Red Lake County and Fairfax win first round games

Red Lake County and Fairfax were first-round winners Friday afternoon as play opened in the Division II American Legion Baseball State Tournament at Ely's Veterans Memorial Field.Red Lake County shaded Bertha-Hewitt 4-3 while Justin Schwecke pitched Fairfax past Eighth District champion Nashwauk-Keewatin 6-1. The games were played under sunny skies and in blistering heat, before a crowd of 286 people.That sets the stage for the evening session, with two-time defending state champion Jordan taking on Adrian at 5 p.m., followed by host Ely's matchup against LaCrescent at 7:45 p.m.The tournament continues with the entire consolation round as well as the semifinals on Saturday. The title game is set for 2 p.m. Sunday.