Alexandria Junior Legion Black’s journey through the Division I junior sub‑state F American Legion baseball tournament ended in a heartbreaking two‑game sweep in the championship, but the runner‑up finish still guarantees the team a home‑field advantage at the upcoming state tournament.
Early Momentum
The Black squad opened the competition with a 5‑2 victory over Perham, a win highlighted by Mitchel Bartosiewski’s offensive spark.
Overcoming the Deficit
Building on that momentum, Alexandria erased an early four‑run hole to post a 10‑4 triumph over Fergus Falls, showcasing resilience and depth.
Road to the Title
A 9‑8 win over Bemidji secured a spot in the championship round, setting up a rematch with the same opponent.
Championship Clash
Bemidji answered back with a 17‑7 blowout in the first game, then forced a decisive second contest by edging Alexandria 12‑11 in a tightly contested affair.
The final game saw the Black team rally from a multi‑run deficit, narrowing the gap before Bemidji pulled away to seal the series.
Looking Ahead
With the championship behind them, Alexandria will begin its quest for the state title on July 30 at Knute Nelson Memorial Park, hosting the tournament for the first time.