Mitch Mellquist was dazzling, and nearly perfect.

Mellquist threw a one-hitter while striking out seven over six innings, leading Benilde-St. Margaret’s (18-7) past North Branch 8-0 in the Class 3A tournament quarterfinals Thursday at Siebert Field.

The senior left-hander retired the first 15 North Branch (12-13) batters before his perfect game (error) and no-hitter (infield single) were broken up in the sixth inning.

“That was one of my best performances of the year,” Mellquist said. “The team did a good job of rallying around me.”

Derek Drees provided Mellquist with more than enough offense. He drove in three runs with singles in the first and fifth innings.

“Drees has been a big part of our offense, and pitching,” Mellquist said. “He has driven in some big runs for us.”


Junior Derek Drees hits a single driving in two to ignite a Red Knight rally. Photo by Nick Wosika

Spotlight Game Coverage