by Max Mercy

COHASSET -- Proctor defeated International Falls, 7-6, in the first round of the Section 7AA Playoffs on Tues., May 30.

Luke Nordquist, pitching in relief of starter Zach Gunderson, earned the fifth save of his varsity career to set a new school record. It wasn't easy. Proctor took a 7-5 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning. After recording a quick out on a fly ball, Nordquist surrendered a walk and two singles to load the bases. An RBI fielder's choice ground out made the score 7-6 and put the tying run at third base with two outs. A pop fly to second baseman Jordan Linder ended the game and snapped the Rails' seven-game losing streak. 

Proctor scored three runs in the top of the first and never trailed. Nordquist hit a double with one out and advanced to third when John Aase reached on a dropped outfield fly ball for a two-base error. Bryce Huffman walked to load the bases, and Gunderson cracked a two-RBI single. Ryan Lear was hit by a pitch to load the bases again, and Huffman scored when Cole Johnson drew an RBI walk.

The Broncos got a run back in the third on three Proctor errors. There were no hits or walks in the inning.

Proctor went ahead 6-1 with three runs in the fourth. Johnson led off by getting hit by a pitch. He was forced out when Linder bounced into a fielder's choice. Linder stole second and took third on a passed ball. Reid Morin drew a walk and courtesy runner Ricky Steel replaced him. After Steel stole second, Nordquist also drew a walk to load the bases. Aase hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Linder. Huffman followed with an RBI single, plating Steel. Nordquist scored when Huffman attempted an early steal of second base in a first-and-third situation. With Huffman caught in a rundown, Nordquist broke for the plate. When the fielders diverted their attention to Nordquist, he beat the throw to the plate and Huffman was safe at second base.

International Falls scored four runs in the fifth frame on one hit, one walk, one hit batsman, and three Rails errors to close the gap to 6-5.

Proctor's lone insurance run in the sixth proved to be invaluable. Linder led off with a walk, stole second, and scored on Aase's RBI single with one out.

Gunderson (3-2 W-L, 2.23 ERA) picked up the win. He worked six innings and allowed five runs (all unearned) on three hits, two walks, and one hit batsman. He had three strikeouts.

Nordquist allowed one run on two hits and one walk with no strikeouts in one inning pitched. His five career saves broke the previous PHS record of four set by Kyle Wojtysiak in 2004-05.

Nordquist was 2-for-2 with two doubles, two runs scored, and three walks. Aase was 1-for-4 with a run and two RBI. Huffman was 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI. Gunderson was 1-for-4 with two RBI. Linder scored two runs.

Gage Wherley was 2-for-4 with an RBI for the Broncos.

Losing pitcher Riley Beck allowed six runs (four earned) on four hits, four walks, and two hit batsmen in four innings. He had two strikeouts.

International Falls ended its season with a 10-7 record. Proctor advanced to face Duluth Marshall immediately following the end of the game.