From WDN

BEMIDJI, Minn. - In an important, pressure-packed game, Owen Burnikel came through for the Winona VFW Buddies.

Facing the host team and defending state champion in the quarterfinals, Burnikel met the challenge. He threw 81 pitches in a complete game and hit the game-winning home run to lead Winona past Bemidji 2-0 in the VFW State Baseball Tournament.

The Buddies will face Grand Rapids at 1 p.m. today in the semifinals. The winner enters to the championship at noon Sunday while the losing team plays at 7 p.m. Saturday for a second chance to reach the championship game in the double-elimination tournament.

As the host team, Bemidji had the majority of fans, and as the defending state champion, it had the confidence. The pressure was on the Buddies to come out strong.

"That was a big game," Winona coach Matt O'Brien said. "We just keep coming in and putting ourselves in a good position to win. (Burnikel) was outstanding."

With a 3-2 count and a runner on second, Burnikel's swing on an inside pitch changed the game in the bottom of the third. He was just looking to make contact to advance Tyler Kauphusman, who was on second base after a walk and passed ball.

"I was rounding first and everyone was yelling ‘home run,'" Burnikel said. "I'm like ‘sweet.' It just worked out."

Burnikel attacked batters with his change-up and fastball. Throwing the full seven innings didn't leave his arm too sore and it helped having a strong defense behind him.

"I can trust (the defense)," Burnikel said. "The batters got themselves out."

Bemidji threatened in the fifth with two outs and runners on second and third. Burnikel got the lead-off hitter to fly out to end the inning.

The Buddies next face Grand Rapids, a team they beat 5-3 July 8 in the St. Cloud Tournament.
In that game, Bryan Rohde, who went 2-for-3 against Bemidji, pitched a complete game, limiting Grand Rapids to four hits, while striking out seven and walking six.


Read more: http://www.winonadailynews.com/sports/baseball/article_e2791b16-c552-11e0-ae45-001cc4c03286.html#ixzz1UuyzelUL

Box Score vs Bemidji