State championship day!

The Elrosa Saints amateur baseball team is playing at 6 p.m. tonight in the Class C state championship game at New Prague's Memorial Park Stadium. 

Hopefully that's not news to you by now!

The Bonanza Valley Voice newspaper's sports department is on its way to the game. Updates to follow.

UPDATES...(and these are edited somewhat after the game as I prepare for the 129-mile drive home!)

At 6:05 p.m., the first inning wrapped up, and the score is 0-0.

In the top of the 2nd inning, Fairmont got a 3-RBI double on 2 outs. They lead 3-0 going into the bottom of the frame.

**In the bottom of the 2nd, Jackson Peter hit an RBI single, and the score is now 3-1 going into the third inning.

**Four complete: Fairmont 4, Elrosa 1.

**After 5 1/2 innings: Fairmont 5. Elrosa 1.

After 7 complete: Fairmont 5, Elrosa 4. The Saints scored 3 times in the bottom of the seventh inning. Derek Wiener led off with a single, Luke Illies walked, and Gavin Kampsen singled to load the bases.

On a fielders choice to the shortstop, Peyton Winter advanced to first while Wiener scored. The 6-5 throw to third went wide, so all 4 runners were safe! No outs!

On a new pitcher, Blaine Fischer walked. On a 2-0 count, Illies attempted to score on a wild pitch, but the catcher tagged him out at the plate. Jackson Peter hit an RBI fly to bring Kampsen home. Ethan Mueller then hit an RBI-single for a 5-4 score. 

Fairmont's third relief pitcher recorded the third out, with Elrosa leaving 2 stranded but making the outcome in doubt.

After 8 complete: Fairmont 5, Elrosa 4. Both teams went quietly at the plate in this inning. 

Final score: Fairmont 5, Elrosa 4. A late game rally fell short. Game and season a wrap.

Time to drive home safely. 

*NOTE: a new blog post is going up on Monday morning, and it will be heavily edited throughout the day.