The Merchants came into the 2022 NDAB AAA State tournament with high aspirations and expectations.  With their 13-2 record on the year including solid pitching, hitting, and defense, signs pointed to another championship run.  However, it was not to be.

In game one the Merchants jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead on Mayville in the first inning.  They would end up scoring only one more run in the tournament which is not a recipe for success.  An 8-4 loss to Mayville was followed with a 3-0 loss to the Elks and 2-0 to the eventual champions, the Jamestown Greyhounds.

John Eckstein and Jacoby Nold pitched well against the Elks and Greyhounds respectively, but the hits weren't dropping.  It was a frustrating weekend for the M's but they'll be back next year to make another run at it.  Offseason workouts and conditioning programs are already under way for the 2023 campaign.