Farmington baseball team eyes back-to-back state titles

Playing this late into the season is becoming the new normal for the Farmington Tigers baseball team. The defending Class 4A state champions are making another deep playoff run.

“Obviously in the playoffs everything gets wretched up a bit,” Farmington head coach Jon Graff told KSTP’s Alec Ausmus. “Every pitch is that much more important. When you’ve got a good team, and you have a little luck, you can make a nice little run.”

What isn’t normal about this team is the experience. 16 of the 19 players are seniors and 13 will play some form of college baseball next year.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Farmington senior pitcher Zach Dohrmann said. “16 guys that have all grown up here? I’ve known these guys my whole life. It’s kind of cool to see all your friends do well.”

The Tigers made history last season by winning a state title at Target Field. It was the first boys title ever at Farmington. Will history repeat itself?

They returned ten players from last season and are built around playing defense. The Tigers have allowed only five runs in their three section playoff games.

“When we’re playing how we know we can play, we’re definitely the team to beat,” senior shortstop Kyle Hrncir said.

“It’s been crazy and it’s our final ride,” senior catcher Matt Hinnenkamp said. “We’ve been making the most of it so far. We’re looking to finish it off with a state title.”

The Tigers enjoyed a 15-game win streak during the season. If they win four more, they’ll be back-to-back state champions.

Farmington faces Lakeville South in the section championship series on Tuesday. Lakeville South needs to beat the Tigers twice to advance to the state tournament.