Winona Daily News Staff

BEMIDJI, Minn. - Entering the top of the seventh inning, the Winona Buddies held a 6-2 lead over Grand Rapids. They only needed three outs to advance to the VFW State Baseball Tournament championship game.

Josh Duellman stepped up to make one of those outs.

With runners on first and third and one out, Grand Rapids hit a deep fly ball to left centerfield.
Duellman and Drew Thompson both called for it, but Duellman made the running catch.

Grand Rapids scored twice but Winona won 6-4.

Winona will take on the survivor of the loser's bracket at noon today. In the double-elimination tournament, the Buddies have to only win once to hoist the trophy.

"Josh came out of nowhere," coach Matt O'Brien said. "The catch stopped their run. If he didn't make that catch, they would have had the momentum."

Eagan, Ranview and Grand Rapids are the teams fighting for a shot at Winona. Coincidentally, those three also are the teams Winona has beat on its way to the title game.

"The game plan is the same," Thompson said. "Our coaches are 4-0 here. You have to give props to them."

Winona scored twice in the first, third and fourth innings and got doubles from Hunter Kruse, John DeMarais and Dan Kronebusch. Skylar Marks scored three runs and had three stolen bases.

"We really worked as a team," Duellman said. "We just need to get that early lead. It gives us a lot of insurance."

Before moving to the outfield, Thompson went after Grand Rapids, keeping his pitches low.

"My arm feels great," Thompson said. "I could go again."

Playing only four games in three days will give the Buddies options when it comes to pitchers. Owen Burnikel has pitched the most - 10 innings- and Bryan Rohde likely will get the start after having two days of rest following his complete game against Eagan.


Box Score vs Grand Rapids