Lack of timely hitting and Osseo's ability to capitalize on mistakes proved to be too much for the Spooner Cardinals on Saturday night. Both teams had five errors with walks/hit batters being nearly identical but it was the clutch hits that were the difference. Unfortunately, none came for Spooner against quality Osseo pitching. The loss ends the season for Spooner with a record of 20-6 (not including three forfeits) and the Cardinals were able to share the Indy league title with the Haugen Knights. It was a memorable season, to say the least, as Spooner reached the state finals tourney for the first time in 20 years and won their opening game against Eau Claire.

The Independent League had another good showing at state with Brill reaching the semi-finals before losing to eventual champion Sparta and Haugen was defeated by Sparta in the quarterfinal round. Three of the eight teams at state came from our league and had four total in the playoffs (Hayward won their opening round). Sparta defeated Osseo 6-4 in a rematch of the 2016 WBA championship game (2-1 Sparta in 2016).

Spooner would like to thank the Redbird Faithful as many fans traveled to Viroqua to watch the games and pack the stands at many games throughout the year! The team is looking forward to the future with a bevy of young talent, along with the veteran right-hander Bloomquist.