Aurora, Minn. - The Northland baseball team is still alive in its quest to qualify for the MCAC/Region 13 Tournament after a 1-1 showing on the first day of the MCAC Northern Division Tournament Saturday at Mesabi East High School in Aurora. The Pioneers were roughed up 15-0 by Vermilion in game one Saturday but stayed alive with a 6-0 win over Rainy River in game two Saturday. The Pioneers face Vermilion again today, with the winner clinching a spot in the MCAC Tournament, which will be held over multiple weekends May 12-13 and May 19-21. 

Ryan Klerg led the Iromen to victory in game one. He went five innings, and allowed just one hit, while striking out nine and walking one.
Mel Robertson took the loss for the Pioneers. The pitcher surrendered four runs on three hits over two and a third innings, striking out three.
Robertson led thePioneers with one hit in two at bats.  Jacob Worly and Terren Susita all had multiple hits for Vermillion.  Worly went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead Vermillion in hits.

Northland bounced back with a 6-0 win over the Rainy River Voyageurs 6-0 on Saturday as Joseph Lopez and Keaden Kempert combined to throw a shutout. Kempert induced a fly out from Christian Dicochea to finish off the game.
The Pioneers secured the victory thanks to five runs in the second inning. The Pioneers offense in the inning was led by Freddy Landman, Kempert, and Abel Rodriguez, all driving in runs in the frame.
Joseph Lopez was credited with the victory for the Pioneers. The pitcher lasted six innings, allowing seven hits and zero runs while striking out three. Kempert threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen.
Juan Alcoverde took the loss for Rainy River Voyageurs. The righty allowed four hits and six runs over three innings, striking out four.
The Pioneers totaled six hits in the game. Gannon Kempert and Rodriguez all managed multiple hits for the Pioneers. Rodriguez and Kempert all had two hits to lead the Pioneers.