To begin the week, St. Anthony Village (10-0, 5-0) owns the best record in Class 3A, and the Huskies will look to hold on to it as they visit Tri-Metro Conference rival Fridley.
The Huskies defeated Hibbing 5-2 and St. Paul Academy 9-2 in two home games last Saturday. Senior Nick Zezulka went 2-for-3 at the plate with two runs scored and three RBI while pitcher Christian Ash went five innings, giving up two runs — one earned — off of six hits against St. Paul Academy.
In 13 innings pitched this season, Ash has given up four earned runs and boasts a formidable 2.15 ERA as part of a staff that has an overall 2.68 ERA.
Fridley (6-1, 4-0) would be coming into the week with the second-best record in the class if not for a 10-6 loss to Anoka on May 4.
Before their six-game winning streak was snapped, the Tigers had outscored opponents 53-13, showing off a potent offense headlined by senior Caleb Brandt. The senior pitcher/outfielder is hitting .591 with 13 hits and 11 RBI on the season. Teammate Nate Soto, a freshman outfielder, has been a terror when he's gotten on base, sporting 10 stolen bags.
Knocking down the Huskies and claiming the top spot in both the Tri-Metro Conference and the Class 3A, Section 4 standings seems like a sufficient way for the Tigers to rebound after suffering their first loss of the season.