If there was ever a way to make a statement to begin the state tournament, No. 3 seeded Pierz certainly did it in a 13-0 blowout win over Paynesville in the Class 2A state quarterfinals at Dick Putz Field in St. Cloud on Thursday.

The Pioneers belted out 15 hits, helping them end the game after five innings.

Pioneers senior Lane Girtz finished 4-for-4 with a game-high four runs scored while senior Noah Boser had a 2-for-2 day and finished with a game-high five RBI.

With the bats being on fire, the pitching performance may have been overlooked. 

Pierz junior starting pitcher Matt Tautges allowed just two hits while striking out seven in four shutout innings and senior David Skiba added a pair of strikeouts in a scoreless fifth inning. 

The Pioneers (22-4) advance to the semifinals where they face No. 2 Minnehaha Academy (25-3) at Dick Putz Field on Friday at 2:30 p.m.

Spotlight Game Coverage