Baseball Game Preview: Win-E-Mac Patriots vs. Kelliher/Northome Mustangs

Win-E-Mac is a perfect 3-0 against Kelliher/Northome since June of 2016 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Patriots will host the Mustangs at 4:30 p.m. The timing is sure in Win-E-Mac's favor as the squad sits on three straight wins at home while Kelliher/Northome has been banged up by nine consecutive losses on the road dating back to last season.

Win-E-Mac had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the ten-run drubbing they dealt Norman County East/Ulen-Hitterdal on Tuesday. The Patriots put the hurt on the Titans with a sharp 11-1 victory. That ten run margin sets a new team best for the Patriots this season.

Braylon Hamre was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out 14 over five innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in April of 2024. He was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances.

In other batting news, Bergen Howard was incredible, going 2-for-3 with four RBI, two doubles, and one run. Those two doubles gave him a new career-high. Owen Strom was another key player, scoring four runs and stealing a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.

Win-E-Mac always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .515. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Meanwhile, Kelliher/Northome came up short against Mahnomen/Waubun on Thursday and fell 7-4.

Win-E-Mac's win bumped their record up to 3-1. As for Kelliher/Northome, their loss dropped their record down to 0-1.

Win-E-Mac took their victory against Kelliher/Northome in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 15-0 score. Do the Patriots have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Mustangs turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.