Gobblers advance over rivals

AITKIN -- Jason Rikala was 1-for-2 with two RBI and A.J. Hartshorn was 1-3 with an RBI double to lead the third-seeded Aitkin Gobblers to a 4-1 victory over the sixth-seeded Crosby-Ironton Rangers in the opening-round of the Section 7, Class 2A baseball playoffs Wednesday.

Tim Elling grabbed the complete-game victory. He struck out three and hit two batters. He allowed one hit and one error.

C-I's Eric Ostberg had the loss despite striking out nine Gobblers.

Crosby-Ironton -- 1 1 3

Aitkin -- 4 2 0

WP -- Tim Elling. LP -- Eric Ostberg. 2B -- A-A.J. Hartshorn. 3B -- A-Jason Rikala. Overall -- A 15-5. Next game -- Aitkin vs. TBD in second round of Section 7, Class 2A playoffs at Hinckley 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

Minnewaska 4, Staples-Motley 1

GLENDWOOD -- Zach Martin drove in Nathan Beard in the fifth inning for the Staples-Motley Cardinals only run in a 4-1 loss to Minnewaska Wednesday in the District 19, Section 6, Class 2A baseball semifinals.

Justin Richard and Beard had S-M's other two hits.

Martin pitched five innings allowing three runs on seven hits. He struck out one.

Staples-Motley -- 1 3 0

Minnewaska -- 4 8 3

WP -- T. Daver. LP -- Zach Martin. Final record -- SM 9-12.