Bemidji faces Hill-Murray in state baseball opener

ST. PAUL - Bemidji's quest for a state baseball championship continues Thursday, June 14, at Midway Stadium when the Lumberjacks tangle with Hill-Murray at 12:30 p.m.

The game is, arguably, the marquee match-up of the Class 3-A first round. Bemidji enters the state tournament rated No. 1 in the state's computer-generated QRF rankings which are based on record and strength of sche-dule. Hill Murray is third on that state-wide list.

Both teams also have caught the attention of the state high school baseball coaches as Bemidji is rated third in that poll and Hill-Murray is fourth. The top two teams in the coaches poll, Burnsville and Maple Grove, saw their seasons end during the section playoffs so Bemidji and Hill-Murray are the highest-ranked survivors.

Class 3A Tournament Pairings

Thursday, June 14

Midway Stadium

Game 1: Hopkins (18-6) vs. Eden Prairie (14-10), 10 a.m.

Game 2: Bemidji (23-2) vs. Hill-Murray (21-4), 12:30 p.m.

Game 3: Eastview (19-5) vs. Red Wing (22-1), 3 p.m.

Game 4: Grand Rapids (19-6) vs. Totino-Grace (16-7), 5:30 p.m.

Friday, June 15

Semifinals, Midway Stadium

Game 4: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, noon

Game 5: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 2:30 p.m.

Consolation Semifinals

Dunning Field

Game 6: Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 10 a.m.

Game 7: Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 loser, 12:30 p.m.

Consolation Final

Game 8: Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 winner, 3 p.m.

Third Place

Game 9: Game 4 loser vs. Game 5 loser, 5 p.m.

Championship

Monday, June 18

Target Field

Game 10: Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 winner