Thrilling Overtime Victory Sends Lynx to State Final
The lights at the Sioux Falls baseball complex stayed burning well past midnight on Saturday, May 23, as the Brandon Valley Lynx edged O'Gorman 10-7 in a Class A state quarterfinal that stretched from 9:46 p.m. to 12:10 a.m. The marathon game tested the endurance of both teams, but it was the Lynx who ultimately seized control in the later innings.
Early Lead and O'Gorman's Response
Brandon Valley opened the contest with a 4-0 lead after two innings, though they managed the advantage without recording a single hit. O'Gorman answered in the top of the fourth with a five-run burst that flipped the scoreboard and put the opposition ahead 5-4.
Late-Inning Drama and Pitching Marathon
The Lynx rallied in the bottom of the fifth, reclaiming a 7-5 edge thanks to a two-out RBI single from Jack Blomgren that drove in the go‑ahead run. Maxwell Peters followed with an RBI double, and Bryton Stroh capped the rally with a ground ball that brought home another run, extending the lead to 7-5.
O'Gorman refused to go quietly. A pair of walks issued to Bennett Duncan and Joey Laible set the stage for a late push, but the Lynx’s pitching staff held firm. Brandon Valley turned to five different arms — Caleb Severin, Taylor Melby, Luke Felderman, Blomgren and Stroh — while O'Gorman’s Rylan Cody closed out the final 1.2 innings, surrendering three runs on four hits with three strikeouts.
Coach's Message and a Rematch Looms
Key contributors for the Lynx included Blomgren, Peters, Ryan Fenton and Stroh, while O'Gorman’s notable performances came from Duncan, Talec Schlimgen, Paxton Sohn and Colin Boyle. The game’s unusual start time and length added a chaotic flavor, but the teamwork and resilience shone through.
Head coach Jeremy VanHeel emphasized the importance of staying present and appreciating the privilege of playing such games, a sentiment that resonated with players and fans alike. With the victory secured, the Lynx now turn their focus to a rematch against Sioux Falls Jefferson, a team that knocked them out of the championship picture a year ago.