Jamestown, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The LaMoure-Litchville-Marion (LLM) Loboes lost the state championship game 9-1 to the top seeded Langdon Area-Edmore-Munich (LAEM) Cardinals at Jack Brown Stadium.

The Loboes were held to just 4 hits and scored 1 unearned run in the top of the sixth inning. Outside of the run in the sixth inning the Loboes did not advance a runner to third base in any other inning. LAEM, behind the right arm of Cooper Zimmer, who picked up the pitching victory throwing all 7 innings, allowed just 4 hits, 1 unearned run, picked up 3 strike outs, and walked 2 batters to earn the win. Zimmer also helped himself out on the offensive side, going 3-4, which included a 2 run single in the bottom of the first inning that plated Grant Romfo (2-4), run, double, 2 RBI & Mason Romfo (2-4), 2 runs, SB.

The Loboes were led by Junior Dalton Madcke who went 2-4. Tate Mart (1-3, BB) started the game with a leadoff double to deep right center field and did not advance as Zimmer retired the next 3 batters in order. Cyle Warcken picked up the other hit going 1-3 on a 2 out single in the fourth inning, but the Loboes left 2 runners stranded to end the fourth inning. Landon Piehl worked the first 3 2/3inning (pitch limit) and was replaced by Connor Johnson. Piehl took the loss on the mound, allowing 3 runs (2 earned),  5 hits, struck out 2, and walked 1 batter. Johnson pitched the final 2 1/3 innings allowing 6 runs, 8 hits, and a hit batter.

LAEM capped the victory with a single run in the third inning when Simon Romfo (0-3, BB) scored on a Mason Romfo line drive to left field that was misplayed, a 2 base error. Simon Romfo was also tabbed as the 2021 Senior Athlete of the Year for class B baseball.

The Cardinals would add 2 runs in the fourth on a 2 run double from Grant Romfo, scoring Tucker Welsh (pinch running for Gage Goodman) & Carter Tetrault (1-3, run, sac bunt). Grant Romfo & Simon Romfo are twin brothers. LAEM put the game away in the bottom of the fifth inning scoring 4 more runs, a 2un single from Jack Romfo (2-4, run, 2 RBI) and a 2 run single from Goodman (1-2, 2 RBI, HBP).

The Loboes finished the season with an 18-3 overall record & lose just 1 starter to graduation (James Sandness). LAEM wrapped up the season perfect with a 24-0 record. Along with Simon Romfo tabbed as the senior athlete of the year, head coach Josh Krivarchka was tabbed as the 2021 Coach of the Year for class B baseball. LAEM, will lose 3 starters for next year, both the Loboes & Cardinals appear to have very solid teams returning for the spring of 2022.