We task our reporters with identifying several intriguing games throughout the state to assemble our Top Games of the Week. The matchups are presented in no particular order, and when there are additional games we want to highlight, we’ll include them with brief notes.

Alexandria vs. Willmar

Approximately 5 p.m., Saturday, April 22

After arguably the best season in program history, Alexandria can prove what it’s made of early on in 2023 with this matchup against Willmar.

Alexandria (0-0) finished with a 21-7 record last year and qualified for their fifth state tournament in program history. Last year’s win in the Class 3A tournament third-place game was Alexandria’s first top-three finish.

It could be tough to replicate that same success with the graduation of all-state performers JD Hennen and Lake Hagan, but the cupboard is not bare. 

While Alexandria, ranked No. 6 in the 3A preseason Minnesota Baseball Coaches Association poll, came up a win shy of getting to play at Target Field in the state championship last year, they’ll get to check it off the bucket list with this game vs. Willmar.

The two teams will meet as part of four high school games hosted by the Twins at their home ballpark. 

Willmar (0-0) finished ahead of Alexandria to win the Central Lakes Conference title last year, and swept its conference rival during the regular season. Alexandria got the last laugh, however, with a dominant 8-1 win in a section playoff elimination game. 

Like Alexandria, Willmar is moving on from a pair of all-state performers, third baseman/pitcher Sam Etterman and shortstop/pitcher Ian Koosman.

Also like Alexandria, Willmar still expects to have enough talent returning to be a threat. It’s ranked No. 8-3A in the preseason state coaches poll.

Both teams open the season Tuesday. Willmar plays Fergus Falls and Alexandria suits up against Sauk Rapids-Rice. 

Grand Rapids vs. Eagan

Noon, Saturday, April 22

Grand Rapids is eager just to play anybody. Bonus points for this one coming against a solid Class 4A team from the Twin Cities metro.

The Thunderhawks are taking the trip south to what expects to be their second game of the season. Their first two originally scheduled games were postponed. Grand Rapids now hopes to finally get underway April 20 at Superior, Wisconsin.

Grand Rapids, sitting at No. 5 in the Class 3A preseason poll, is within reason to be expecting victory after a 17-8 record and a fourth-place finish at the Class 3A state tournament in 2022. 

Grand Rapids will look to rebuild after all-state pitcher/first baseman Ben Keske graduated.

Eagan has home field advantage in this one and might be more sharp. Grand Rapids, however, could be in a better spot with pitching arms available with one non-conference game two days prior to this matchup.

Eagan has conference games vs. Burnsville on April 17 and at Shakopee on April 19.

The Wildcats looked good in their season opener, winning 4-1 at Lakeville South. Danny Lachenmeyer pitched four innings and earned the win with one earned run allowed on two hits with six strikeouts.

George Anderson and David Rocheford each had two hits.

It’s the kind of start to the season Eagan was looking for to continue recent years’ success. After going 8-11 in 2019, the Wildcats finished 17-8 in 2021 and 13-10 last year.

East Ridge vs. Mounds View

4:30 p.m., Monday, April 17

East Ridge has gotten off to a bit of a wild start to the season, but the Raptors still have the firepower to contend with one of the state’s hottest teams in Mounds View.

East Ridge entered the season ranked No. 2 in the Class 4A rankings by the Minnesota High School Baseball Coaches Association. It got out of the gates well with an 11-4 win vs. Roseville, only to lose 19-8 the next day vs. Cretin-Derham Hall. It’s clear East Ridge can score after a 21-11 win vs. Forest Lake, but can they find enough pitching and defense?

The Raptors will need to if they want to make another run in the Section 4 playoffs. East Ridge lost to eventual state champion Stillwater in the section title game. 

Mounds View was ranked No. 4-4A in the preseason and is the only team in the top four that’s still undefeated. The Mustangs are 3-0 with ranked wins over No. 9-4A Woodbury and No. 1-4A Stillwater.

Christopher Then had the walk-off RBI vs. Woodbury, and Drew Rogers cracked a deep two-run home run. 

Mounds View is pleased to see a walk-off win go its way after its 2022 season ended the same way. Maple Grove scored two in the seventh to secure a 7-6 win in the Section 5 championship game. 

The Suburban East Conference could be strong again this year. A loss for East Ridge, and the Raptors have their work cut out to stay in the race.

A loss for Mounds View keeps the Mustangs from creating early separation at the top.

Roseau vs. Sacred Heart, 4:30 p.m., Friday, April 21. Roseau is ranked No. 6 in Class 2A and was a state runner up in 2022. Sacred Heart is No. 7 in 1A and is coming off a run to the state semifinals.

St. Agnes vs. Liberty/Math and Sciences/Avail/Chesterton, 4:30 p.m., Friday, April 21. This is a rematch of the Class 2A, Section 4 championship. St. Agnes' lone loss is to No. 8-1A New Life Academy.  LMAC is off to a 2-0 start.

The MN Baseball Hub poll is for entertainment purposes only.