From right, in the dugout at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton on Sunday, are North Dickinson’s Robert Mikoloacyzk, Luke Grunlund, Hayden Grunlund, Caiden Crites, Mason Florenski, Ty King, Nathan Conery, Robert Applekamp, Sam Depotie, Brady Jungwirth, Mauricio Mora, Colton Roberts and Jason Graham. The Nordics played the Norway Knights as part of a Yooper Days promotion at the stadium. (Photo by Rachel Gustafson)

APPLETON, Wis. — The Norway and North Dickinson baseball players were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Sunday when they played a game on a professional field.

The two Dickinson County teams took to the diamond at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, Wis., home of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the High-A Affiliate minor league club of the Milwaukee Brewers.

The teams engaged in a competitive battle before the Knights walked off with a 7-3 victory.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to play in a pro stadium,” Norway coach Tony Adams said. “Great experience for everyone.”

The Knights broke a scoreless tie in the top of the third with a single tally. Two innings later, Norway (22-3-1) took control with five runs and then pushed across another in the top of the six.

The Nordics staged a rally in the bottom of the seventh, scoring three runs to account for the final margin.

Norway junior Owen Baij was dominant on the mound, pitching six shutout innings to record the victory. He allowed one hit and four walks while striking out 10.

“Owen Baij was in control for the most part today and our bats did just enough,” Adams said afterwards.

Cameron Varda led the Norway offense with two hits, an RBI and a run scored. Cole Baij posted a hit, an RBI and run scored as did younger brother Owen.

Carter Cazzola went 1 for 3 with a run driven in and Landon Ross scored twice.

The Knights were busy on the basepaths, stealing 10 bases, led by Varda with three and Ross with two.

Brady Jungwirth knocked in two for the Nordics, while Jason Graham drove in the other run. Trenton Kramer, Spencer Kramer and Colten Roberts logged a hit each. North Dickinson stranded eight runners in the contest.

Trenton Kramer started for the Nordics, going 4 2/3 innings. He allowed four hits, one earned run and three walks while fanning eight.

Now the teams look forward to the final few weeks of their 2024-25 seasons.

Adams said with pleasant weather in the forecast, his club will get a chance to practice outside for a few days.

“I think it was April the last time we had three straight practices outside and that’s what we have this week and we really need it,” he said. “We will get back to our foundations in all three phases of the game.”