Behind the smiling faces of the 12-year-olds at the 53rd Annual Bronco League Mid-Summer Classic Monday night at Bane Park was a hidden hunger for victory. And how sweet that victory was for the American League when its small ball turned into long ball as it rallied to an 8-6 victory over the National League.
The game started at a fast pace as the American League led off with a walk from Jamie Stall; singles by Cameron Beckman and Pat Maloney; a double by Brock Kruize; and a triple from AL Most Valuable Player Riley Heinlen, who finished 2-3 with a triple, home run and great defense. The offensive output produced three runs.
American League pitcher Jamie Stall delivered during Monday's Bronco League Mid-Summer Classic at Bane Park in Brainerd. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls » Purchase reprints of this photo.
The National League came back to take the lead in the bottom of the inning with four runs. Richie Thurmer started it all with a single, followed by Isaiah Smith's triple and singles from Alex DeRosier and Garret Haglin.
Neither team was able to put up many runs in the middle innings as the AL scored just one and the NL two until the top of the sixth inning.
Beau Janousek was named the National League's Most Valuable Player after pitching two innings of no-hit ball with three strikeouts in the third and fourth frames.
Isaiah Smith of the National League slide safely into home plate despite the efforts of Riley Northcutt during Monday's Bronco League Mid-Summer Classic at Bane Park in Brainerd. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls » Purchase reprints of this photo.
But after Janousek's performance, the fun started for the American League.
A single from Brett Moser, a double by Stall and a sacrifice from Sam Klinger preceded back-to-back home runs from Heinlen and Beckman, both no-doubters to center field.
Brock Kruize came in to close the game in the bottom of the inning and held the National League scoreless to earn the save.
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