Northfield Opens in State Baseball Against Mahtomedi

The Northfield Raiders (15-9), Section 1 Class 3A champions are making their sixth trip to state in baseball.  They have never won a title in the sport.

Second year Head Coach Josh Spitzack hopes that changes this weekend.

The Raiders were not seeded by the coaches participating in the tournament despite the fact the conference they play in has four Class 4 schools and fellow league member Mankato East is the #2 seed among the 3A competition.

East is on the same side of the bracket as Northfield so if both win or both lose they would play each other on Friday,

This is the Raiders first trip to state in baseball since 2016.

Their opponent Mahtomedi Zephyrs (20-4) are #3 seed and are experiencing their ninth baseball state tournament appearance.  The Zephyrs played at Target Field in the title game last season but lost to New Prague.  The Trojans were moved to Class 4A this year.

Mahtomedi is gunning for their third state title after winning in 2018 and 2021.

Game time is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. at Chaska Athletic Park.

The #2 seed Mankato East Cougars (20-5) start the action at 10:00 a.m. against Grand Rapids Thunderhawks (16-6).

The Thunderhawks are in their 22nd state baseball tournament and fourth straight.  They finished second in 2021.  Grand Rapids has state titles in 1978 and 1984 and placed second in 1988, 2005 in addition to 2021.

According to MSHSL records the Cougars have only been to state baseball in 2000 and has Mankato East/Immanuel Lutheran in 2010.  When there was only Mankato High School for a public school they enjoyed nine trips to state baseball from 1948 through 1967.

Top seed Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights (20-3) drew St. Thomas Academy Cadets (12-12) for their first opponent 3:00 p.m.

The Cadets are making their fourth consecutive berth at state with a 2019 title.

BSM are in their third consecutive state baseball tournament with a 2022 championship among their five previous journeys.

#4 seed Totino-Grace Eagles (16-8) tangle with #5 seed Little Falls Flyers (18-6) at 5:30 p.m.

This is the third trip for the Eagles with no titles.  The Flyers have 2 state titles (1957, 1979).  This is their 17th time at state baseball tournament.