SNR ends season as runner-up

District 4 Independent Baseball Tournament coverage

Christian Martinez | Aug 03, 2020

Christian Martinez count

The SNR Black Sox hosted a thrilling post-season tournament this past week, and the locals kept fans engaged until the bitter end. The Black Sox finished their season in second place, and Kidder County got the trip to the state tournament in Minot next week. Pictured: Kaden Jensen had a great tournament, with nine hits and eight runs.

Christian Martinez count

Black Sox in the dugout during an at-bat.

On July 27-29, New Rockford played host to the District 4 Independent Legion Tournament, featuring five area teams ready to see who would end up on top.

Day 1

In the first day, spirits were high and there was a feeling of anxiousness in the air as the aroma of fresh-cut grass and hot dogs filled the air.

The first game was between the two lower seeds, Carrington and Jamestown, in a match to determine who would take on top seeded Kidder County. As the first pitch was thrown, there were many in attendance from all over to support their team and have a great time. Jamestown started off strong with four runs in the first inning and Carrington wasn't able to respond. As the game continued Jamestown kept the pressure on the Red Birds, scoring an additional four runs in the third inning and three in the fourth inning. At the end of the fourth inning, the game was ended short with Jamestown winning 11-0 and eliminating Carrington from contention.

Immediately after, Kidder County did not give Jamestown anytime to celebrate. They started the game out on top with runs in the first and third innings and denying Jamestown from keeping up with them with their stellar defense. In the fourth inning Kidder County added three runs to extend their lead to five. Jamestown fought back in the six and was able to tie the game. Kidder County embraced the challenge and pulled off a dominant performance at the bottom of the sixth with seven straight runs, ending Jamestown hopes. The final score was 12-7 in favor of Kidder County.

The third and final game of the tournament saw the Black Sox taking on Nelson County. SNR had split games with Nelson County during the season, so this game was a tossup. The Black Sox started off strong with two runs by Kaden Jensen in the first and third. At the bottom of the third Nelson County was able to tie the ballgame. It was in the fifth inning that Nelson County gained the upper hand with a run to lead by one. The Black Sox were unable to answer, and the Owls took advantage, scoring four runs at the bottom of the sixth inning giving them a convincing lead. Jensen scored again in the seventh, but the Sox could not bounce back. The Owls defeated the locals 7-3.

Day 2

Jamestown and SNR matched up in the first game of the day in a loser out contest. SNR, who had lost their final game of the season to Jamestown the previous week, had something to prove and a will to stay in the tournament. SNR struck first, scoring five runs in the third inning to take a commanding lead. They then added on two runs in the fourth to take a seven-run lead. Jamestown had a tough time going, only scoring one run in the fifth. SNR ended it by adding two runs in the sixth inning. Runs by six Black Sox helped cultivate this win: Holzwarth, Duda, and Berglund each had a run, while Jensen, Harrison, and Grann all scored two runs throughout the match. The final score saw SNR redeeming themselves 9-3.

The second game was a matchup between the two winning teams from the first day of the tournament. Kidder County and Nelson County faced off for their shot at the championship game. The first two innings were very quiet, as the two teams seemed to be evenly matched. In the third inning, Kidder County got the upper hand with two runs. Nelson County still was having a hard time scoring on the Kidder County defense. Although the Owls tried to hold Kidder County from scoring any more, they couldn't be contained. Kidder scored five runs in the fifth inning. In the sixth and final inning, the Owls began to crumble and Kidder County ended the game with three more runs. Kidder County pulled off the 10-0 shutout win and headed into the championship.

The final game of day two was a rematch between SNR and Nelson County to determine who would take on Kidder County in the championship. The Sox got off to a great start, scoring three runs through the second inning by Jensen, Presnell and Soderholm. Nelson County got its first run in the third inning. In the fourth inning runs by Berglund and Jensen helped keep the pressure on the Owls.

Nelson County wasn't going to go down easy, as they scored in the fifth and sixth innings to stay in the game. SNR didn't back down, as they added two runs in the sixth by Jensen and Harrison. In the seventh and final inning the Sox were able to hold off the Owls and secure the 7-4 win.

Day 3 (Championship)

The third and final day held only one game and it was the most important of the tournament. It was time to crown a champion for the District 4 Legion Regionals. SNR came ready to play, knowing that they had to beat Kidder County twice to punch their ticket to the state tournament.

The first inning was a good indicator of how these two teams matched up. SNR players Johnny Grann and Nathan Holzwarth position themselves at second and third base to attempt a run, unfortunately Kidder County was able to gather three outs before either could reach home plate. As Kidder County took over at bat, the Sox were determined to stop what was a very good scoring team, and stop them they did with Nick Berglund at the mound.

At the start of the second Kidder County refused to let the Black Sox get the upper hand, achieving three fast outs. Off this momentum they were able to score a run at the bottom of the second off an error by the pitcher. With Kidder County taking the lead, SNR tightened up their defense. For the next four innings it was a back and forth battle between the two teams, each refusing to allow any runs. The Sox made a final attempt to tie the game at the top of the seventh. With two outs and two on base, Harrison hit into fielders choice towards third base. Kaden Jensen tried to get on base but was tagged out by Kidder County's third basemen to secure the win and end the tournament 1-0.

Jayden Rath was credited with the victory for Kidder County. He went seven innings, allowing zero runs on four hits, striking out 10 and walking none.

Although this was a tough way to end the season, the SNR Black Sox still had an amazing and impressive season. They send off their seniors to whatever life holds next for them and make this community proud of their success this season.

Opening Round

Monday, July 27

SNR vs Nelson County

SNR 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 - 3 10 3

NCO 0 0 2 0 1 4 X - 7 10 3

New Rockford : Alex Harrison (6 strikeouts)

Nelson County: Carter Anderson (5 strikeouts), Colby Hovdenes (1 strikeout)

SNR Runs: Jensen 3

RBI: Harrison, Holzwarth 2

SB: Jensen 2

Loser-Out Contest

Tuesday, July 28