Holy Family Catholic at Mankato East
2:30 p.m., Saturday, April 9

Holy Family Catholic starts the season facing high expectations. After finishing last season with a 12-10 overall record and 6-6 in the Wright County Conference, the Fire received the No. 3 ranking in the Class 2A preseason poll.

It's a ranking they'll risk in an early season nonconference test at Mankato East on Saturday.

Oklahoma commit Michael Jensen returns as Holy Family Catholic's ace pitcher after a solid sophomore effort. Jensen's sharp-breaking slider teased opposing batters last season, helping the 6-foot-5 junior post 58 strikeouts and a 2.82 ERA.

Mankato East is on the fringe of the top-20 rankings in Class 3A and returns six starters from last year. The Cougars' bullpen is a veteran group, returning all but one pitcher who threw 15 or more innings last season.

Mankato East has talent around the field in Augsburg commit Dylan Findlay at second base, Southwest Minnesota State commit Brady DesLauriers playing centerfield and UW-La Crosse commit Jay Beckman, who will be the Cougars' ace this season. 

Bolstered by a four-run rally in the top of the seventh inning, Mankato East shut out the Fire 6-0 in last year’s regular season finale.