The County Line League championship game unfolded in Paynesville, Minnesota, where the New London-Spicer Twins faced off against the Starbuck Stars in a tightly contested showdown.
The Twins exploded for five runs in the opening frame, setting an early tone that seemed to promise an easy victory.
A first-inning onslaught
The Twins' early burst gave them a comfortable lead, but the Stars refused to fold, answering back in the fifth to knot the score at 6-6.
Key performances
Hunter Magnuson went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs, while Jett Salonek collected two doubles, a walk and three RBIs, driving the Twins' offense. Jordan Ellingson earned the win in relief, tossing 4 ⅔ innings of one-hit, one-run baseball with eight strikeouts and six walks.
Starbuck's lineup was led by Dylan Alexander, who went 2-for-3 with a double, two runs and an RBI, and Jackson Hendrickson, whose solo homer accounted for three of the Stars' runs. Austin Ver Steeg also contributed a 2-for-3 effort, adding two walks, two runs and an RBI.
Looking ahead
The victory not only crowned the Twins as league champions but also secured a berth for both teams in the Region 8C tournament. NLS will await their next challenger, scheduled for a 6 p.m. Friday matchup, while Starbuck prepares to host Elrosa at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, August 8.