Sophomore lefthander Ryan Hirt threw a complete-game three-hitter and struck out 12 to lead Bemidji to a 5-0 shutout victory over Hill-Murray in the Class 3A baseball quarterfinals at Dunning Field in St. Paul.
Hirt improved his record to 10-0 on the year. Teammate Mason Bellew went 2-for-4 with three RBI to lead the offensive charge for the Lumberjacks (24-2), who left eight runners on base.
The Pioneers (21-5) got great defensive plays in the field but never awoke the bats. Two pf Hill-Murray's hits came in the first inning before Hirt found his groove.
BRIAN STENSAAS
1. Ryan Hirt, Bemidji
The sophomore lefty was fantastic against the Pioneers, throwing a complete game shutout while striking out 12. The first inning was the only hiccup for Hirt, only allowing 1 hit the rest of the way.
2. Mason Bellow, Bemidji
The first basemen led the way offensively for Bemidji, racking up 2 hits in 4 plate appearances. Both of his base hits contributed to scoring opportunities early in the game. He played a solid first base behind the strong pitching performance by Hirt.
3. Collin Leif, Bemidji
Leif was on the receiving end of Hirt's pitches, calling a near flawless quarterfinal affair from behind the dish. He went 2-4 at the plate hitting in the cleanup spot, knocking in a pair of runs.
-Alec Kinsky, MN Baseball Hub Staff