Bracket game #3 - Muskies lose vs. California Mustangs 12-7

The 2nd inning proved to be too much for the Muskies to overcome as the 16th ranked California Mustangs scored 8 times to jump out to an early 8-1 lead. The Muskies got within 8-7 in the top of the 5th but gave up 4 more runs in the home half of the inning. They were unable to generate enough offense in the top of the 6th falling 12-7.

Despite the loss the Muskies earned a 5-4 record in this very competitive national tournament and finished among the top third of the 104 teams. Everyone contributed on the baseball field and more importantly grew as young men. Enough good things cannot be said about the coaches, players, parents, grand parents, siblings and friends who supported the Muskies in Cooperstown and at home. The schools in Prior Lake, Woodbury and Shoreview have a bright future in baseball.

Thanks for following the Minnesota Muskies in Cooperstown!

Bracket game #2 - Muskies bomb the Bombers 11-7

The Muskies used five long balls to hold off the #49 seed Bayside Bombers. We stayed alive in the tournament and will face the field's #16 seed at 4:00 Eastern. A win in that game would give us one more today at. 6:30 for a spot in Thursday's round of championship games. The work is not done yet. Go Muskies!

Bracket game #1 - Muskies win big 21-4

The Muskies put together a hitting barrage propelling them to a 4-inning victory over a team from Virginia. Everyone got on base and most scored at least one run. Strong pitching and defense kept the Virginia squad off the base paths for most of the contest.

In order to play on Thursday the Muskies will have to put together three more victories today starting against the 49th ranked Bayside Bombers at 1:30.   The Muskies are ranked #52.  Pictures of all of today's action will be posted at the conclusion of today's games.

Go Muskies!

Game #6 - Muskies comeback bid falls short

The Muskies almost found lightning in a bottle for a second time today but their rally in the 6th inning fell short, losing 19-14 to a home-run-hitting team from Massachusetts.  The long ball did in the Muskies especially during a 10-run barrage by the MA team in the bottom of the first.  The Muskies got within 13-8 after a strong 5th inning but in the bottom half they gave up 6 runs to put the game out of reach.  They continued fighting, just like the elusive trophy fish in Minnesota lakes, scoring 6 more runs in the top of the 6th making it a little uncomfortable for home team.  It looked like the rally would continue but a 6' 3" MA third baseman snagged a line shot that looked destined for a double to end the rally.  Had he been an inch shorter we might still be playing.

Bracket play begins on Wednesday and the Muskies will have one bye before taking the field in a single elimination bracket tournament.  We play at 11:00 AM and from here on out, it's win or go home.  The team has created some good memories and built a good foundation that we hope will result in a deep run in the tournament.  Stay tuned as we continue our journey.

Go Muskies!

Game #5 - Muskies Rally to Win in Extra Innings

The Muskies moved to 3-2 in pool play after a thrilling come from behind game that went into extra innings.  The Muskies went out to an early 2-1 lead but were over taken by a strong hitting Syracuse, NY team.  In the bottom of the 5th the Muskies rallied to get within 7-6 but gave up 3 more runs in the top of the 6th.  It looked like a daunting task for the Muskies to win or extend the game, but Jack homered in the bottom of the 6th to get the Muskies within 10-7.  Aggressive base running and timely hitting evened the score at 10-10 but the Muskies couldn't put the winning run across in the 6th.  Syracuse scored 1 run early in the top of the 7th, but then the Muskies shut them down for the home half of the 7th inning.  In the bottom of the 7th the Muskies got base runners on quickly and got bases loaded.  The Muskies scored twice in the bottom of the 7th to take the victory against a very good Syracuse team.

Sorry no pictures from today's action are available.  The Muskies are now 3-2 for the tournament, and play tonight at 7:00 pm Eastern with the chance to improve their seeding for bracket play.  The team is really starting to come together and building momentum for bracket play.  Lets hope it continues tonight.  Go Muskies!

Game #4 - Muskies get to .500 with win against Bombers

The Muskies opened up a big lead and shut down a strong New Jersey rally to preserve an 11-9 victory.  The Muskies' next game is tomorrow afternoon at 1:45 PM Eastern followed by a game under the Cooperstown Dreams Park lights at 7:00 PM Eastern.  Following those two games all the 104 teams will be seeded and single-elimination bracket play will begin.  The Muskies are hoping to earn one or two byes in Wednesday's action.  Keep checking the blog for updates as we move through the tournament action.