Mason City Newman is no stranger to Principal Park and the top ranked Knights will make their 8th straight trip to the state baseball tournament on Friday when they take on Gladbrook-Reinbeck in the class 1A opener. Newman coach Tony Adams says the biggest adjustment is the size of the outfield in the triple-A stadium.
Adams says the biggest question for the teams playing on Friday night will be who is available to pitch? It will be only two days between the substate final and the opening round of the state tournament. He says that quick turnaround makes it hard to have the number 1 guy go, but they are fortunate to have a good stable of pitchers.
Adams says he does not know much about Gladbrook-Reinbeck and says that is fairly common in the first round of the state tournament. He says they always worry about what they do and that should give them a chance.
The other first round matchup on Friday will feature a pair of rated teams as fifth ranked Martensdale-St. Marys takes on number-six Coon Rapids-Bayard.