ST. CLOUD — It wasn't easy, but Rochester Lourdes advanced in the Class AA state baseball tournament on Thursday.
The Eagles used strong defense and stellar pitching by senior Nick Hanson to post a 3-2 victory against Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton in the state quarterfinals in St. Cloud.
"It's the first time I've been here so it's pretty special," Lourdes coach Dan Herold said.
Hanson tossed a six-hitter, struck out 11 and didn't issue a walk as he improved to 11-0 this season. Lourdes, the No. 2 seed, remains perfect at 25-0.
"I definitely think there's a sense of relief, especially escaping by one run," Hanson said.
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Hanson pitched out of jams in both the sixth and seventh innings against the unseeded Rebels (18-8). His defense got a key pick-off play in the top of the seventh after the D-G-F lead-off hitter had reached on an infield single.
"The first win is huge," Lourdes first baseman Mitch Brandhagen said. "We're one step closer and we've got to keep taking it one game at a time."
The Eagles, the second-ranked team in Class AA, will play in the state semifinals at 2:30 p.m. today at Dick Putz Field. Lourdes is making its first state appearance since 2002.
"I think the key will be to get our bats hot and stay mentally focused," Brandhagen said.
Herold did not disclose who is going to be his starting pitcher in the semifinals.
"We're going to keep that under wraps," he said.
Rain washed away play in both Class A and AAA on Thursday. The championship games in all three classes have now been moved back to Monday at Target Field.
Lewiston-Altura (15-11) is the No. 5 seed in the Class A state field. The Cardinals will face No. 4 Brandon-Evansville (19-6) in the quarterfinals at 12:30 p.m. today at the Mini-Met in Jordan.
