From WDN/Winona Buddies

NORTHFIELD, Minn. — The Winona Buddies took the first game Sunday 8-2 over Owatonna but weren’t able to get past top-seeded Northfield in the championship game of the Minnesota VFW District 1 Final Four, taking a 10-5 loss.

Mac Whaley drove in three runs in the first game to help the Buddies (14-16) build a 7-0 lead in the third inning, and Matt Clark added a double and two more RBI. Jonah Spiten also reached base all three times at plate while adding two runs.

"To beat a team of Owatonna's caliber shows just how much our team has grown throughout the season," Winona VFW Head Coach Matt O'Brien said. "We peaked at the right time and played some outstanding baseball down the stretch."

Josh Forst picked up the win, scattering six hits, while striking out five in a complete game.

"Josh has been incredible all season on the mound, he's such a competitor," O'Brien said. "Today was no different, he was in complete control and it was fun to watch."

In the District final, Northfield got off to a quick start with four runs in the first, and Winona wasn’t able to recover. Sam French put Winona on the board in the third inning with a two-run single. Spencer Rudnik (4-4, 2 2B), Matt Clark (3-4), and French (2-3, 2 RBI) lead the Buddies at the plate.

"For a twelve seed to give the top seed all it could handle shows the type of kids we have," O'Brien said. "Our boys have nothing to hang their heads about, they represented the Winona community to the fullest and we are extremely proud of them."

The Buddies ended their season 14-16, but reached the District Final for just the second time in the last 10 years.

Box Score vs Owatonna 

http://leaguelineup.com/gamesum_baseball.asp?sid=1007408519&GameID=16675388&url=winvfw

Box Score vs Northfield 

http://leaguelineup.com/gamesum_baseball.asp?sid=1007408519&GameID=16974266&url=winvfw