The LaMoure-Litchville/Marion (LLM) Loboes and South Border Mustangs were locked in a tight pitchers duel right up until the top of the sixth inning.

The first five innings were spent with Loboes starter Mason Warcken and South Border starter Jace Nitschke exchanging dominant innings, with both pitchers only giving up one run through the game’s first five innings. Jace Nitschke would be pulled in the top of the sixth to make way for Cole Nitschke, who did not have the same success as his brother, as he was tagged for seven runs in the top half of the inning.

The big hit of the top of the sixth was a three-run RBI double by the Loboes that opened up the advantage to 4-1 before a series of defensive miscues by the Mustangs stretched the deficit to 8-1 going into the bottom of the sixth. The Mustangs would pull one run back in the sixth but quickly give it back up in the top of the seventh to set the table for LLM to close out the first-round win.

Brady Hanson would come in to shut the door for LLM, closing the book on a spectacular day by Mason Warcken, who finished the day with 114 pitches thrown and only two runs allowed. After surrendering a leadoff single Hanson would sit down the next three hitters to polish off the 9-2 win for LLM.

The Loboes’ next game is Monday at 12:30 p.m. against Carrington. At 3:00 p.m., South Border will take on the loser of Kidder County and New Rockford Sheyenne.