Ely never got its offense on track Sunday and came up short in its bid to return to the state tournament.
Al Troumbly worked out of several jams and finished with a three-hitter as Taconite downed Post 248 in the Eighth District Division II finals at Deer River.
Troumbly stranded runners in scoring position in four of the first five innings and got two double play balls, while Taconite got three first-inning runs to take control of the contest.
After Ely trimmed the gap to 3-1, Taconite got two unearned runs in the top of the seventh against tough-luck losing pitcher Louie Gerzin, who struck out 11 and gave up six hits while going the distance.
Singles by Troumbly and Pat Shea were part of the first inning rally, which was aided by a dropped fly ball in the outfield.
Ely put runners and second and third base in the second inning, but finally got on the board in the fifth, when two errors and a Cody Bialik single put pressure on second-seeded Taconite.
But Troumbly, who only struck out two batters, escaped the no-out jam with a flyout and a double play and Ely didn't threaten again.
Gerzin had two of Ely's three hits while Shea went two-for-four for the winners.
Taconite won its first district title and moves on to the Division II state tournament at Bird Island, where it meets Third District champion Pine Island at noon Friday.
Ely finished 23-12 and misses the state tournament for the first time since 2009.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Ely reaches district finals
One win off the field and another on has put Ely's American Legion baseball team in the district finals for a seventh straight season.
After a forfeit victory over Chisholm, Ely outlasted host Deer River 9-6 in the wind and cold Saturday afternoon to advance into the Eighth District Division II title tilt.
Ely, which meets Taconite Sunday in a rematch of the 2012 final, scored three times with two outs in the bottom of the sixth to break a six-all deadlock with Deer River.
Pat Huisman's single to left plated Nick Mathews with the go-ahead run, and Louie Gerzin and Greg Helget followed with singles to add valuable insurance.
Gerzin pitched a scoreless seventh to get the save for Riley Bernsdorf, who scattered nine hits en route to his fourth win of the summer.
Ely (24-10) finally prevailed in a back-and-forth contest with a young Deer River team that upset Post 248 on Friday.
After spotting Deer River a 3-0 lead in the top of the first, Ely stormed back with four runs in the bottom of the frame and Nick Mathews added a run-scoring hit in the second to make it 5-3.
Deer River would rally to tie the game at both 5-5 and 6-6 before the decisive sixth inning.
Ely was also aided by stellar defense, with Trevor Bernsdorf's diving stab in the sixth erasing what would have been a run-scoring hit off the bat of Deer River's Jack Carter.
Post 248 finished with 13 hits, with Fisher, Cody Bialik, Gerzin, Riley Bernsdorf and Mathews finishing with two apiece. Huisman and Riley Bernsdorf both had two runs batted in.
To start off the day, Ely was awarded with a forfeit win over Chisholm, which was unable to field a team for Saturday's opening game. Taconite reached the finals with a 9-2 win over Deer River.
Ely needs a win in Sunday's first game to force a decisive second contest for the championship. Taconite needs only one win to claim its first district title.
After a forfeit victory over Chisholm, Ely outlasted host Deer River 9-6 in the wind and cold Saturday afternoon to advance into the Eighth District Division II title tilt.
Ely, which meets Taconite Sunday in a rematch of the 2012 final, scored three times with two outs in the bottom of the sixth to break a six-all deadlock with Deer River.
Pat Huisman's single to left plated Nick Mathews with the go-ahead run, and Louie Gerzin and Greg Helget followed with singles to add valuable insurance.
Gerzin pitched a scoreless seventh to get the save for Riley Bernsdorf, who scattered nine hits en route to his fourth win of the summer.
Ely (24-10) finally prevailed in a back-and-forth contest with a young Deer River team that upset Post 248 on Friday.
After spotting Deer River a 3-0 lead in the top of the first, Ely stormed back with four runs in the bottom of the frame and Nick Mathews added a run-scoring hit in the second to make it 5-3.
Deer River would rally to tie the game at both 5-5 and 6-6 before the decisive sixth inning.
Ely was also aided by stellar defense, with Trevor Bernsdorf's diving stab in the sixth erasing what would have been a run-scoring hit off the bat of Deer River's Jack Carter.
Post 248 finished with 13 hits, with Fisher, Cody Bialik, Gerzin, Riley Bernsdorf and Mathews finishing with two apiece. Huisman and Riley Bernsdorf both had two runs batted in.
To start off the day, Ely was awarded with a forfeit win over Chisholm, which was unable to field a team for Saturday's opening game. Taconite reached the finals with a 9-2 win over Deer River.
Ely needs a win in Sunday's first game to force a decisive second contest for the championship. Taconite needs only one win to claim its first district title.
Gustafson's gem keeps Ely alive at districts
After an untimely hitting slump, a masterful pitching performance by Will Gustafson helped Ely continue its quest for a fourth consecutive district championship.
Gustafson was perfect through five and two-thirds innings and finished with a two-hit shutout as Post 248 blanked Carlton 6-0 in an elimination round game Friday night at Deer River.
That followed a stunning 2-1 defeat earlier in the day to host Deer River as Ely (22-10) fell victim to the pitching of Warriors ace Lance Latvala, who scattered six hits.
Ely must win four straight games to win the district title, and continues its long road back at 3 p.m. Saturday against Chisholm. A win would put Post 248 in a 5:30 p.m. contest against either Taconite or Deer River, who face off earlier in the day. The district finals is slated for Sunday.
Deer River pushed across two unearned runs in the top of the first against losing pitcher Trevor Bernsdorf, who tossed a four-hitter, and that would prove to be enough.
Latvala worked of a second-inning jam, despite giving up three hits in the frame and was aided by a double-play ball. Ely's only run came in the sixth, when Louie Gerzin singled in Riley Bernsdorf. Pat Huisman finished with two singles for Ely.
The nightcap belonged to Gustafson, who picked up his fifth win of the summer and retired the first 17 batters he faced.
Ely got the only run Gustafson would need in the second, when Riley Bernsdorf scored on a passed ball. Sean Fisher singled and scored on a sacrifice fly, while Nick Mathews roped a two-run double to highlight a four-run barrage in the fifth.
Fisher scored twice for the winners and Trevor Bernsdorf finished with two RBI.
Gustafson was perfect through five and two-thirds innings and finished with a two-hit shutout as Post 248 blanked Carlton 6-0 in an elimination round game Friday night at Deer River.
That followed a stunning 2-1 defeat earlier in the day to host Deer River as Ely (22-10) fell victim to the pitching of Warriors ace Lance Latvala, who scattered six hits.
Ely must win four straight games to win the district title, and continues its long road back at 3 p.m. Saturday against Chisholm. A win would put Post 248 in a 5:30 p.m. contest against either Taconite or Deer River, who face off earlier in the day. The district finals is slated for Sunday.
Deer River pushed across two unearned runs in the top of the first against losing pitcher Trevor Bernsdorf, who tossed a four-hitter, and that would prove to be enough.
Latvala worked of a second-inning jam, despite giving up three hits in the frame and was aided by a double-play ball. Ely's only run came in the sixth, when Louie Gerzin singled in Riley Bernsdorf. Pat Huisman finished with two singles for Ely.
The nightcap belonged to Gustafson, who picked up his fifth win of the summer and retired the first 17 batters he faced.
Ely got the only run Gustafson would need in the second, when Riley Bernsdorf scored on a passed ball. Sean Fisher singled and scored on a sacrifice fly, while Nick Mathews roped a two-run double to highlight a four-run barrage in the fifth.
Fisher scored twice for the winners and Trevor Bernsdorf finished with two RBI.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Ely to meet Deer River in first playoff game
Top-seeded Ely drew a first-round bye and will take on Deer River Friday in the Eighth District Division II playoffs.
Ely (21-9) begins its quest for a fifth straight district title with a 12:30 p.m. matchup with the tournament hosts. Seeded fifth in the district, Deer River rallied for three runs in the top of the seventh and stunned Brookston 5-4 on Tuesday.
In the only regular season matchup of the season, Ely beat Deer River (6-12) 13-2. Second-seeded Taconite (14-12) meets Chisholm (6-9) at 3 p.m. Friday, while Brookston, Carlton and Cook County remain alive in the elimination round.
The tournament runs through Sunday, with the title game slated for 1 p.m. at Deer River.
Ely (21-9) begins its quest for a fifth straight district title with a 12:30 p.m. matchup with the tournament hosts. Seeded fifth in the district, Deer River rallied for three runs in the top of the seventh and stunned Brookston 5-4 on Tuesday.
In the only regular season matchup of the season, Ely beat Deer River (6-12) 13-2. Second-seeded Taconite (14-12) meets Chisholm (6-9) at 3 p.m. Friday, while Brookston, Carlton and Cook County remain alive in the elimination round.
The tournament runs through Sunday, with the title game slated for 1 p.m. at Deer River.
Friday, July 19, 2013
A grand home finale: Ely blasts Carlton
Five Ely players made the most of their last home game at Veterans Memorial Fied.
They combined for nine of Post 248’s 11 hits in a 12-2 rout of Carlton on Friday night, as Ely completed district play with a perfect 12-0 record.
College freshmen Sean Fisher, Greg Helget and all-time Ely hits leader Nick Mathews had two hits apiece, and graduating senior Trevor Bernsdorf went two-for-three with two runs scored. Cody Bialik, the fifth Ely player in his final year of Legion eligibility, also added a hit as Ely improved to 21-9.
The Eighth District contest was over early, as Ely scored four times in the bottom of the first and sent 11 batters to the plate in the second, when another seven runs crossed the plate.
Riley Bernsdorf's two-run double was the key blow in the opening frame, while Fisher had both of his hits in the second. Helget added a two-run single in the second while both Mathews and Trevor Bernsdorf had run-scoring hits during the barrage.
On the mound, Louie Gerzin picked up his sixth win of the year and struck out six in four frames. Trevor Bernsdorf worked the final frame.
Mathews, who has collected 166 hits in his Legion career, went two-for-three with two runs scored, and Helget had two hits, two runs and two RBI.
Zach Veno had three of Carlton's five hits.
Ely picked up a win earlier in the day when Chisholm forfeited the opening half of the scheduled split doubleheader at Veterans Memorial Field.
Post 248 recognized Ely's Little League All-Stars and the league champion Cards during Friday's festivities, which also included a pregame salute to the five Legion graduates.
They combined for nine of Post 248’s 11 hits in a 12-2 rout of Carlton on Friday night, as Ely completed district play with a perfect 12-0 record.
College freshmen Sean Fisher, Greg Helget and all-time Ely hits leader Nick Mathews had two hits apiece, and graduating senior Trevor Bernsdorf went two-for-three with two runs scored. Cody Bialik, the fifth Ely player in his final year of Legion eligibility, also added a hit as Ely improved to 21-9.
The Eighth District contest was over early, as Ely scored four times in the bottom of the first and sent 11 batters to the plate in the second, when another seven runs crossed the plate.
Riley Bernsdorf's two-run double was the key blow in the opening frame, while Fisher had both of his hits in the second. Helget added a two-run single in the second while both Mathews and Trevor Bernsdorf had run-scoring hits during the barrage.
On the mound, Louie Gerzin picked up his sixth win of the year and struck out six in four frames. Trevor Bernsdorf worked the final frame.
Mathews, who has collected 166 hits in his Legion career, went two-for-three with two runs scored, and Helget had two hits, two runs and two RBI.
Zach Veno had three of Carlton's five hits.
Ely picked up a win earlier in the day when Chisholm forfeited the opening half of the scheduled split doubleheader at Veterans Memorial Field.
Post 248 recognized Ely's Little League All-Stars and the league champion Cards during Friday's festivities, which also included a pregame salute to the five Legion graduates.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Ely beats Deer River, clinches top seed
Three Ely pitchers combined on a three-hitter and Post 248 capitalized on 12 walks and six errors in a 13-2 win over Deer River Wednesday night.
With the victory, Ely snapped a three-game losing streak and earned the top seed for the upcoming Eighth District Division II playoffs.
Ely broke open a tight game with nine runs in the last two innings, and Max Gantt earned his third win of the year on the mound.
The senior-to-be worked the first four frames, allowing one run on three hits. Louie Gerzin struck out three in two innings of work and Trevor Bernsdorf had a one-two-three seventh as Ely won the matchup at Cohasset.
Riley Bernsdorf paced the Ely offense with three hits, while catcher Greg Helget had two singles, two walks and two runs batted in. Pat Huisman added a run-scoring double and Ely took advantage of walks and errors to pile up the runs.
Ely wraps up the regular season Friday night with a home doubleheader. Chisholm is here for a 5:30 p.m. game, and Ely takes on Carlton in the second game.
With the victory, Ely snapped a three-game losing streak and earned the top seed for the upcoming Eighth District Division II playoffs.
Ely broke open a tight game with nine runs in the last two innings, and Max Gantt earned his third win of the year on the mound.
The senior-to-be worked the first four frames, allowing one run on three hits. Louie Gerzin struck out three in two innings of work and Trevor Bernsdorf had a one-two-three seventh as Ely won the matchup at Cohasset.
Riley Bernsdorf paced the Ely offense with three hits, while catcher Greg Helget had two singles, two walks and two runs batted in. Pat Huisman added a run-scoring double and Ely took advantage of walks and errors to pile up the runs.
Ely wraps up the regular season Friday night with a home doubleheader. Chisholm is here for a 5:30 p.m. game, and Ely takes on Carlton in the second game.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Walkoff homer beats Ely
Sage Hopke's blast over the rightfield fence Tuesday night completed a five-run rally and gave Hibbing a dramatic 6-4 win over Ely.
Hopke's two-strike, two-out shot capped a big comeback for Hibbing, which trailed 4-1 heading into the seventh inning.
Ely (17-9) and starting pitcher Will Gustafson cruised through six-and-a-half frames, but ran into trouble in the seventh.
The leadoff man reached on an error and a one-out double closed the gap to 4-2. After a single and another groundout, Nick Milani's two-out hit fell in to tie the game and Hopke's homer followed.
Gustafson gave up seven hits and was tagged with the tough-luck loss, while Ely mustered only three hits off winning pitcher Ricky Brant. All three came in the third inning, when Post 248 jumped out to a 3-0 lead thanks to an error and run-scoring singles by Trevor Bernsdorf and Nick Mathews.
Sean Fisher walked and scored a run in the fifth to make it 4-1, and that's how it stayed until the seventh.
Ely can secure the number-one seed for the upcoming district playoffs if it beats Deer River Wednesday. That contest is set for 7:30 p.m. at Cohasset.
Hopke's two-strike, two-out shot capped a big comeback for Hibbing, which trailed 4-1 heading into the seventh inning.
Ely (17-9) and starting pitcher Will Gustafson cruised through six-and-a-half frames, but ran into trouble in the seventh.
The leadoff man reached on an error and a one-out double closed the gap to 4-2. After a single and another groundout, Nick Milani's two-out hit fell in to tie the game and Hopke's homer followed.
Gustafson gave up seven hits and was tagged with the tough-luck loss, while Ely mustered only three hits off winning pitcher Ricky Brant. All three came in the third inning, when Post 248 jumped out to a 3-0 lead thanks to an error and run-scoring singles by Trevor Bernsdorf and Nick Mathews.
Sean Fisher walked and scored a run in the fifth to make it 4-1, and that's how it stayed until the seventh.
Ely can secure the number-one seed for the upcoming district playoffs if it beats Deer River Wednesday. That contest is set for 7:30 p.m. at Cohasset.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Ely falls twice at Sir G's Classic; Viroqua, Wahpeton unbeaten
Two bad innings and an untimely hitting slump cost Post 248 dearly during Saturday's action at the Sir G's Midsummer Classic.
Proctor exploded for six runs - all with two outs - in the top of the eighth inning and scored a 7-1 win in the afternoon session. And in a rematch of last year's regional title game, Wahpeton dominated en route to a 9-0 victory.
Wahpeton (21-6) clinched the Red Division title and went a perfect 4-0 in the tournament, and put the evening contest away by scoring six times in the top of the sixth. Winning pitcher Nate Albrecht tossed a one-hitter and teammate Tyler Gripentrog ripped two doubles.
Louie Gerzin was tagged with the pitching loss for Ely (17-8) and Nick Mathews had the host's only hit.
Proctor's Joe Carter hit a two-out single to plate the winning run in the eighth and the floodgates opened as six straight Proctor batters reached base. Jimmy Merling, who scored twice, connected for a two-run double to close out the inning
Sean Fisher scored Ely's only run on a Cody Bialik single, and winning pitcher Evan Scherber held Ely to six hits.
In other action Saturday, Viroqua moved closer to a Blue Division title by defeating Deer River 6-3 and Cloquet 3-2.
Other scores were:
• Wahpeton 5, Edina 3;
• Duluth Lakeview 8, Kenyon 2;
• Proctor 3, Hermantown 3 (9 inning tie);
• Duluth Lakeview 6, Cloquet 2;
• Kenyon 7, Deer River 4;
• Hermantown 9, Edina 0.
Proctor exploded for six runs - all with two outs - in the top of the eighth inning and scored a 7-1 win in the afternoon session. And in a rematch of last year's regional title game, Wahpeton dominated en route to a 9-0 victory.
Wahpeton (21-6) clinched the Red Division title and went a perfect 4-0 in the tournament, and put the evening contest away by scoring six times in the top of the sixth. Winning pitcher Nate Albrecht tossed a one-hitter and teammate Tyler Gripentrog ripped two doubles.
Louie Gerzin was tagged with the pitching loss for Ely (17-8) and Nick Mathews had the host's only hit.
Proctor's Joe Carter hit a two-out single to plate the winning run in the eighth and the floodgates opened as six straight Proctor batters reached base. Jimmy Merling, who scored twice, connected for a two-run double to close out the inning
Sean Fisher scored Ely's only run on a Cody Bialik single, and winning pitcher Evan Scherber held Ely to six hits.
In other action Saturday, Viroqua moved closer to a Blue Division title by defeating Deer River 6-3 and Cloquet 3-2.
Other scores were:
• Wahpeton 5, Edina 3;
• Duluth Lakeview 8, Kenyon 2;
• Proctor 3, Hermantown 3 (9 inning tie);
• Duluth Lakeview 6, Cloquet 2;
• Kenyon 7, Deer River 4;
• Hermantown 9, Edina 0.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Fast start lifts Ely in Sir G's opener
Ely pounced for four runs in the bottom of the first inning on Friday night and never looked back, cruising past Edina 10-2 in its opening game at the Sir G's Midsummer Classic.
Post 248 sent eight batters to the plate in the opening frame, with Trevor Bernsdorf, Riley Bernsdorf and Sean Fisher all lining run-scoring hits to set the tone for the night.
That was more than enough cushion for Riley Bernsdorf, who held the Edina Senior Babe Ruth team to four hits and struck out five as Ely (17-6) won its eighth consecutive game and the 14th in its last 16 starts.
Edina nicked Bernsdorf for two runs in the top of the fourth to make it a 6-2 game, but Ely came right back in the bottom of the frame, with Pat Huisman's two-run double cementing the lead.
The hosts ended the game in five innings via the special tournament eight-run rule. Trevor Bernsdorf's bases-loaded walk scored Max Gantt and ended the game early.
Cody Bialik continued to swing a hot bat for Ely, going two-for-three with two runs scored. Riley Bernsdorf added two hits and Trevor Bernsdorf drove in two runs.
Ely takes on Proctor at 1 p.m. Saturday and finishes a six-game slate at Veterans Memorial Field at 7:45 p.m., taking on Wahpeton (N.D.) in a rematch of last year's Central Plains Regional title game.
Wahpeton went 2-0 on Friday, blanking Proctor 7-0 and Hermantown 7-6.
In other Sir G's action:
• Viroqua 8, Duluth Lakeview 0;
• Kenyon 8, Cloquet 2;
• Duluth Lakeview 15, Deer River 1.
Post 248 sent eight batters to the plate in the opening frame, with Trevor Bernsdorf, Riley Bernsdorf and Sean Fisher all lining run-scoring hits to set the tone for the night.
That was more than enough cushion for Riley Bernsdorf, who held the Edina Senior Babe Ruth team to four hits and struck out five as Ely (17-6) won its eighth consecutive game and the 14th in its last 16 starts.
Edina nicked Bernsdorf for two runs in the top of the fourth to make it a 6-2 game, but Ely came right back in the bottom of the frame, with Pat Huisman's two-run double cementing the lead.
The hosts ended the game in five innings via the special tournament eight-run rule. Trevor Bernsdorf's bases-loaded walk scored Max Gantt and ended the game early.
Cody Bialik continued to swing a hot bat for Ely, going two-for-three with two runs scored. Riley Bernsdorf added two hits and Trevor Bernsdorf drove in two runs.
Ely takes on Proctor at 1 p.m. Saturday and finishes a six-game slate at Veterans Memorial Field at 7:45 p.m., taking on Wahpeton (N.D.) in a rematch of last year's Central Plains Regional title game.
Wahpeton went 2-0 on Friday, blanking Proctor 7-0 and Hermantown 7-6.
In other Sir G's action:
• Viroqua 8, Duluth Lakeview 0;
• Kenyon 8, Cloquet 2;
• Duluth Lakeview 15, Deer River 1.
Wahpeton, Kenyon, Lakeview early winners at Sir G's Classic
Three games are in the books at the Sir G's Midsummer Legion Classic.
Wahpeton's Kameron McNary blanked Proctor 7-0 in Friday's opening game, while Sam Roosen shut down Cloquet in an 8-2 Kenyon victory at Ely's Veterans Memorial Field.
Over in Soudan, Duluth Lakeview blasted Deer River 15-1 in five innings.
Still to come in Ely: Duluth Lakeview vs. Viroqua (Wis.) at 5:30 p.m., with Ely and Edina in the 8 p.m. finale.
Wahpeton's Kameron McNary blanked Proctor 7-0 in Friday's opening game, while Sam Roosen shut down Cloquet in an 8-2 Kenyon victory at Ely's Veterans Memorial Field.
Over in Soudan, Duluth Lakeview blasted Deer River 15-1 in five innings.
Still to come in Ely: Duluth Lakeview vs. Viroqua (Wis.) at 5:30 p.m., with Ely and Edina in the 8 p.m. finale.
Sir G's Classic underway
The 2013 Sir G's Midsummer Legion Classic is underway at Ely's Veterans Memorial Field. Wahpeton leads Proctor 3-0 in the opening game, the first of four today in Ely, with two more contests slated for Soudan.
The rest of today's lineup in Ely:
3 pm - Kenyon (11-10) vs. Cloquet (5-7)
5:30 pm - Duluth Lakeview (6-10-1) vs. Viroqua (24-10);
8 pm - Ely (16-6) vs. Edina (12-9).
In Soudan, Lakeview and Deer River (3-5) open play at 1:30 p.m., with Hermantown and Wahpeton to follow.
In non-tournament action, Ely's VFW team beat Kenyon's B-team 2-1 in a morning game in Ely. Andy Krunkkala's two-out single in the bottom of the seventh plated the winning run, and Elliot Omerza got the win on the mound as Post 2717 improved to 18-7.
The rest of today's lineup in Ely:
3 pm - Kenyon (11-10) vs. Cloquet (5-7)
5:30 pm - Duluth Lakeview (6-10-1) vs. Viroqua (24-10);
8 pm - Ely (16-6) vs. Edina (12-9).
In Soudan, Lakeview and Deer River (3-5) open play at 1:30 p.m., with Hermantown and Wahpeton to follow.
In non-tournament action, Ely's VFW team beat Kenyon's B-team 2-1 in a morning game in Ely. Andy Krunkkala's two-out single in the bottom of the seventh plated the winning run, and Elliot Omerza got the win on the mound as Post 2717 improved to 18-7.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Gustafson blanks Taconite; #2-rated Ely inches toward top seed
Will Gustafson tossed a four-hit shutout on Wednesday night and Ely's American Legion baseball team extended its winning streak to eight games.
The 8-0 decision at Veterans Memorial Field was the latest in a series of strong outings for Post 248, which climbed to number two in the Division II state rankings released earlier in the day.
Ely also all but wrapped up the top seed for the district playoffs with the victory, Post 248's 13th in its last 15 outings.
Gustafson, who gained his fourth win of the season, escaped a first-inning jam after yielding a leadoff double and cruised until the seventh, when a double-play ball helped preserve the shutout.
Ely also jumped out to a 3-0 lead through two innings and put the game away with a four-run third, highlighted by Pat Huisman's run-scoring double. Huisman knocked in two runs for the winners, Louie Gerzin had two hits and two runs batted in, and leadoff man Cody Bialik went three-for-three.
Gustafson retired 12 straight batters at one point and finished with eight strikeouts on the night.
In the latest state poll, Ely is ranked only behind perennial power La Crescent out of southeastern Minnesota. Ely (16-6) is second, with BOLD, Wabasha-Kellogg and the Rochester Eagles rounding out the top-five. Luverne is sixth, followed by Osakis, Foley, Morris and Paynesville.
Ely is back in action Friday night, taking on a Senior Babe Ruth team from Edina in the opening round of the 10-team Sir G's Midsummer Classic.
The 8-0 decision at Veterans Memorial Field was the latest in a series of strong outings for Post 248, which climbed to number two in the Division II state rankings released earlier in the day.
Ely also all but wrapped up the top seed for the district playoffs with the victory, Post 248's 13th in its last 15 outings.
Gustafson, who gained his fourth win of the season, escaped a first-inning jam after yielding a leadoff double and cruised until the seventh, when a double-play ball helped preserve the shutout.
Ely also jumped out to a 3-0 lead through two innings and put the game away with a four-run third, highlighted by Pat Huisman's run-scoring double. Huisman knocked in two runs for the winners, Louie Gerzin had two hits and two runs batted in, and leadoff man Cody Bialik went three-for-three.
Gustafson retired 12 straight batters at one point and finished with eight strikeouts on the night.
In the latest state poll, Ely is ranked only behind perennial power La Crescent out of southeastern Minnesota. Ely (16-6) is second, with BOLD, Wabasha-Kellogg and the Rochester Eagles rounding out the top-five. Luverne is sixth, followed by Osakis, Foley, Morris and Paynesville.
Ely is back in action Friday night, taking on a Senior Babe Ruth team from Edina in the opening round of the 10-team Sir G's Midsummer Classic.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Schedule set for Sir G's Classic, 10-team tournament starts Friday
This weekend's Sir G's Midsummer Classic will include a tournament-record 10 teams, and the field may be the deepest and most competitive yet in the 12-year history of the event.
Division II powerhouses from North Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota will be joined by some of the top Division I teams in the area for a tournament that will include 20 games over the course of three days, with 14 at Ely's Veterans Memorial Field and another six at Legion Field in Soudan.
Host Ely, riding a seven-game winning streak and ranked third among Minnesota Division II teams, takes on Wahpeton (N.D.) Saturday night in a rematch of last year's Central Plains Regional title game and one of the marquee matchups in this year's tournament. Ely, Wahpeton, Edina, Proctor and Hermantown form one five-team pool, while the other pool features Wisconsin power and defending Sir G's champion Viroqua along with Duluth Lakeview, Kenyon, Cloquet and Deer River.
The action begins at 12:30 p.m. Friday (see schedule below) and includes four games Friday, six on Saturday and another four Sunday in Ely, with the remaining contests at Soudan.
Ely caps off the opening day with an 8 p.m. matchup with Edina, a Senior Babe Ruth team featuring juniors and some seniors from the Edina baseball program.
Friday is Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital Night at the ballpark, with all hospital employees receiving free admission and a free meal from the ballpark concession stand.
Admission for the tournament is $5 per day with a tournament pass on sale for $10.
2013 Sir G's Midsummer Legion Classic
Friday at Ely .
12:30 p.m. Wahpeton vs. Proctor
3:00 p.m. Kenyon vs. Cloquet
5:30 p.m. Viroqua vs. Duluth Lakeview
8:00 p.m. Ely vs. Edina
Friday at Soudan
1:30 Duluth Lakeview vs. Deer River
4:00 Hermantown vs. Wahpeton
Saturday at Ely
8:30 a.m. Viroqua vs. Deer River
10:45 a.m. Kenyon vs. Duluth Lakeview
1:00 p.m. Ely vs. Proctor
3:15 p.m. Edina vs. Wahpeton
5:30 p.m. Hermantown vs. Edina
7:45 p.m. Ely vs. Wahpeton
Saturday at Soudan
9:30 Proctor vs. Hermantown
noon Viroqua vs. Cloquet
2:30 Kenyon vs. Deer River
5:00 Duluth Lakeview vs. Cloquet
Sunday at Ely
9:30 a.m. Viroqua vs. Kenyon
12 noon Edina vs. Proctor
2:30 p.m. Cloquet vs. Deer River
5:00 p.m. Ely vs. Hermantown
Division II powerhouses from North Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota will be joined by some of the top Division I teams in the area for a tournament that will include 20 games over the course of three days, with 14 at Ely's Veterans Memorial Field and another six at Legion Field in Soudan.
Host Ely, riding a seven-game winning streak and ranked third among Minnesota Division II teams, takes on Wahpeton (N.D.) Saturday night in a rematch of last year's Central Plains Regional title game and one of the marquee matchups in this year's tournament. Ely, Wahpeton, Edina, Proctor and Hermantown form one five-team pool, while the other pool features Wisconsin power and defending Sir G's champion Viroqua along with Duluth Lakeview, Kenyon, Cloquet and Deer River.
The action begins at 12:30 p.m. Friday (see schedule below) and includes four games Friday, six on Saturday and another four Sunday in Ely, with the remaining contests at Soudan.
Ely caps off the opening day with an 8 p.m. matchup with Edina, a Senior Babe Ruth team featuring juniors and some seniors from the Edina baseball program.
Friday is Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital Night at the ballpark, with all hospital employees receiving free admission and a free meal from the ballpark concession stand.
Admission for the tournament is $5 per day with a tournament pass on sale for $10.
2013 Sir G's Midsummer Legion Classic
Friday at Ely .
12:30 p.m. Wahpeton vs. Proctor
3:00 p.m. Kenyon vs. Cloquet
5:30 p.m. Viroqua vs. Duluth Lakeview
8:00 p.m. Ely vs. Edina
Friday at Soudan
1:30 Duluth Lakeview vs. Deer River
4:00 Hermantown vs. Wahpeton
Saturday at Ely
8:30 a.m. Viroqua vs. Deer River
10:45 a.m. Kenyon vs. Duluth Lakeview
1:00 p.m. Ely vs. Proctor
3:15 p.m. Edina vs. Wahpeton
5:30 p.m. Hermantown vs. Edina
7:45 p.m. Ely vs. Wahpeton
Saturday at Soudan
9:30 Proctor vs. Hermantown
noon Viroqua vs. Cloquet
2:30 Kenyon vs. Deer River
5:00 Duluth Lakeview vs. Cloquet
Sunday at Ely
9:30 a.m. Viroqua vs. Kenyon
12 noon Edina vs. Proctor
2:30 p.m. Cloquet vs. Deer River
5:00 p.m. Ely vs. Hermantown
Monday, July 8, 2013
Ely scores 25 in doubleheader sweep
A five-day layoff didn't cool down Ely's American Legion baseball team.
Post 248 returned from a Fourth of July weekend break with a 12-2, 13-2 sweep of Cook County Monday at Grand Marais.
Ely, winners of seven straight games and 10 of its last 12, rapped out 27 hits in the twinbill with Riley Bernsdorf and Bradley Roy collecting five apiece.
On the mound, Trevor Bernsdorf struck out 12 batters while going the distance in the opener, and Max Gantt picked up his second win in as many starts after scattering eight hits through six frames.
Ely (15-6) jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning of the opener and cruised from there. Leadoff man Cody Bialik went three-for-four with two runs scored and two runs batted in, and Roy continued to swing a hot bat by going thee-for-four. Riley Bernsdorf tripled and drove in two runs and Nick Mathews added two hits.
Pat Huisman drove in four runs in the second game but he was just one of several hot hitters for Ely.
Riley Bernsdorf, Louie Gerzin and Gantt all collected three hits and Roy finished with two.
With the sweep, Ely cemented its lead in the Eighth District Division II standings and Post 248 can all but secure the top seed for the district playoffs if it beats Taconite Wednesday, in a contest slated for 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Field.
Post 248 returned from a Fourth of July weekend break with a 12-2, 13-2 sweep of Cook County Monday at Grand Marais.
Ely, winners of seven straight games and 10 of its last 12, rapped out 27 hits in the twinbill with Riley Bernsdorf and Bradley Roy collecting five apiece.
On the mound, Trevor Bernsdorf struck out 12 batters while going the distance in the opener, and Max Gantt picked up his second win in as many starts after scattering eight hits through six frames.
Ely (15-6) jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning of the opener and cruised from there. Leadoff man Cody Bialik went three-for-four with two runs scored and two runs batted in, and Roy continued to swing a hot bat by going thee-for-four. Riley Bernsdorf tripled and drove in two runs and Nick Mathews added two hits.
Pat Huisman drove in four runs in the second game but he was just one of several hot hitters for Ely.
Riley Bernsdorf, Louie Gerzin and Gantt all collected three hits and Roy finished with two.
With the sweep, Ely cemented its lead in the Eighth District Division II standings and Post 248 can all but secure the top seed for the district playoffs if it beats Taconite Wednesday, in a contest slated for 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Field.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Pitching fuels road sweep, Ely climbs to #3 in state
Thanks to two more strong outings on the mound, Ely's American Legion baseball team won two more games Tuesday night and finished a seven-game, six-day stint - all on the road - with a 6-1 record.
Louie Gerzin struck out 12 batters as Post 248 beat Chisholm 8-3 in the opening game of a split twinbill, and after a jaunt across the Range to Nashwauk, Riley Bernsdorf blanked Taconite on three hits in a 5-0 Ely victory.
The wins extended Ely's winning streak to five games and Post 248 (13-6) has won 10 of its last 12 contests.
The recent hot streak, which also included a victory over top-ranked BOLD, has drawn the attention of those who vote in the weekly state American Legion rankings. In a poll released Tuesday night, Ely climbed five spots to number-three, ranked only behind BOLD and Luverne.
Gerzin, who picked up his fifth win of the summer, allowed four hits and just one earned run against Chisholm.
Post 248 jumped out to an early 3-0 lead but the hosts pulled to within 3-2 in the fourth. Ely countered with Bradley Roy's two-run single in the fifth and three more insurance runs in the seventh.
Roy finished with four runs batted in, while Max Gantt had two hits and two runs batted in.
Bersdorf and Taconite's Justin Peratalo hooked up in a pitching duel in a contest that started at 9:20 p.m. Ely got on the board in the fourth, when Bersdorf scored all the way from first on a Pat Huisman double.
Ely added three more runs in the sixth and another in the seventh, while Bernsdorf was in command on the mound. The sophomore finished with seven strikeouts and only one Taconite runner got to third base.
Huisman had two hits and two RBI for Ely, which is off until a July 8 doubleheader at Cook County.
Louie Gerzin struck out 12 batters as Post 248 beat Chisholm 8-3 in the opening game of a split twinbill, and after a jaunt across the Range to Nashwauk, Riley Bernsdorf blanked Taconite on three hits in a 5-0 Ely victory.
The wins extended Ely's winning streak to five games and Post 248 (13-6) has won 10 of its last 12 contests.
The recent hot streak, which also included a victory over top-ranked BOLD, has drawn the attention of those who vote in the weekly state American Legion rankings. In a poll released Tuesday night, Ely climbed five spots to number-three, ranked only behind BOLD and Luverne.
Gerzin, who picked up his fifth win of the summer, allowed four hits and just one earned run against Chisholm.
Post 248 jumped out to an early 3-0 lead but the hosts pulled to within 3-2 in the fourth. Ely countered with Bradley Roy's two-run single in the fifth and three more insurance runs in the seventh.
Roy finished with four runs batted in, while Max Gantt had two hits and two runs batted in.
Bersdorf and Taconite's Justin Peratalo hooked up in a pitching duel in a contest that started at 9:20 p.m. Ely got on the board in the fourth, when Bersdorf scored all the way from first on a Pat Huisman double.
Ely added three more runs in the sixth and another in the seventh, while Bernsdorf was in command on the mound. The sophomore finished with seven strikeouts and only one Taconite runner got to third base.
Huisman had two hits and two RBI for Ely, which is off until a July 8 doubleheader at Cook County.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Gantt, Ely knock off Virginia in extras
Max Gantt made the most of his first starting pitching assignment in an Ely American Legion baseball uniform.
The Ely catcher shed his chest protector and shin pads while going from behind the plate to the mound, and the senior-to-be allowed only four hits and pitched Post 248 to a 4-2, eight-inning victory over Virginia on Monday night.
Gantt allowed just one earned run and walked only two batters while gaining his first Legion pitching victory, and Post 248 used some "small ball" to help its pitcher out in the top of the eighth.
After hitting into three double plays in the first seven innings, Ely took the lead in the eighth while attempting to bunt in five consecutive at bats.
Louie Gerzin and Sean Fisher had bunt singles, while Riley Bernsdorf scored on a squeeze bunt attempt that was mishandled by the Virginia catcher. Bradley Roy laid down a successful squeeze bunt on the next pitch, and Ely had an insurance run.
After issuing a one-out walk, Gantt got Dan Pellinen to line into a double play and Ely (11-6) won for the fourth time in five games and improved to 8-2 in its last 10 contests.
Post 248 finished with 13 hits, with both Fisher and Cody Bialik collecting three apiece. Trevor Bernsdorf and Roy had two hits each.
Trevor Bernsdorf singled in a run in the top of the first to get Ely on the board, and Virginia countered in the third on a run-scoring hit by Jeremy Katz.
The teams traded runs in the fifth, with Bialik's single plating Roy and Virginia getting the equalizer with the help of an Ely error.
Ely misfired on a scoring chance in the seventh then used its bunting game to take the lead in the eighth.
A split doubleheader is up next on Tuesday. Ely plays at Chisholm at 5 p.m., then heads west to Nashwauk to tangle with Taconite. Both are Eighth District Division II league contests.
The Ely catcher shed his chest protector and shin pads while going from behind the plate to the mound, and the senior-to-be allowed only four hits and pitched Post 248 to a 4-2, eight-inning victory over Virginia on Monday night.
Gantt allowed just one earned run and walked only two batters while gaining his first Legion pitching victory, and Post 248 used some "small ball" to help its pitcher out in the top of the eighth.
After hitting into three double plays in the first seven innings, Ely took the lead in the eighth while attempting to bunt in five consecutive at bats.
Louie Gerzin and Sean Fisher had bunt singles, while Riley Bernsdorf scored on a squeeze bunt attempt that was mishandled by the Virginia catcher. Bradley Roy laid down a successful squeeze bunt on the next pitch, and Ely had an insurance run.
After issuing a one-out walk, Gantt got Dan Pellinen to line into a double play and Ely (11-6) won for the fourth time in five games and improved to 8-2 in its last 10 contests.
Post 248 finished with 13 hits, with both Fisher and Cody Bialik collecting three apiece. Trevor Bernsdorf and Roy had two hits each.
Trevor Bernsdorf singled in a run in the top of the first to get Ely on the board, and Virginia countered in the third on a run-scoring hit by Jeremy Katz.
The teams traded runs in the fifth, with Bialik's single plating Roy and Virginia getting the equalizer with the help of an Ely error.
Ely misfired on a scoring chance in the seventh then used its bunting game to take the lead in the eighth.
A split doubleheader is up next on Tuesday. Ely plays at Chisholm at 5 p.m., then heads west to Nashwauk to tangle with Taconite. Both are Eighth District Division II league contests.
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