Brainerd Warriors Plate 3 in 7th to Beat Sauk Rapids Storm

Ruthie Owen's go-ahead 2-run homer lifts Warriors to conference victory

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:47am

A vibrant, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of green, blue, and red, conceptually representing the dynamic action and energy of a high school softball game.A fractured, cubist depiction of the dramatic 7th inning comeback that lifted the Brainerd Warriors to victory over the Sauk Rapids Storm.Sauk Rapids Today

The Brainerd Warriors scored 3 runs in the top of the 7th inning, including a go-ahead 2-run home run by Ruthie Owen, to defeat the Sauk Rapids Storm 9-7 in a Central Lakes Conference softball game on Thursday, April 16.

Why it matters

This comeback victory keeps the Warriors in the hunt for the conference title, while the Storm will need to regroup after letting a late lead slip away at home.

The details

Trailing 7-6 in the 7th, the Warriors rallied to score 3 runs and take the lead. Ruthie Owen's 2-run homer proved to be the difference-maker, as Brainerd held on to win the close conference matchup.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Ruthie Owen

A player for the Brainerd Warriors who hit the go-ahead 2-run home run in the 7th inning to lead her team to victory.

Brainerd Warriors

The high school softball team from Brainerd, Minnesota that came from behind to beat the Sauk Rapids Storm.

Sauk Rapids Storm

The high school softball team from Sauk Rapids, Minnesota that was defeated by the Brainerd Warriors after leading late in the game.

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What’s next

The Warriors will look to build on this comeback win as they continue their push for the Central Lakes Conference title, while the Storm will aim to rebound in their next game.

The takeaway

This thrilling 7th inning rally by the Brainerd Warriors demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to overcome deficits, a key trait for any championship contender.