Young Duluth Marshall squad off to 1st state tournament under Coach Garramone

Monday afternoon Hilltopper fans gathered at Duluth Marshall to send the baseball team off to their first state tournament since 2019.

This will not only be a new experience for the young group that boasts only four seniors, but also for their head coach Nick Garramone who took over the program in 2020.

"He’s done so much for our program in the limited time that he’s been here," senior Mason Boos shared. "The impact that he’s made has just been so clear through our baseball ability and our personalities. He’s taught us to be better humans, better baseball players, and this is just the start for his career."

It’s been a quick turnaround for Garramone. In his first season at the helm of the Hilltoppers they would close out 2021 season 8-15 in the section semifinals. Now they’re Section 7AA champions.

"We get comments all the time, and text messages, that this group is different. These kids are different, this culture is different, and it really truly is. It’s really formulated on love, these kids love each other, it’s awesome."

Earning the three seed in Class AA 17-5 Marshall will open state action against 17-6 Roseau.

First pitch of the quarterfinal is Tuesday at 5:30pm at St. Cloud’s Dick Putz Field. For the full bracket, click here.