On Wednesday the No. 1 Duluth Marshall and No. 2 Esko baseball teams secured their spots in the Section 7AA championship game.

First, Duluth Marshall beat Esko 9-0 in the 7AA semifinals at Wade Stadium. The Hilltoppers scored one run in the first, then were held off until the fifth when they added five more. Putting up three runs in the sixth Marshall secured the 9-0 win.

Offensively they were led by Charlie Hayden with two runs, one hit and two RBI, and Tanner Carlson with three hits and two RBI. On the mound Marshall pitcher Owen Marsolek earned the win throwing 14 strikeouts over seven innings, only allowing one hit.

Esko then dropped to the elimination final, where they beat Proctor 3-1.

Duluth Marshall (20-2) enters the section final on a 16 game winning streak. They have delivered Esko (22-3) two of their only three losses so far this season.

The Hilltoppers and Esko will battle in the Section 7AA title game Thursday at 5 p.m. at Wade Stadium. Duluth Marshall only needs one win to punch their ticket state, and return for the first time since 2022, while the reigning state champions in Esko need two to defend their section title.