The St. Cloud 76ers American Legion baseball team topped Sauk Rapids 5-1 Thursday night at Dick Putz Field to advance to the Sub-Section 12 finals.

Sam Matchinsky pitched six strong innings for the Sixers, striking out eight batters before yielding to Austin Nikolas for the final three outs. Sauk Rapids loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh (final) inning, but Bjorn Hansen struck out looking to end the game.

Elsewhere, Little Falls defeated Monticello 11-2. Little Falls is the only undefeated team remaining in the tournament.

The Sixers and Little Falls will play on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Dick Putz Field. If the 76ers win they would force another game Saturday night to determine the winner of the sub-section.

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