UPDATE: The Regal Eagles delivered a stunning performance, defeating the Norway Lake-Sunburg Lakers 11-5 in a crucial playoff game on Sunday at Willie Reigstad Field. The victory keeps Regal alive in the County Line League playoffs, with their next match scheduled for 7:30 PM on July 15, 2023, against the Paynesville Pirates.
In a dramatic display, veteran pitcher Brandon Wedel stepped up, throwing six shutout innings in relief. “It felt good,” said Wedel, who has battled a hamstring injury this season. “It’s as good as it’s going to get.” His performance was a game-changer, especially after Regal trailed 5-4 through the first three innings, showcasing the resilience of the team.
The Eagles rallied behind key hits, including a critical three-run homer by Brayden Skindelien in the sixth inning that propelled Regal ahead 7-5. Moments later, Nathan Meyer sealed the deal with a two-run shot, leading to ecstatic cheers from fans singing “Happy birthday to you!” as the Eagles expanded their lead.
“We were kind of down. We needed something big. Big-time players do big-time things,” said Skindelien, who finished the game with four RBIs.
Regal’s win not only eliminates Norway Lake-Sunburg but also positions them well for the upcoming Region 8C playoffs in Spring Hill. The Eagles are eager to compete, especially after a strong weekend that also saw them defeat Atwater 4-2 on Saturday.
The Lakers had advanced to this playoff match by beating the New London-Spicer Twins in a thrilling 10-inning game. Their journey came to a halt as Regal’s balanced attack proved too much to handle.
Looking ahead, Regal faces a pivotal game against the unbeaten Starbuck next weekend. Three teams from the County Line will progress to the Region 8C playoffs, with one needing to compete in a play-in game against a Stearns County League team.
Regal manager Nathan Beier praised the team’s mix of youth and experience, stating, “What you really want is balance. We’ve got some young guys, then we’ve got some guys who are older.” This combination has been crucial as Regal seeks to reclaim their spot at the top of the league.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow the Eagles’ journey in the playoffs and their quest for regional success.
