Marshall outhits Brainerd, but drops first state game
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SLEEPY EYE -- Marshall outhit Brainerd 9-3 but couldn’t come up with the timely hit it needed, falling 5-2 in its opening game of the Legion Baseball State Tournament on Wednesday. It was Marshall’s first state tournament game since 2005.
The Mudcats struck first when Chase Alcorn lined an RBI single in the top of the first inning to give Marshall a 1-0 lead.
Brainerd answered in the bottom of the inning after a Marshall error allowed the tying run to score. The game remained even until the fourth, when Brady Vanek delivered an RBI single to put Brainerd in front 3-1.
Marshall continued to put runners on base throughout the game but was unable to capitalize with key hits in scoring situations.
Alcorn cut the deficit to 3-2 in the fifth inning, driving in a run with a double on a 1-1 pitch to give the Mudcats new life.
Brainerd responded in the bottom of the sixth, when Vanek came through again with the game’s biggest hit. His two-run single to left field extended the lead to 5-2, and Marshall was unable to mount a comeback.
Noah Frazee took the loss on the mound for Marshall, pitching 5 1/3 innings. He allowed four runs, three earned, on two hits while striking out five and walking three.
Alcorn paced the Mudcats offensively, going 3 for 3 with two RBIs. Andrew Stelter also had a multi-hit game, finishing 2 for 4 as Marshall collected nine hits in the loss.
Marshall returns to action Thursday at 6 p.m., when the team plays its second game at Sleepy Eye Ball Park in Sleepy Eye.