By Tom Schardin, Staff Writer

The Savage Outlaws pulled off the upset of perennial power Cold Spring in the first round of the Class B state tournament on Aug. 17.

Pat Abbe went three for four with two RBIs and Chris Steenburg also had three hits and RBI in a 5-3 win. Cold Spring was 40-4 heading into the game and was making its 21st straight appearance at the state tourney.

Savage (19-10 overall) will advance to the double-elimination quarterfinals, which begin Saturday, Aug. 23 at Tahpah Park in Shakopee at 7:30 p.m. The Outlaws will take on Miesville in the next round.

For complete state brackets go to www.minnesotabaseball.org.

Brandon Walzcak earned his sixth win of the season for Savage, hurling seven strong innings and allowing two earned runs on seven hits. He struck out eight.

Savage was able to get to Cold Spring pitcher Zach Femrite, who was 14-1 going into the game. Savage jumped out to a 3-0 lead after three innings. Femrite allowed all five Cold Spring runs, striking out 12 to take the loss.

Tony Peterson provided a solo home run in the seventh inning for the Outlaws to give the team a 4-2 advantage.

Jeremy Chlan pitched the final two innings in relief of Walczak to earn the save, striking out five and allowing no runs.