The Blue Earth Pirates traveled to Gaylord on Sunday, Aug. 2, to take on the Islanders in the opening game of post season baseball for the amateur league team.

After taking an early lead, the Pirates ended up losing to the Islanders 9-3.

Blue Earth scored in the first inning without getting a hit, at least according to the official scorer.

Kaylan Legred was safe at first on a bunt and the Blue Earth runners advanced. The throw to first was bad and it was ruled a sacrifice bunt instead of a hit although many thought Legred would have been safe anyway.

Brandyn Olsen had the only two hits of the game for the Pirates. His home run in the third inning put Blue Earth on top 2-1.

Gaylord scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to take the lead for good at 5-2.

Garrett Anderson threw six innings for the Pirates. Lee Hodges pitched the final two innings.

On the mound for the Islanders was former Minnesota State Maverick pitcher Brody Rodning, who would be pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team in the minor leagues if not for the coronavirus pandemic.

The Pirates returned home to host Henderson on Saturday, Aug. 8, in a 2 p.m. game.

The winner of the Blue Earth/Henderson contest faced the loser of a Saturday contest, between Morristown and Belle Plaine, on Sunday, Aug. 9.

If the Pirates played Morristown the game would be in Blue Earth. If the Pirates had to play Belle Plaine, they would have to travel to Belle Plaine. Either way, the Sunday games were scheduled for a 2 p.m. start time.