The 2026 Minnesota State Baseball Tournament opened Thursday with a slate of high‑stakes games across three divisions, drawing crowds to venues ranging from St. Cloud to Chaska. Fans arrived early to catch the first pitches of a tournament that promises drama at every turn.
Class A Highlights
In Class A, top‑seeded Madelia cruised past New York Mills with an 8‑2 victory, while Janesville‑Waldorf‑Pemberton fell to Red Lake County by a narrow 4‑3 margin. The Blackhawks are slated to meet Murray County Central in the Class A semifinals on Friday at 1:30 p.m. from St. Cloud, and JWP will take on Brandon‑Evansville in a consolation game at 10:00 a.m. from Cold Spring Baseball Park.
Class AA Upset
Class AA delivered its share of excitement when Windom upset Perham 7‑6, and Mankato West routed Northfield 16‑9. The Eagles will face GSL on Friday at 11:00 a.m. from St. Cloud, while Mankato West is set to meet Mahtomedi in the Class AAA semifinals at noon from Chaska.
Semifinals and Consolation Schedule
Friday’s schedule packs a full slate of games, with each division’s semifinal matchups timed to keep the action flowing from early morning through midday. The venues span St. Cloud, Chaska and Cold Spring Baseball Park, giving teams a chance to showcase their talents on familiar fields while fans enjoy a day of high‑energy baseball.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament moves into its second day, the remaining teams will battle for a spot in the championship rounds. With upsets already reshaping the bracket, the upcoming games promise more twists, and spectators can expect a mix of strategic pitching, clutch hitting and defensive brilliance that defines high‑school baseball at its best.