Elk River secured the top seed in the state American Legion baseball tournament after a tightly contested 2-1 victory over Maple Grove on Tuesday night. The win underscores the team’s resilience and sets the stage for a high‑stakes showdown at the upcoming state tournament.
Oliver Taynton opened the scoring with his third homer in two games, launching a ball over the fence in the first inning. The lead was short‑lived, however, as David Mulcahy answered for Elk River with a homer of his own in the bottom half, knotting the game at one.
Caydn Schrempp’s single in the second inning drove in Bennett Masey, giving Elk River a 2‑1 edge. The slim margin held as the game progressed, with Maple Grove unable to mount a comeback.
Relief pitcher Bennett Masey entered to shut down Maple Grove’s late rally, earning the save after starter Charlie Dahle had put Elk River on the board. The bullpen’s composure proved decisive in the final innings.
State Tournament Schedule
Elk River will open state tournament play against Farmington in Sleepy Eye on Thursday afternoon. The matchup promises a clash of top‑seeded talent and a chance for the team to defend its regional dominance.
Wayzata, after a hard‑fought win over Maple Grove, earned the second state tournament berth and will meet Owatonna at Riverside Park in Springfield on Thursday morning. Both teams are poised to carry their momentum into the next round.
The tournament promises a blend of seasoned power and emerging talent, with fans eager to see how the newly seeded teams navigate the competition. As the games approach, anticipation builds across the region.