Barnum Wins In First Round Of Section 5A Softball Playoffs

May 20

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

The Barnum Bombers opened section play Friday afternoon at home and it was the Bombers, the number two seed defeating PACT Charter by a final score of 4 to 3. The Panthers had opened the Section 5A playoffs with a 20-3 win over North Lakes Academy on Thursday afternoon.

The Bombers held off the Panthers as they try to defend their sectional championship this season. Last year the Bombers finished second in the girls state class A tournament. They Bombers lost to New Life Academy in the Championship game by a score of 2-0 at Caswell Park in North Mankato.

Karianna Duesler finished 2-4 on the afternoon and drove in the winning run as the Bombers advance to

sub-section semi-finals on Tuesday afternoon. The Bombers will host either the McGregor Mercuries or East Central. Duesler’s game winning hit drove in Sage Miletich with the game winning run.

Emily Thompson finished the game with two runs batted in and Jessica Newman had a triple for the Bombers Lauren Hultgren was the games winning pitcher as she gave up six hits, she struck out six Panther batters while walking only three. Miletich also had a hit in the Bombers victory.

The Bombers improved to 11-4 on the season and will be at home Tuesday, with the game scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm. The Cromwell Cards, who also were in the section 5A tournament lost their opening round matchup to East Central on Thursday afternoon by a final score of 11-1.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com