The Brainerd Warriors secured an 8-7 win over the Perham Yellowjackets in a tightly contested baseball game that swung back and forth until the final inning.
Coach Tom Fairbanks praised his team’s composure and resilience, emphasizing how the squad stayed focused despite the back‑and‑forth scoring.
The decisive moment arrived when Rylan Amundson’s fly ball was misjudged by the Perham right fielder, allowing Hakon Haapajoki to sprint home with the game‑winning run.
Brainerd had taken an early lead, plating three runs in the bottom of the first inning, but Perham answered with single tallies in the third and fifth frames to keep the pressure on.
The Warriors’ defense turned heads with four double plays and a rare triple play, a defensive showcase that shifted momentum in their favor.
In the bottom of the sixth, Gus Lund doubled and Kashius Caughey followed with a two‑run triple, extending the lead before Perham’s late rally.
The victory lifts Brainerd’s record to 5‑12 and sets the stage for a doubleheader at home against Bemidji on Tuesday, May 19.
Key Performances
Beyond the headline acts, players such as Jayden Tautges, Evan Bolt, Joey Castle, Griffin Bartholomaus, Brady Vanek, Tate Zacharias, Teagan Schmelz, Bodie Piepkorn, Bradyn Anderson and Lyam Schumacher contributed to the effort, underscoring the depth of the roster.