A Historic Win in Jordan
The Atwater Chuckers delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, routing the Nimrod Gnats 10‑0 in seven innings to record the program’s first ever state tournament victory. The win marks a milestone for a small town team with over a century of history, propelling them into the second weekend of the 32‑team single‑elimination Class C tournament.
Leading the charge on the mound, left‑hander Josh Kingery tossed six shutout innings, surrendering just one hit while striking out eight batters and walking none. His brother, David Kingery, provided the offensive spark, going 4‑for‑5 with two runs and two RBIs, earning MaxBats player of the game honors.
Jaxon Behm added a double and two RBIs, delivering the decisive RBI single that invoked the 10‑run rule and sealed the win. The Chuckers played flawless defense, turning no errors and recording hits from eight different batters, underscoring the team’s cohesion.
Left‑hander Josiah Utsch closed the game with a scoreless seventh inning, preserving the shutout and allowing the offense to pull away. The error‑less play and eight‑player hit parade highlighted the team’s well‑rounded performance.
Next Opponent: Hanska Lakers
With the victory, Atwater advances to face the Hanska Lakers at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Mini Met in Jordan. The venue, one of Minnesota’s premier baseball parks, has previously hosted the team, giving the young players a comfortable environment as they pursue further historic milestones.
The Chuckers’ experience at Jordan’s Mini Met, combined with their disciplined pitching and potent hitting, positions them as a formidable contender in the upcoming match. Fans and teammates alike anticipate another strong showing as the team looks to extend its remarkable run.