Undefeated Esko Has Eyes On State Title Repeat

Undefeated with two regular season games remaining

ESKO, Minn.- After suffering only one loss in their 2023 state championship season, Esko’s baseball team may have gotten even better in 2024.

With only two games left in the regular season, Esko is undefeated at 17-0. They’ve been especially hot in the month of May, scoring at least 10 or more runs in their last five games.

Esko’s 10-0 win over Roseau on May 10 was especially significant as Head Coach Ben Haugen notched his 300th career victory. Pitching ace Finn Furcht was also credited with a no-hitter.

“I wasn’t super thrilled about the no-hitter,” smiled Furcht. “I was more excited about Coach getting his 300th win and I think everybody was. The no-hitter was just a cherry on top.”

“I didn’t even know about it until one of my son’s friends said something in class,” says Haugen.  “He was like ‘Hey, 300 today!’, and I was like (shrugs), I didn’t even know about it.”

Esko will no doubt be the favorites to win the Section 7AA title, and they’ll have a strong chance to repeat as Class AA State Champions. However, Coach Haugen says the unpredictability of the postseason can have an impact on even the best teams.

“We’ve had some good teams over the years and haven’t been able to get out of our section,” Haugen explained. “I think it’s part talent and part kind of the ball of has to bounce your way a little bit. It kind of depends on how the tournament shakes out who you face. And so, there’s lots of variables. So, I don’t know I don’t necessarily think there’s a clear roadmap. If there was, I think it would be easier than it is.”