Ace starter Jimmy Bartsch led Hermantown to an 18-3 victory over Duluth Denfeld in both team's 2024 prep baseball season openers Wednesday afternoon at historic Wade Stadium in West Duluth. He scattered three hits in two innings of work, and helped his cause with three hits and three RBIs. The Hawks are also led by junior catcher River Freeman, one of the state's top prospects.
Photo of the Day
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Photo of the Day: Minnesota Monsters take the field on Independence Day weekend
Rather than simply documenting a pregame entrance, photog Oliver Tran captures the excitement, focus and anticipation that define one of the game's most emotional moments. The photograph invites viewers onto the field alongside the players as they prepare to compete in front of their home crowd.
Photo of the Day
Stella Maris Academy pitcher Caroline Anderson led her young and talented team against Carlton-Wrenshall today.
Photos of the Day: Grand Rapids at Duluth Denfeld softball
Abby Skelly of Grand Rapids is mobbed by teammates at home plate after clubbing a long home run over the left field fence against Duluth Denfeld on Wednesday afternoon in a Lake Superior Conference game at Dick Swanson Fields outside Wade Stadium.
Local photo recognized by E&P
Another photo (above) snapped by Howie has been selected as Photo of the Month by Editor & Publisher. More photos taken by Howie of West Duluth activities:
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UMD adds U.S. Under-18 exhibition to 2026-27 schedule
The exhibition will be UMD’s first meeting with the Under-18 team since Jan. 5, 2019, when Team USA defeated the Bulldogs 4-2 at Amsoil. Cole Caufield scored twice for the visitors, who outshot UMD 39-28.
AF1 reports 61% growth across social media platforms during regular season
The next challenge for AF1 will be converting its larger digital audience into sustained interest during the playoffs and offseason.
Minnesota Duluth extends three-time national champion Scott Sandelin through 2029-30
Sandelin's base pay and supplemental retirement contribution was $595,000 last season and $600,000 for 2026-27, before bonuses and other benefits. Financial terms were not disclosed for the new agreement, which adds three seasons and could take him through his 30th year with the school.
Howie: Defense should keep the Bulldogs in the NSIC title hunt
My projection is 9-2 overall and 9-1 in the NSIC, with losses at Slippery Rock and Wayne State. That record should place UMD in the conference championship fight and produce another NCAA playoff berth.