Mahtomedi's Jamie Berg (9) tried to steal home in the sixth inning and was called out on a close play. He was tagged by Alexandria catcher Josh Wagner (18). Photo: GLEN STUBBE ¥ glen.stubbe@startribune.com
With Mahtomedi’s Grant Taival and Alexandria’s Carter Stockert locked up in a pitcher’s duel, both teams were looking for any way to manufacture a run.
It took a break for the Zephyrs, in the final inning, to make it happen.
Pinch-runner senior Brandon Anderson scored on a passed ball on a suicide-squeeze play with two outs in the top of the seventh inning, producing the lone run in Mahtomedi’s 1-0 victory over Alexandria in the Class 3A semifinals Friday at Siebert Field.
“I feel devastated for Alexandria,” Zephyrs first-year coach Rob Garry said. “They played well enough to win, but we’ll take it.”
Mahtomedi’s Grant Taival and Alexandria’s Carter Stockert were locked in a pitcher’s duel. Both teams were looking for any way to manufacture a run.
It wasn’t going to happen. One team was going to need a break. The Zephyrs got it in the final inning.
Pinch-runner senior Brandon Anderson scored on a passed ball with two outs in the top of the seventh inning, producing the lone run in Mahtomedi’s 1-0 victory over Alexandria in the Class 3A semifinals Friday at Siebert Field.
The Zephyrs will face the winner of New Ulm and Rocori for the state title at 4 p.m. Saturday at Target Field.
Anderson was running for junior Andrew Murphy, who led off the inning with a single. He advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and third on a ground out.
Check back later for more on the game.