The Raymond Rockets secured a 4-2 victory over the Nisswa Lightning in the Class B State Amateur Baseball Tournament, a win highlighted by Caleb Ditmarson's three-run home run in the seventh inning that swung the momentum decisively in their favor.
The Rockets' success was built on a collective effort: Esau Nelson shut down the opposition with three scoreless relief innings, while Ian Koosman, Tyler Steen, Eli Nelson and Brady Kienitz each contributed timely hits that kept the offense rolling.
Nisswa had taken a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth, sparked by a wild pitch and a solo home run from Nate DeChaine, but the Rockets answered back, turning the tide with Ditmarson's decisive blast.
Meanwhile, the Elrosa Saints defeated the Dumont Saints 3-0, with Ashton Dingmann delivering a complete-game shutout and Jackson Peter adding a triple that drove in an RBI.
Quarterfinal Outlook
The Saints will now meet the Glencoe Brewers in a forthcoming showdown, while the Rockets are set to square off against the Watertown Red Devils on September 5, a team that earlier edged the Sauk Rapids Cyclones 1-0.
With both Raymond and Elrosa advancing, the quarterfinals promise a clash of pitching prowess and timely hitting, as teams look to capitalize on recent momentum.
The tournament’s blend of tight games and standout performances underscores the competitive depth of Class B baseball this season.