Elko edges Austin at state tourney

The Elko Express baseball team advanced in state baseball play last weekend, defeating the Austin Blue Sox, 2-1, in a game played Saturday at Glencoe. The game was postponed by rain from Thursday.

Lefthander Brian Muell was the winning pitcher but had help from Josh Roiger, another lefthander, who pitched the last two innings and earned the save.

Roiger came on with two runners in the eighth and got one out, then hit a batter to load the bases. The next batter grounded into an inning-ending double play, with Roger fielding a grounder and throwing to catcher Josh Thom at the plate for the force. Thom relayed the ball to Justin Bailey at first to retire the side.

Elko was outhit but scored two runs in the fourth inning on a ground ball by Nick Judkins and a passed ball. Thom hit a double.

Austin scored once in the eighth inning as Nels Nelson doubled and Brandon Rector singled for the run.

Elko's win puts the Express into the double elimination part of the Class B tournament.

The Express will meet Sauk Rapids in a rematch of last year's state Class C title game. Saturday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 at Arlington. The Express won that game. Both teams moved up to Class B this season.

The line score: R H E

Austin.............000 000 010 - 1 7 1

Elko................000 200 00x - 2 5 0

Joe Huffman, pitcher. Brian Muell, Josh Roiger (8) and Josh Thom.

Of the eight teams remaining in the Class B Tournament, four of them are based in Scott County. Saturday's games have Savage facing Cold Spring at 5 p.m. in Arlington, Shakopee facing Miesville at 5 p.m. in Gaylord, Elko vs. Sauk Rapids at 7:30 p.m. in Arlington and Prior Lake vs. Hastings at 7:30 p.m. in Gaylord.

All four teams play Sunday. Win or lose, Elko plays at Gaylord. If they win Saturday, their Sunday game is at 7:30 p.m. If they lose, it will be at 5 p.m.