Robbinsdale Armstrong at Robbinsdale Cooper
4:30 p.m., Friday, April 17

Crosstown rivalries are always fun, even if the two programs aren’t really in the same town, or even in their namesake city. Robbinsdale Armstrong (of Plymouth) and Robbinsdale Cooper (of New Hope) collide this Friday in a certain grudge match.

Armstrong is coming off a state tournament berth, the school’s fourth in 11 years, and has a veteran lineup returning. Matt Bachmeier (.333, 22 RBI) is a great clutch hitter in the middle of the lineup, while Troy Oullette (.354, 18 steals) led the team in steals and Josh Thorp (.430) was the leading hitter. Jordan Kuznia (.308, two homers, 4-2, 1.18 ERA in 42 1/3 innings) hits with power and throws hard from the left side.

Cooper has made one state appearance in program history, back in 1978. The Hawks are a young team this spring, having graduated six regulars from an eight-win team.

Manager Tim Palm does return veteran juniors in Trey Rooney (.412, seven steals) and pitcher Tyler Haley (2-1, 1.18 ERA in 37 2/3 innings).