Gearen, Anderson hits spell comeback walk-off win for Red Knights

BSM wins state opener in dramatic fashion for 20th win of the season

Benilde-St. Margaret’s found its 20th win of the season with a comeback 6-5 win over St. Thomas Academy in the Class AAA state quarterfinals played June 13 at Chaska Athletic Park.

Down to their final two outs, senior Charlie Gearen laced an RBI single before senior shortstop Jack Anderson connected on a two-run single to complete the walk-off needed to advance.

The Red Knights beat STA 10-6 on April 20.

BSM pitcher Ford Stoen limited the Cadets to three runs (zero earned) on two hits and one walk over 3 1/3 innings. Dylan Fahey needed nine pitches to get two outs in the fourth inning before Caleb Koskie worked the final three innings. He struck out four batters without allowing a hit but walked five and had three wild pitches.

At the plate, Koskie went 2-for-3 with a walk and scored twice. Gearen and Anderson each had two hits.

The June 14 semifinal against No. 4 Totino-Grace took place after this edition of the Sun Sailor went to press. Totino-Grace shutout No. 5 Little Falls 4-0 on June 13. The other half of the bracket included unseeded Grand Rapids upsetting No. 2 Mankato East 4-3 and No. 3 Mahtomedi defeating unseeded Northfield 8-1 to set up a Mahtomedi/Gran Rapids semifinal on June 14.

The winners will play at Target Field for the state title at 4:30 p.m. June 17.

Follow Jason Olson on Twitter @Jason0lson or @SunSportsJason.