The Sub-Divisional Playoffs continued with both Willmar and La Crosse forcing if-necessary games to keep their postseason runs alive. The Stingers shut out St. Cloud 4–0, while the Loggers defeated Eau Claire 4–1 to set up decisive games.
Willmar 4, St. Cloud 0
The Stingers shut out the Rox 4–0 behind a four-run sixth inning, forcing an if-necessary game in the Sub-Divisional Playoffs. Willmar’s pitching held St. Cloud to just four hits while keeping its postseason run alive. Merrick Rapoza (Florida Gulf Coast University) went 2-for-4 including a double, recording one RBI and one run scored. David Estrada (University of Hawaii) went 1-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored. For St. Cloud, Brett Griffiths (Ball State University) went 2-for-4 including a triple. Brandon Mikos (Youngstown State University) earned the win, throwing six scoreless innings with three strikeouts while allowing three hits and two walks. Drew DeLucia (Austin Peay University) earned the save, throwing three scoreless innings with three strikeouts while allowing two walks and one hit.
Royal Oak 5, Kenosha 3
The Leprechauns jumped out to an early lead and held off the Kingfish to secure a 5–3 victory. Royal Oak scored three runs in the first and added two more in the third before Kenosha mounted a comeback that ultimately fell short. Luke Kosko (University of Cincinnati) went 2-for-4 with a home run and a double, driving in three runs. Connor Larkin (University of Oklahoma) went 1-for-3 with one RBI and one run scored. For Kenosha, Noah Alvarez (UC Irvine) went 2-for-4 including a triple, driving in three runs. Henry Johnson (University of Toledo) had a monster outing in relief for the Kingfish, throwing two perfect innings, striking out five of six batters faced. Taylor Falls (Macomb Community College) earned the win, throwing six innings with four strikeouts while allowing four hits, three runs, and two walks. Jonath Tober (Cuyahoga CC) earned the save, throwing three scoreless innings with six strikeouts while allowing three hits.
Madison 11, Lakeshore 4
The Mallards erupted for 15 hits and jumped out to an early lead to defeat the Chinooks 11–4. Madison scored seven runs over the first two innings and added four more runs late to pull away for the victory. Ashton Quiller (Arkansas State University) went 2-for-5 with three RBI, two runs scored, and one stolen base. Jack Bello Jr. (University of Minnesota) went 3-for-5 with three RBI and one run scored. Davis Hamilton (University of Minnesota) went 2-for-4 including a double, driving in one run and scoring once. Nate Novinsha (University of Illinois) went 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. For Lakeshore, Joshua Chairez (Riverside City CC) went 3-for-5, scoring twice, driving in one run, and stealing two bases. Chase Baker (Indiana State University) earned the win, throwing 2.2 scoreless innings with one strikeout while allowing one hit.
La Crosse 4, Eau Claire 1
The Loggers used timely scoring and strong pitching to defeat the Express 4–1. La Crosse scored in the second, third, and fourth innings before holding Eau Claire to just one run over the final eight innings. Landen Lozier (University of Kansas) went 2-for-5 with one RBI and one run scored. Logan De Groot (Northwestern University) went 1-for-4 with one RBI. For Eau Claire, Adam Salazar (Hope International University) went 1-for-3 with one RBI. Aaron Ploszay (Madison CC) earned the win, throwing three scoreless innings with two strikeouts while allowing two walks and two hits. Haru Takekawa (Nihon University in Japan) earned the save, throwing two scoreless innings with one strikeout while allowing one hit.
Tuesday’s Schedule
Royal Oak @ Madison (6:05 PM CT)
Willmar @ St. Cloud (6:35 PM CT)
La Crosse @ Eau Claire (6:35 PM CT)