Opening Night Preview
The District 5B amateur baseball tournament is set to open in Platte, South Dakota, on Thursday, bringing together a handful of elite teams vying for five coveted spots in the state amateur bracket. The event underscores the competitive depth of the region’s summer baseball scene and draws attention from local fans and regional scouts alike.
Top‑seed Alexandria, riding an 11‑3 record in the Sunshine League, will take on No. 8 Corsica at 6 p.m. The matchup pits a disciplined offense against a resilient opponent, setting a high bar for the opening contest.
No. 4 Winner/Colome (9‑5) will meet host No. 5 Platte at roughly 8 p.m., while the Parkston Mudcats, also 11‑3 in league play, are slated to face No. 7 Mount Vernon at 6 p.m. on Friday. The Parkston Rays will round out Friday’s schedule with an 8 p.m. showdown against Dimock/Emery.
Semifinals and Championship Outlook
Four first‑round winners will advance to Sunday’s semifinals, positioning the survivors for a championship game scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday, July 31. The stakes are amplified by the promise of a state tournament berth, making each pitch and swing critical.
Teams that fall in the opening round will get a second chance on Tuesday, July 28, and again on Thursday, July 30. Thursday’s losers will meet in a last‑chance game at 6 p.m. on Friday to determine the final District 5B state tournament participant, adding a dramatic climax to the week’s competition.