The Grand Forks Slag Dusters made the Grand Forks International final for the first time in the team’s history since 1974.
Unfortunately, the Cinderella Shoe slipped towards the end, as they fell to the Fairbanks Goldpanners of Alaska 9-7 in the championship game Sunday afternoon.
Team Coordinator Steve Boutang said the entire final day of competition was close.
“The first game of the morning, Fairbanks beat the Seattle Studs 6-4 in 15 innings in a walk-off home run, tying the longest game in Grand Forks history.” said Boutang.
“Then Grand Forks held on to beat the Northwest Honkers 12-11 in the second semifinal.”
“The final was a back and forth affair with Alaska taking a lead midway through the game. Grand Forks battled back, scoring 5 in the fifth inning, and went ahead 7-5.”
“And then Alaska chipped away and eventually got ahead and stayed ahead, winning 9-7.”
Boutang credits the week long tournaments success to good weather, good crowds and great talent on the field.
“I think everybody had a really good time, and we’re already planning for the 42nd tournament next year.”
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