Paynesville at Pierz
4:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 18

This new Central Minnesota Conference rivalry has added juice after Pierz thumped Paynesville 13-0 in the opening round of the Class 2A state tournament last season. The Pioneers also scored 24 runs against the Bulldogs over their two regular season meetings in 2016.

In 2017, No. 7-2A Paynesville's (3-0, 3-0) pitchers have shown new poise. Grant Ludwig and Specer Imholte have both thrown complete games and the Bulldogs have yet to allow more than three runs in a contest.

Pierz's pitching has also been stellar. The No.6-2A Pioneers (3-0, 1-0) have allowed only one run total in their first three games On the offensive front, the lineup still features Matt Kummet and Matt Tautges, who combined for five RBI in the Pioneers' 10-0 victory over Holdingford on Apr. 11.