KINDRED, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Oak Grove Grovers defeated the Oakes Tornadoes in the first round of the 2022 Region 1 Baseball Tournament by a final score of 14-4 on Thursday afternoon.

The Grovers started their scoring early and often with four runs in the top of the first inning. The Tornadoes responded with three of their own runs in the bottom half of the inning thanks to an RBI double from senior infielder Howie Neustel and sacrifices from junior catcher Xavier Vossler and senior infielder Bryley Haberman. However, Oak Grove proceeded to get three more runs in the second inning and four more in the third inning to put the game out of reach. They also got three additional runs in the sixth inning for good measure.

Oakes struggled on all three levels with just four hits on offense, their pitching allowing 13 earned runs, and the defense committing six errors. Fortunately for them, they still get to play tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. versus a team to be determined in the loser’s bracket. The Tornadoes can still win the regional tournament, but it will be tough sledding in the bottom portion of the tournament.

You can catch tomorrow’s action on KDDR 1220 AM/100.3 FM The Tornado, stream it online at newsdakota.com, or The Tornado app. Pregame coverage starts 15 minutes prior to first pitch.