The first Class 2A quarterfinal game Thursday at Dick Putz Field in St. Cloud was the beginning of top-seeded Belle Plaine’s state tournament history.

First appearance, first run, first victory, 1-0 over Pine Island.

It also came at the end of a storied career for Pine Island coach Craig Anderson. After 41 years, 536 victories and one more state tournament loss, he’s calling it quits.

Holding back tears, Anderson said, “It’s been 41 years of fun and very special, to finish with these kids it’s tremendous.''

Back to the beginning part. The Tigers didn’t waste any time in notching their first state tournament run. In the bottom of the first, junior Nathan Herman hit an outside pitch the other way to the left center field gap with two outs, doubling in the Tigers' only run of the game.

“It’s awesome, it’s great to be out here, we came here to compete and give it all,” Herman said. 

Both starting pitchers threw complete games. Junior Brody Curtiss got the seven-innning victory. Pine Island’s senior Matthew Lien pitched six innings allowing four walks and one run.The pair combined to give up just five total hits in the relatively quick, one hour, 20 minute game.

Belle Plaine (24-1) next plays at noon Friday in the semifinals. Pine Island (18-8) will finish its season, and Anderson's coaching career, in the consolation bracket.

Belle Plaine got a first inning RBI double from junior Nathan Herman an starting pitcher Brody Curtiss only allowed a handful of hits and was ahead in almost every count as the Tigers defeated Pine Island 1-0 on Thursday in the Class 2A quarterfinal opening game at Dick Putz Field in St. Cloud.

In the sixth inning, Pine Island drew a lead-off walk and got the runner in scoring position after a throwing error. But the Tigers escaped trouble with a double play -- a line drive to the pitcher and a quick flip to the short stop to get the runner,

Belle Plaine (24-1) advanced to the state semifinals on Friday. Pine Island (18-8) moves to the consolation bracket. Coach Craig Anderson is finishing his 41-year coaching career. His record is 526-380. 

Check back later for more on the game.

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