What’s better than one mega matchup between two undefeated teams entering the week that are among the best in Class 3A? How about a doubleheader Tuesday between those same two programs when Bemidji, ranked No. 1 in the Class 3A coaches’ poll from May 6, collides with No. 3-3A Willmar in what could be a state tournament preview?
Bemidji (10-0) has chopped through opponents this spring, outscoring them by an aggregate of 94-16. Aaron Heger and Brandon Lussier Jr. have done much of the heavy ax-wielding, with Heger hitting .467 with three home runs, a trio of triples and 18 RBIs. Lussier, meanwhile, has produced six doubles and 14 RBIs to go along with his .378 batting average.
Heger is also part of a pitching tandem, along with Isaiah Biehn, that’s combined for 52 strikeouts and eight wins while giving up just four earned runs in 42 2/3 innings this season.
Willmar (10-0, 8-0) has been equally formidable and is coming off a big week which included a doubleheader sweep at Rocori on May 4.
The Cardinals won the first game versus Rocori 9-1 backed by an impressive performance from Andrew Baumgart, who pitched six innings and struck out eight batters. Baumgart was just as influential with his bat, hitting 3-for-3, knocking a home run, a triple and a double. Baumgart followed that with two hits in the nightcap, which Willmar won 6-1.
-- Second game to follow.