The Granite Falls Kilowatts have made a striking return to the Minnesota State Amateur Baseball Tournament, ending a 15‑year drought with a decisive 6‑3 victory over Stark in the regional final. The win was highlighted by a complete‑game effort from Bennett Knapper, who struck out twelve batters and allowed only two earned runs.
At the plate, Brody Dack launched a solo home run and drove in two runs, while Hunter Wilke added a triple, scored a run and contributed two RBIs. Supporting hits from Nikson Knapper and Bryce Snepper gave the Kilowatts a balanced offense, and Brandon Helget’s double and subsequent run kept Stark within striking distance.
The victory earned Granite Falls the third seed in the tournament, setting up a Saturday afternoon matchup at 3 p.m. in Sleepy Eye against the winner of the Springfield‑Leavenworth game, which was decided Friday at Johnson Park in New Ulm.
A Historic Return to the State Stage
The atmosphere in Sleepy Eye is electric as local supporters gather to cheer for a team that last appeared in the state tournament in 2007. Coach Tom Elliott and veteran Jon Kopacek have been instrumental in shaping the squad’s strategy, blending seasoned guidance with the energy of younger players like Hunter Wilke.
Beyond the scores, the Kilowatts’ resurgence reflects a broader revival of community interest in amateur baseball across the region, drawing fans to venues that have hosted generations of summer competition. The championship bracket also features teams from Hanska and Courtland battling at 6 p.m. on Saturday in Sleepy Eye, adding another layer of excitement to the weekend’s schedule.