Legends Baseball ranked 13 in NJCAA DIII national standings

The Alexandria Technical & Community College Legends Baseball team is off to a strong start in its inaugural season. After a successful fall, the Legends began their first season games in early March, with back-to-back wins over Minnesota North College-Hibbing at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

The team continued its win streak in Florida at the Russmatt Invitational with two wins over Minnesota North College-Itasca, where Lucas Burgum of Mandan, ND pitched a no-hitter. The Legends chocked up a win over Owens Community College (Ohio) before falling to Oakton Community College (Illinois). Owens is currently ranked fifth in the nation, and their only loss of the season was against the Legends.

"Florida was overall a huge success and we had a lot of fun down there," said Burgum. "Going down there with almost all freshmen was a bit nerve wracking, but we played some really good teams and winning the way we did on the trip is a success. We learned what we need to do to be more successful and it motivated us to get back to Alex and get back to work and to improve."

The Legends now sit 9-2 on the season, ranked 13 nationally on the NJCAA DII baseball standings and topping the Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) baseball standings. The team is 4-0 against other Minnesota teams.

"Florida was a great way for a lot of our guys to figure out who they are as baseball players," said pitcher Brock Depute, the team's only sophomore. "That's one of the most important things about college baseball and I think everyone not only found out they belong here, but also what it takes to compete every day at this level. The trip helped us gauge ourselves against other programs and really bond as a team. As a whole we can't wait to see where we can get by the end of the season."

While several feet of snow may impede the start of gameplay at Knute Nelson Field in Alexandria, the Legends kick off home games in April. Stay tuned for updates.