UPDATE: The Regal Eagles delivered a stunning performance, defeating the Norway Lake-Sunburg Lakers 11-5 in an intense County Line playoff matchup on July 16, 2023. This decisive victory ensures Regal advances in the tournament, keeping their championship hopes alive.
At Willie Reigstad Field, Brandon Wedel emerged as the hero for Regal, pitching six shutout innings in relief. His outstanding performance came after overcoming a hamstring injury that sidelined him earlier this season. “It felt good,” Wedel stated, affirming his readiness to contribute as the Eagles push forward in the playoffs.
Regal now prepares for a critical matchup against the Paynesville Pirates at 7:30 PM on Wednesday. The stakes are high as the winner moves on to face the undefeated Starbuck team for playoff seeding next weekend.
The Eagles’ victory over Norway Lake-Sunburg was a comeback story, as they trailed 5-4 after three innings. The turning point came in the sixth inning, where Brayden Skindelien launched a three-run homer, shifting momentum in Regal’s favor. Moments later, Nathan Meyer followed suit with a two-run blast, sealing the Lakers’ fate and igniting cheers from the Regal fans.
“Big-time players do big-time things,” said Skindelien, reflecting on the team’s need for energy and performance in crucial moments.
The Eagles’ victory not only showcases their depth, blending youthful talent with experienced players, but also marks a significant playoff advancement. Regal previously eliminated Atwater with a 4-2 win, where Grant Paffrath pitched a solid seven innings, adding to the team’s momentum.
Norway Lake-Sunburg, which recently celebrated its first County Line regular season title since 2011, had hoped to continue their playoff run after a thrilling 8-6 victory over New London-Spicer in the previous round. Despite their efforts, they fell short against Regal.
As the playoffs continue, three teams from the County Line League will head to the Region 8C playoffs in Spring Hill, with the third seed facing a play-in game against a Stearns County League team. This new pairing is anticipated with excitement by players and fans alike.
Stay tuned as the Regal Eagles look to capitalize on their impressive performance and battle for a championship title in the upcoming games. The stakes are high, and the road ahead is pivotal for these determined players.
