Playoff Action Across Central Minnesota
The Sub‑State 11 Division I playoffs concluded with Cold Spring Post 455 delivering a decisive 7‑0 victory over the Willmar American Legion squad, ending the latter’s season in the early rounds. The game, played on a crisp evening in Minnesota, saw Cold Spring’s Jace Griffin dominate the mound, tossing a one‑hitter with a single strikeout and no walks.
Griffin’s effort was complemented by a potent offensive display from Nolan VanLoy, who went 3‑for‑4 and scored twice, and Noah Olmscheid, who drove in three runs on a 2‑for‑4 performance. Max Fredin and Blake Kelly added multi‑hit contributions, while Eli Hagen managed the only hit for Willmar.
Other Regional Wins in Division II and South Sub‑State
In the Central Sub‑State Division II tournament, Holdingford surged past New London‑Spicer 10‑3. Ethan Nelson contributed a 2‑for‑4 effort with two RBIs, while Cole Laughlin and Brecken Westby each added multi‑hit performances.
Granite Falls also advanced, defeating Montevideo 8‑4. Caysen Lien was a standout, going 3‑for‑3 with a double, a hit‑by‑pitch, three runs and three RBIs, and Caleb Klassen homered for Montevideo.
BOLD posted a 3‑0 shutout over Madison, highlighted by Edgar Kopel’s one‑hitter that struck out eleven and walked one. Ayden Buboltz and Marcus Benson each collected two hits for BOLD.
MACCRAY rounded out the action with a 5‑1 win against Prinsburg. Aaden Strommer drew two walks and was hit by a pitch twice, while Nolan Thissen also reached base twice via walks. Zayden Nurmi went 2‑for‑3 with a walk for MACCRAY.
These results underscore the competitive depth of Minnesota’s American Legion baseball circuit, where teams from small towns regularly contend in tightly contested regional battles. The American Legion, the national organization that sponsors the program, continues to provide structure and community support for the sport across the state.