The Merchants waited until the 7th inning to really get the bats going at the NDAB AAA State tournament.  Down 7-5 in the 7th, Bryan Erstad launched a three run homerun over the ivy in right field at Jack Brown Stadium to take the lead.  The Merchants didn't stop there as they plated 10 runs in the 7th enroute to a 15-7 opening game win over the Mayville Redcaps.

Erstad led the way with a HR, 2B, and 5 RBI's.  Beau Brunsvold went 3 for 3 out of the nine hole.  Jesse Munsterman and Brandon Baumgartner added two hits a piece.

Colten Alme pitched the first three innings giving up six runs, four earned on four hits.  Baumgartner threw the final four innings allowing no hits or earned runs, striking out three.

Game two will be Saturday at 2:00 pm versus the winner of the Hounds/Elks for a spot in the title game on Sunday.