Park River downs Casselton twice for 3rd State Babe Ruth Championship

LaMoure, ND-

The Park River Pirates staved off elimination for three days just to get to the championship round vs the Casselton Black Stockings, never once wavering in confidence.

The first championship game was a must-win for Park River to force a second game, a situation they’d been in for 4 straight games. Win or go home. The Pirates jumped on the board first against Carver Kasowski and then Kole Buhr of Casselton to go up 3-0. Wyatt Carlson dealt a complete game, just allowing one run on a sacrifice fly in the 7th inning, propelling Park River to a 3-1 game one win.

The Pirates turned to Connor Bernhoft for the winner take all game. He would drive in a pair of runs on offense while holding the Black Stockings offense silent on the mound. The Pirates took advantage of Casselton’s lack of pitching firepower in the finale, pushing across 7 runs in the first three innings and cruising to a 7-1 victory to become the State Champions for the third time, joining the 2016 and 2023 squads.

The Pirates pitching staff never allowed more than two runs in a game over the 5 days and 7 games played.