ST. CLOUD — Pine Island kept it close but lost a 1-0 decision to No. 1 seed Belle Plaine in the quarterfinals of the Class AA state high school baseball tournament Thursday at Dick Putz Field.
The Panthers (18-8) got strong pitching from Matt Lien — two hits and four walks in six innings, with four strikeouts — but couldn't push across a run. A Belle Plaine double play in the sixth inning snuffed out a potential rally.
Belle Plaine (24-1) scored in the first inning on a double by Nathan Herman. Junior right-hander Brody Curtiss pitched shutout ball to make it stand. He struck out seven and allowed three hits, two by P.I.'s Aaron Gillard.
The game was finished in a crisp one hour, 20 minutes.
Pine Island will play in the consolation bracket at 10 a.m. Friday.
ADVERTISEMENT
