Mahtomedi players celebrated after their 5-1 victory over Rocori in the Class 3A championship game Saturday at Target Field. Photo: AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com
As a senior-dominated team, Mahtomedi only had one thing on its mind: A state championship.
The Zephyrs’ 14 seniors, half of whom are starters, played a large role in bringing the school its first baseball state championship Saturday with a 5-1 victory over Rocori in the Class 3A finals at Target Field. It was Mahtomedi’s fifth consecutive state tournament appearance.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Mahtomedi senior winning pitcher Austin Jerylo said. “Our goal with this group has always been to win a state championship.”
The senior group remembers 2016 all too well. Mahtomedi was upset by Henry Sibley 8-4 in the championship game. It also dropped the first game in the state tournament a year ago and wound up sixth. The seniors wanted to make amends.
“This is especially nice,” Mahtomedi senior catcher said Charlie Bartholomew, a starter on the 2016 squad. “It feels like redemption.”