Two Walk-Off’s and a Tie; Aces Up Next

In this summer of uncertainty for baseball and an abbreviated tenuous season, a game ending in a tie shouldn't surprise anyone. Owatonna's U-18 team had their game against Mankato East in Eagle Lake suspended in a 7-7 tie Tuesday night. The contest will be finished off when Mankato plays at Owatonna on July 26.

Owatonna's two U-17 teams captured thrilling victories at Fuller Field at Dartt's Park Tuesday. Nick Roberts delivered the game-winner in a Owatonna Blue's 10-9 walk-off victory over Mankato East. @OTownBaseball on Twitter reported, "9 extra base hits. Nick Roberts with game winner and many others with big hits up and down the lineup." The Blue team is the junior group.

Owatonna Silver (sophomores) scored a win with Alex Harris providing the game-clinching knock.

The Owatonna Aces amateur team will open its home schedule Wednesday, July 8 hosting Pine Island with a 7:30 pm first pitch. The Aces Facebook page indicated that the concession stand will not be open.

The Aces are asking fans "to do their best to follow COVID-19 procedures such as social distancing and masks...There will be sanitation stations provided at the ball park as well as extra shaded areas for those who do not wish to sit in the grandstands."

Social distancing is crucial to keep baseball going this summer, "We greatly appreciate everyone doing their part to make sure we can continue to play baseball this summer!" the Aces added on Facebook.

In the Twin Cities, Minnesota Youth Athletic Services (MYAS) reported some sites where players were not following distancing protocol. In an email to coaches, MYAS stated, "Teams were packed in dugouts, players giving high fives, people sharing equipment, spectators packed together down the foul line..."