Hermantown stayed alive in the Class 3A, Section 7 high school baseball tournament Saturday afternoon behind the long ball and another steady performance from a lineup that continues finding ways to extend its season.
The Hawks (14-11) defeated Hibbing 5-2 in a consolation quarterfinal at Hermantown as Jacob Evanson and Jax Johnson both homered to help send the Hawks into Tuesday’s consolation semifinal against Chisago Lakes at Wade Stadium in West Duluth.
First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Hermantown previously defeated Chisago Lakes 3-0 on May 15 at Fitchner Field in Hermantown during the regular season, but the Wildcats arrive in the elimination game carrying offensive momentum after outslugging Rock Ridge 16-11 on Saturday to keep their own season alive.
The Hawks have leaned heavily all spring on a balanced offense featuring Evanson, Johnson, Drew Sonneson and Ethan McCubbin, who have helped stabilize the lineup during the second half of the season and throughout the section tournament.
Tuesday’s winner will advance to face Cloquet in the elimination final at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Wade Stadium.
Grand Rapids secured its spot later Saturday by edging visiting Cloquet 5-4 in eight innings, keeping the Thunderhawks unbeaten in the double-elimination bracket and moving them within one victory of winning the section championship.