The Merchants dropped a close one to the Mayville Redcaps last Wednesday, 6-5, in their season finale before the State Tournament.  Brooks Brown got the start on the mound and went a solid 6 1/3 innings while John Eckstein finished it out.  Preston Jensen led the way with 3 hits and 2 RBI's.

The M's will open up State tourney play on Saturday, August 21st vs. the Jamestown Greyhounds at 1:00 pm followed by the Valley City Saints at 5:00 pm.  The winner of that pool will move on to the championship game on Sunday at 1:00 pm for a winner take all matchup against either Fairview, the Mayville Redcaps, or the Jamestown Elks.  All games will be played at the home of North Dakota Amateur Baseball, beautiful Jack Brown Stadium.