ST. CLOUD — For the fourth time in program history, the Pierz Pioneers are headed back to the state tournament.

The No. 3-seeded Pioneers topped No. 5 Albany 3-0 in the second game of the Section 6-2A Championship Thursday June 5.

Pierz struck first in the second inning. Brayden Habermann doubled to lead off and scored on Jackson Thielen’s single for a 1-0 lead.

Sawyer Lochner reached to lead off the fourth inning after being hit by a pitch. A balk moved him to second and he scored on Brecken Andres’ triple. Andres scored on Daniel Litke’s double for a 3-0 lead, which is how it ended.

Pierz’s Nathan Solinger struck out seven over six scoreless innings. He scattered three hits and four walks. Kaden Kruschek pitched the final inning and allowed one hit with one strikeout.

Thielen, Andre

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