Cardinals force second game for section title

FERGUS FALLS - The Staples-Motley Cardinals nipped Fergus Falls 3-2 in the Section 8-2A final round Thursday.

S-M and Fergus Falls each have one loss in the double-elimination tournament and are scheduled to play for the section title at 3 p.m. Friday against the Otters at Fergus Falls.

Cardinals coach John Riewer said Gunner Johnson and Jordan Riewer will likely pitch again Friday.

"I'm so proud of our kids, for giving themselves another opportunity to go to the state tournament," John Riewer said. "If it doesn't happen it's been a wonderful season. It will be a dream come true if it happens.

"Gunner and Jordan are our only chance, and they want the ball. I don't like to (pitch someone with no rest) but we'll see what happens. I know they will give me whatever they can. I will just hand the ball over to the next guy when they get tired."

Jordan Riewer struck out five, walked one, and allowed two earned runs and eight hits to get the win.

Losing pitcher Spencer Kidder struck out nine, walked one and allowed just four hits.

Jordan Riewer was 2-for-4, Gunner Johnson was 1-2 with an RBI and a run, Sam Duberowski had an RBI single.

Earlier Thursday, the Cardinals eliminated Detroit Lakes 15-0 in five innings. Gunner Johnson struck out nine, walked four and pitched a one-hitter.

Jordan Riewer was 3-3 with a triple, three RBIs and three runs. Alex Jansson was 3-4 with a triple and two runs scored. Trevor Smith was 2-4 with a triple, RBI and three runs. Brandon Haglin was 2-4 with three RBIs. Gunner Johnson was 2-3 with two RBIs and two runs.

Losers bracket

Staples-Motley 15 12 1

Detroit Lakes 0 1 2

5 innings

WP: Gunner Johnson . LP: Brock Johnson.

Final round

Staples-Motley 3 4 2

Fergus Falls 2 8 3

WP: Jordan Riewer. LP: Spencer Kidder. 3B: SM-Jordan Riewer, Alex Jansson, Trevor Smith. Overall: SM 23-3. Next: Staples-Motley vs. Fergus Falls in Section 8-2A championship game at Fergus Falls 3 p.m. Friday.