I had the opportunity to take in some Class C ball in Hamburg last night. Young America pitcher Nik Franck helped the Plato Blue Jays to a state championship a season ago. This year, he hopes to aid the Bruins.

Brownton defeated Big Lake of the North Star League, 2-0, to advance to the second round of the Region 7C playoffs. The Bruins will face Crow River Valley League north champions Watertown at 1 p.m. Saturday in Hamburg.

Franck, who was the Bruins' second draft pick for regions, used a brillant mix of offspeed pitches to keep the White Cap batters off-balance all night. Franck allowed just five hits in the complete-game shutout.

Big Lake had two great chances to score, but both times left fielder Brad Daak came up with two web gems. He first made a diving catch to save two runs in the fifth inning, and then he threw out a runner at home plate in the seventh inning with catcher Bryant Nordby firing to second for the third out.

At the plate, Nick Heller drove in both runs (one on a fielder's choice and another on a hit) - both were the speedy Daak. Outfielder Jake Vacek led the Bruins with two hits.

With Franck having pitched one gem, Brownton is now set up well for the rest of the tournament with Dustn Klabunde and Heller still waiting in the wings.

Glencoe will face Albertville tonight with that winner facing Hamburg Saturday as well.

I ran into Tony Beringer, who was one of Glencoe's leading hitters this year. He is a 2006 graduate of Hutchinson. Of the nine guys to start on that 2006 team that went to state, four (Brooks Albrecht, Evan Kohli, Brian Meuleners and Justin Juergensen) are starting for the Huskies and Beringer is starring for the Brewers.

If you've never seen a game at Hamburg (where were you last year for the state tournament?), I suggest making a trip there this weekend. It truly is one of the best parks in the state (save room for a burger and fries).

In Region 8B news, all I have to say is, "you have to be kidding me." Both top seeds Dassel-Cokato and Maple Lake have already been defeated, which means at least one will be going home.

Hamel and Delano will play Saturday for the No. 3 seed (I'd like to be in St. Michael's shoes right now - you're guaranteed to play one of the two lowest seeds in the first round of the final four).

So, whomever wins between Maple Lake and D-C (the Saints will throw ace Eric Hanson), will face the loser of Delano and Hamel for the No. 4 seed. I've had this feeling all along that D-C would get the No. 4 seed and play Hutchinson next Wednesday. It just seems like destiny.

The big question is: if D-C advances to play Hutchinson, would Hanson be ready to throw Wednesday with a start Saturday? The Huskies are already 2-0 off Dan Birkholz, so I don't see him starting. I'm guessing John Riewer will start Sunday if they're playing. So, that probably means hard throwing Jordan Danelson.

I guess we'll have to wait and see how it all shakes up.

The Marshall A's will open the Section 4B amateur baseball playoffs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday against Plato at Legion Field as part of a three-game series.

Plato defeated Waseca 10-6 Wednesday night to advance. The second game of the series will be played at 2 p.m. Sunday in Plato. If a third game is needed, it will be played at 7:30 p.m. on Monday at Legion Field.

On a side note, come to Relay For Life tonight for your chance to dunk local celebrities like police chief Dan Hatten, Miss Hutchinson Beth Dennison, mayor Steve Cook and me. That's right, the sports guy.

I'll be in the tank from 5:15 to 5:30. $2 for three balls. You spend four and miss, come hit the target.

You better get there early - I'm only in there for 15 minutes.