On Thursday, Cherry baseball and Esko baseball both punched their tickets to the state tournament, after each playing in heated doubleheaders.

For Cherry, they were upset by South Ridge in game one, 9-3, but then settled down to win 4-1 and snap the 16 year drought, going to states for the first time since 2008.

For Esko, after falling to Duluth Marshall 9-0 just days ago, they were able to play the way they’ve played all year, beating the Hilltoppers 10-3 in game one and hanging on to win in game two, 4-2.

Esko will now have a chance to defend their state title.