With Dassel-Cokato's 8-3 win over St. Michael Sunday, the Hutchinson Huskies have clinched the top overall seed in the Region 8B playoffs, which begin a week from tomorrow in Delano.

Hutchinson will get the first-round bye into the section final four (Tuesday, Aug. 5 vs No. 4 seed) win or lose tonight according to manager Tim Thode (I even checked with former manager Lee Kuhl, who confirmed that Hutch would win the second tie-breaker - least runs allowed in head-to-head matchups - 13-11).

St. Michael, which holds the tie-breaker with Dassel-Cokato,will be the Region's No. 2 seed and will also get a bye.

Here is the region schedule:
http://www.northstarleague.org/Playoffs/8B%20Playoffs.pdf

Note: DC will be the No. 3 seed next week with Maple Lake No. 4.

The Crow River Valley playoffs are underway (Mayer, Cologne, Carver and St. Boni are already out). Here is the remaining schedule (you might catch me taking in a game in Brownton Wednesday):

Upcoming games
Tues., July 22
Glencoe at Winsted; 8 p.m.
Norwood at Hamburg; 8 p.m.

Wed., July 23
Young America at Brownton; 8 p.m.
New Germany at Watertown; 8 p.m.

Thur., July 24
Winsted at Glencoe; 8 p.m.
Hamburg at Norwood; 8 p.m.

Fri., July 25
Brownton at Young America; 8 p.m.
Watertown vs. New Germany at Glencoe; 8 p.m.

Sun., July 27
(if nec.)
Glencoe at Winsted; 2 p.m.
New Germany at Watertown; 2 p.m.
Young America at Brownton; 2 p.m.
Norwood at Hamburg; 2 p.m.

* In case you missed the Willmar Mustangs in Grove City Saturday, you have a second chance in Olivia this coming weekend (it's Corn Capital Days!):
http://www.wctrib.com/articles/index.cfm?id=39633&section=sports

Here is the team's web site:
http://www.willmarmustangs.com/

* I saw Dark Knight last night - I recommend seeing it. What Jorge said in his blog is right on. It is the best action movie I've seen in a number of years, and the performance from Heath Ledger is amazing - definitely Oscar worthy.

There's no way X-Files 2 tops that movie when it comes out Friday - but "I want to Believe" it can be.

* Hutch's Ryan Alsleben will have the same schedule as this guy this week:
http://www.startribune.com/sports/golf/25670164.html?location_refer=Spor...

Alsleben, who played in the Crow River Golf Club Championships this week, will take part in the 105th MGA Amateur Championship at Windsong Farm (outside Watertown) today thru Wednesday. This weekend he will play in the State Open starting Friday at Bunker Hills Golf Course in Coon Rapids.