Why Mahtomedi will win: The Zephyrs earned the top seed entering the field of eight, and will try to live up to that ranking. They beat Henry Sibley twice in conference (Metro East) play, 7-3 and 14-4, and have won the past seven meetings between the two programs.

Why Henry Sibley will win: The Warriors might have started the season 4-14, but have gone 10-1 since. Why? Pitching. They have allowed only 15 runs, seven of which came in a 21-7 victory, in their past nine games.

Key to watch: The two teams have combined to make one error (Henry Sibley) in their four games of the state tournament. The other six teams committed 20.

Ron Haggstrom