North Branch extended their losing streak (dating back to last season) to 11 on Monday, dropping them down to 0-6. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 5-4 heartbreaker at the hands of the Zimmerman Thunder. The Vikings were not able to make up for their defeat to the Thunder from their previous meeting back in May of 2025.
North Branch saw eight different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Bo Pederson, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. That RBI was Pederson's first of the season. Another was James Gosiak, who went 1-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Zimmerman's first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-4. Their hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
On Zimmerman's side, Nathan Buermann spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered just two earned (and two unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up six Ks.
At the plate, Kaleb Wark was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double. Those two stolen bases gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Seth Cochran, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Looking ahead, North Branch will welcome St. Francis at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Saints' pitching crew has only allowed three runs per game this season, so the Vikings' hitters will have their work cut out for them. As for Zimmerman, they will face off against Chisago Lakes Area at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
