MARSHALL — Baseball was back over the weekend for a few area amateur teams, as the Milroy Irish and Milroy Yankees and Dawson Drakes officially opened their seasons in South Dakota on Sunday. With games in Minnesota currently being postponed, teams around the state have been given the go-ahead to play in surrounding states.

Milroy Irish

BRYANT, S.D. — The Irish got out to a good start to their season, defeating Hamlin/Bryant (S.D.) 18-0 and Castlewood (S.D.) 16-2. Manager Bob Dolan said it was just an amazing feeling to be outside playing baseball again and felt there weren’t any concerns with COVID while playing.

“It was awesome to play some baseball,” coach Dolan said. “I think there was a crowd of 150-plus watching the three games and no one was concerned about COVID affecting the game. The umpires worked the game behind the pitchers mound and honestly, everyone was so excited to be outside and play baseball.”

Against Hamlin/Bryant (S.D.), the Irish were led by Brady Lanoue, who went 2 for 2 with a pair of home runs and walks as well as collecting six RBI. Ben Heichel went 3 for 4 with a home run and a pair of doubles while Derek Riley added a couple of hits, including a three-run homer. Beau Priegnitz earned the victory on the mound, going four innings while striking out nine.

Against Castlewood (S.D.), the Irish were led by Dominic Dolan, who went 3 for 4, including a grand slam and had five RBI. Heichel added a trio of hits with three RBI while Tyler Peterson connected on a solo home run. Peterson also earned the victory on the mound.

The Irish (2-0) will continue play in South Dakota next weekend with a matchup against Aurora on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Milroy Yankees

AURORA, S.D. — The Yankees also started their season in the right direction, as they defeated Brookings (S.D.) 8-7 and Dawson 12-6.

Against Brookings (S.D.), Derek Rasmussen led the way for the Yankees with a pair of hits while Dylan Criquet-Danielson brought in the game-winning run. Isaac Schmitt earned the victory on the mound.

Against Dawson, Schmitt led the way for the Yankees with four hits, including two doubles while collecting two RBI while Derick Walker connected on his first home run as a member of the Yankees. Matt Bauer earned the victory on the mound.

The Yankees’ (2-0) next game is TBD.

Dawson Drakes

AURORA, S.D. — The Drakes fell in their two games on Sunday. After falling to the Yankees, Dawson dropped to Brookings (S.D.) 15-4.

Against the Yankees, Derek Gritmacker led the way for the Drakes with a grand slam. Against Brookings (S.D.), Jerry Thompson led the way for Dawson with a couple of hits.

Dawson’s (0-2) next game is TBD.