The Kolberg Braves ensured a second title game appearance in three years and a rubber match with its northern Door rivals thanks to its 6-3 win over Maplewood on Sunday.

 

The Mets put the pressure on the Braves in the first inning with a run-scoring fielder's choice, but the Braves responded with two runs in the second inning and took control of the contest with another pair in the third. The rally was highlighted by a two-run homer by Christian Counard in the second inning that gave the Braves a lead they would not relinquish. 

 

The Mets would tighten the game with single tallies in the fourth and fifth innings, but the Braves would erase their progress with runs in the sixth and eighth to put the Mets away.

 

Austen Rohe led the way with two of the nine Braves' hits, driving in a run along the way. Nick LeCaptain also had an RBI. Jake Schneider earned the win, allowing three runs (3 ER) on three hits across five innings, with Trevor Reinhardt pitching three innings of scoreless relief and Charlie Neinas nailing things down. For the Mets, Adam Gutschow had a two-hit day, including the team's lone RBI on a double. Jeremiah Jahnke took the loss, giving up five runs (4 ER) on six hits while striking out five.

 

The Braves will travel north for the second time in three weeks to battle the Sister Bay Bays, which won their semi-final matchup on Sunday against Washington Island. Tim Kowols and Henry Annen will have the call on Sunday on 105.1 The GOAT, 1051TheGOAT.com, and NEWRadioSportsNetwork.com beginning at 1:15 p.m. with the pregame show followed by the first pitch at 1:30 p.m.