Ely storms back, wins DQ opener against Minnetonka

After spotting Minnetonka a four-run lead, Louie Gerzin settled in and Ely's bats warmed up.

Post 248 scored 12 unanswered runs after the early deficit and pulled away for a 12-4 victory over Minnetonka in the opening round of the DQ Grill and Chill Classic Friday night at Veterans Memorial Field.

Nick Mathews' two-run double in the bottom of the fifth put Post 248 (5-4) in front to stay and Greg Helget followed with a two-run single.

Ely would score five more times en route to finishing the game in six innings via the special DQ Classic eight-run rule.

Gerzin, meanwhile, gave up just one hit after the opening frame and finished with a four-hitter and eight strikeouts while picking up this third win in as many starts.

Trevor Bernsdorf helped stoke the Ely offense with two hits and three runs scored, while Bobby Shusta added two hits. Sean Fisher scored twice as Ely won its second straight game.

In other DQ Classic action Friday:
• Taconite 5, Brookston 2;
• Foley 14, Virginia 3;
• Hibbing 14, Taconite 1;
• Roseau 4, Brookston 0.

Ely plays twice on Saturday, with a 1:15 p.m. tilt against Brookston and a 7:45 matchup with Roseau. Six games are on tap Saturday at Veterans Memorial Field including Ely's first-ever Legion Alumni Game at 5:30 p.m.  About 25 former Ely Legion players are scheduled to participate.