Matt Tautges (1) has been valuable on both sides of the ball for Pierz, leading as the ace on the mound and the No. 2 hitter in the lineup. Photo by Tyler Ohmann, Morrison County Record
Pierz and Maple Lake battled for third place in last year's Class 2A state tournament, with the Pioneers coming out ahead 11-4.
The teams look strong again this season as both boast undefeated Central Minnesota Conference records and top-5 spots in the coaches' Class 2A poll, but one or more of those marks will be at risk when the two meet for a doubleheader on May 4.
Pierz hopes to mirror last year's result by relying on its experience as the No. 3 Pioneers bringing back 10 players from the state tournament victory. The No. 5-2A Irish return their top two pitchers and are stocked with talented underclassmen who can hold their own.
This doubleheader between two of the top teams in Class 2A is our Top Games of the Week.
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