups that will shape the next generation of regional stars.