The Merchants beat the Hounds 3-1 on Sunday afternoon to capture their 12th NDAB State Championship.

After five years, the Merchants are back on top of AAA NDAB.  Ethan Claus and Brandon Baumgartner combined to get the win and the save in a tight nerve racking game.  Ethan started going 3 2/3rds working out of multiple jams while Baumy came in for the final 3 1/3rd.  Ethan only gave up two hits but walked four and hit two, also striking out two.  Baumy came in with the bases loaded in the 4th inning with two outs and got a fly out to center field to get out of the jam.  He then scattered five hits over the final three innings allowing only one run and striking out one to earn the save.

Kobe Senn led the way at the plate going 2 for 3 with a run scored and a double.  Colten Alme hit a big insurance home run to make it 3-0 in the 4th, just clearing the right field ivy.  Jesse Munsterman and Tommy Linn also had RBI's for the Merchants in the championship win.

We want to thank all the fans, wives, girlfriends, kids, grandparents and everyone for coming out and supporting the Merchants this year.  It's been a fast fun year and we look forward to defending the title in 2024!