The Crookston Reds’ seventh-inning rally fell one run short in a 6-5 loss to the Warroad Muskies in the third-place game of the Jim Karn Memorial Tournament at Jim Karn Field in Crookston.
The Reds struck first with one run in the third inning. Alex LaFrance reached on a walk to open the inning before Noah Zimmerman helped out his own cause with a single that scored LaFrance to give the Reds an early 1-0 lead. Crookston’s Noah Zimmerman started the game in control through the first three innings on the mound before allowing two runs in the fourth after a bases-loaded, two-out single gave the Muskies a 2-1 lead. A pitching change didn’t yield the desired results in the fifth inning for Crookston as the Muskies further separated themselves from their host with four runs in the inning. Two batters were hit by a pitch along with one walk to load the bases before back-to-back singles busted the game open giving Warroad a 6-1 lead. The Reds displayed their flair for the dramatics for the second straight game with another inspired comeback bid. Cody Wardner singled and scored on a Tanner Reinhart base hit to cut the deficit down to 6-2 heading into the seventh and final inning. Blake Kawaleski opened the final frame with a walk followed by a single hit by Alex LaFrance to put runners on the corners with no outs. A groundout hit by Noah Zimmerman plated LaFrance brining Crookston within three runs of the visitors. Austin Campos singled to plate Reinhart and reach base continuing the rally. Dave Grabowski delivered a timely hit to score Campos with his double that put the tying run in scoring position, with the Reds’ deficit down to 6-5. Grabowski was stranded at second base after a fly out and groundout ended Crookston’s comeback bid with the Muskies hanging on for a 6-5 win. “We’re at least keeping our positive attitude and still clawing back at the end,” said Reds player/manager Matt Morin. “We’d like to get our offense going earlier, but we’ll try to be ready for Moorhead on Thursday to try and get our offense going earlier. All weekend we played good defense and that’s huge for morale. I’m happy with that.”
The Reds fall to 7-11 overall. Crookston returns to the diamond on Thursday when they host League opponent the Moorhead Miners in a game that can be heard on KROX with the Riverview Health Pregame show beginning at 7:30 PM.
Blake Kawlewski throws out a runner at first base after a dropped third strike
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
| Warroad | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 0 |
| Crookston | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 1 |
Noah Zimmerman started the game for the Reds
| Pitching | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO |
| Noah Zimmerman – Crox | 4.0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Dave Grabowski – Crox | 0.2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Cody Wardner – Crox | 1.1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
For Crookston
Alex LaFrance – 1-1, 3 walks, 2 runs
