A Dramatic Finish in District 5B
The Alexandria Angels clinched their tenth District 5B championship on July 31, 2026, rallying from a 2‑0 hole to defeat the Parkston Rays 10‑8 in a game that swung in the sixth inning.
Four runs scored, spurred by Carter Brown’s two‑run homer and an error that brought in two more, turned the tide.
Jack Gray earned the win on the mound, scattering nine hits while striking out eight batters over 8 ⅓ innings, but it was the offense that stole the spotlight.
Parkston fought back with two runs in the eighth and four in the ninth, but the Angels’ lead held, sealing the title.
State Tournament Berths Secured
In the consolation bracket, Winner/Colome captured the final state tournament bid by downing Platte 6‑2; Derek Graesser’s 12‑strikeout performance anchored a staff that limited the opposition to two runs.
Camden Anderson powered the offense with three hits, three RBIs and two runs, including a solo homer, while the team’s bats clicked early.
Wessington Springs advanced with an 8‑7 walk‑off victory over the Winner Demons; Blaze Herdman’s single in the bottom of the ninth drove in two runs, and Layne Cotton contributed three hits and two RBIs.
Salem also secured a spot, beating Madison 11‑3; Aiden Scheetz struck out ten batters in eight innings, showcasing dominant pitching.
Flandreau Cardinals rounded out the qualifiers with a 15‑8 win over Canova; JC Morales earned the relief victory despite walking seven batters, and Mitch Foster’s three‑hit, three‑RBI effort highlighted the attack.
Looking Ahead to the Final Showdown
The district’s final chapter will unfold on August 1, when Dell Rapids PBR and Dell Rapids Mudcats meet for the 4B championship at 5:30 p.m. in Humboldt, a game that could determine the last state tournament slot.