All offseason the Grays would tease and poke each other about the possibility of three-peating the AAA Championship. Often ending sentences with three trophy emojis or taking around the batting cage about who is getting champagne showered first. After winning the North Division for the fifth consecutive season— another impressive feat - with a 16-2 record the Grays were the second seed in the AAA bracket. It was time for the teasing to become reality.
The Minnoka Grays opened up against the Lakeville Lobos and made quick work with a 13-5 win at Alimagnet Park. The Lobos scored first in the top of the first inning, but the Grays responded strongly in the second inning with six runs on seven hits, including a three-run triple by Casey Van Krevelan. The Grays continued their offensive surge with five more runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by doubles from Van Krevelan and Jack Nelson and singles from Alex Gonzalez and Nick Larson.
Pitcher Ben Schroeder earned the win for the Grays, allowing two runs over five innings. The Grays showcased strong hitting, accumulating 16 hits, with Dustin Rode leading the team with three hits. Van Krevelan and Gonzalez each drove in three runs. The team also stole nine bases without committing an error defensively.
They also displayed patience at the plate with six walks and turned two double plays, maintaining flawless defense with no errors. Overall, the Minnoka Grays dominated both offensively and defensively, earning a comfortable victory in the first round of the tournament.
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The Grays advanced to Sunday night and defeated the Waconia Islanders 14-4. Dan Skog led the offensive effort with four hits in four at-bats, driving in multiple runs. A key moment was a nine-run fourth inning for the Grays, during which Skog, Ryan Bruns, Casey Van Krevelan, Matt Johnson, Alex Gonzalez, and Nick Larson all contributed with hits and runs scored. The strong hitting and offensive surge helped secure the victory for the Grays. Jack Nelson picked up the win for the Wolves. Minnoka advanced to Championship Weekend for the sixth consecutive season.
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In a pitchers' duel, the East Metro Mammoth narrowly defeated the Minnoka Grays 3-2 on Semi-Final Saturday. Both teams' pitchers performed well, with Ben Schroeder pitching seven strong innings for the Grays, allowing three runs on ten hits. Dustin Wolf led the Grays offensively with three hits, including a solo home run in the fifth inning, and drove in one run. The Mammoth scored first in the first inning and added a run in the sixth, while the Grays responded with Wolf's home run in the fifth. East Metro pitcher Grill earned the win, going seven innings and striking out five. The game was tight, with solid pitching and timely hitting making the difference. The Grays got sent to the Losers Bracket to face the Minnetonka Saints for a Saturday night tilt.
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Minnoka conquer the Minnetonka Saints 7-2 on Saturday night, sending a pre-season favorite home packing. The Grays took an early lead in the second inning, with Nick Larson driving in two runs. Pitcher Taylor Nelson earned the complete game win, allowing just one earned run over seven innings with five strikeouts. The Grays totaled nine hits, with Larson contributing three RBIs and going 2-for-3 at the plate, while Matt Johnson and Larson each added two hits. This win puts the Grays in a rematch with the East Metro Mammoth and also marked the fourth year in a row that Minnoka has made the AAA Championship game.
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Championship Sunday and the Grays need to defeat the Mammoth twice in one day to defend its title. In a close championship opener, the Minnoka Grays edged out the East Metro Mammoth 6-4 on Sunday. Joey Olson was a key offensive contributor for the Grays, collecting three hits—including a double—and scoring two runs. The game saw multiple lead changes, with the Grays scoring first due to an error, and both teams exchanging runs throughout. The Grays took the lead in the sixth inning with Olson and Ryan Bruns each driving in runs. Pitcher Bub Lovas earned the win, tossing two-thirds of an inning of no-hit ball, while Jack Nelson started and pitched well for the Grays and Alex Gonzalez closed the door. The game was competitive, but the Grays ultimately secured the victory.
In the final game the Minnoka Grays secured a 9-2 victory over the Mammoth, highlighted by a dominant third-inning explosion where they scored eight runs. The Grays took an early lead with an unearned run in the first inning, then expanded their lead significantly in the third inning with multiple hits and RBIs from Joey Olson, Dustin Wolf, Dustin Rode, Jack Nelson, Alex Gonzalez, and Matt Johnson. Pitcher Gonzalez earned the win, allowing two runs over four innings, while Mark Von Ruden recorded the historic save. The Grays finished with 12 hits, with Johnson, Gonzalez, Nelson, and Wolf each contributing two, and Olson and Nelson each driving in two runs. The team also turned two double plays including the last play of the game to help secure the three-peat.
The support of the family, friends and fans really got Minnoka through a tough summer, especially in the playoffs when the Grays filled the bleachers with cheering Wolves. It did not go unnoticed. The next man up mantra, team first mentality, love bombing quotes and trophy emojis will always put this ball club in positions to win. And again another season in the books, another Championship for the Grays. Three trophy emojis. Dynasty mode.
Now on to Arizona?
