The Otters took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning when Parker Thielke and Quinn Wynn-Sheldon led off with back to back singles, advanced on a passed ball and Isaiah Holmes hit a sharp single scoring both runners.  The Otters added a single run in both the 4th and 6th innings, taking a 4-2 lead into the late innings.  Park Rapids came to life in the bottom of the 6th, stringing 3 hits together and scoring 2 runs and tied the game at 4.  

The Otters answered and put the game out of reach in the top of the 7th when Holmes led off with a walk, advanced on a passed ball, then Holden Stenstrom executed a perfect sac bunt, advancing Holmes to 3rd, setting the table for Brant Scheuerman who did not disappoint.   Scheuerman singled, plating Holmes and giving the Otters the lead and some momentum.  Cam Wiederich walked and a series of PR errors, followed by a sac fly by Hunter Powers and deep double by Rowan Cheshire, gave the Otters a 9-4 lead.

Micah Johnson got the start on the hill and went 4 strong innings allowing only 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits, striking out 5 and walking 2.  Austin Bennett, a drafted pitcher from PRBA, and Jacob Fronning each offered an inning of relief before Hunter Powers came in and slammed the door in the final inning.

The Otters knocked out 9 hits in the game led by Cheshire (3-4) and Thielke (2-4) with Holmes (1-2), Fronning (1-4), Scheuerman (1-3) and Weiderich (1-2) each adding a hit.

The Otters return to pool play on Friday morning when they face off against Breckenridge at 9:30am and then an afternoon game versus Waite Park.  The top 2 teams from pool play will advance to the 8 team single elimination championship bracket on Saturday and Sunday.