Groton pulled away from Madison in the later innings to kick off the Class B amateur baseball state tournament with a 7-4 win on Wednesday at Cadwell Park.
Groton and Madison each scored three runs in the fourth inning, but Groton took the lead in the fifth and added a run in both the eighth and ninth frames.
Dylan Frey paced Groton with three hits, while Spencer Locke and Josh Heupel each had two hits. Spencer Knecht drove in two runs and allowed four runs (three earned) in 3.1 innings. Austin Fordham pitched 5.2 shutout innings in relief to pick up the win.
Tyler Tappe struck out eight batters, but allowed three runs (one earned) over six innings and suffered the loss. Matt Burpee doubled. Mitch McNary had two hits.
Groton plays the winner of Plankinton vs. Dell Rapids Mudcats at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Madison finishes the season 8-10.
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