Brandon — In only their third season as an amateur club, the Parkston Rays are one victory from a state title.
Parkston scored six times across the first three innings and held on for a 7-2 victory over Sunshine League rival Alexandria on Saturday night in the Class B state semifinals.
Upcoming Championship Game
The Rays (19-9) will meet either the Castlewood Ravens or the Hartford/Humboldt Gamecocks in the championship game, scheduled for about 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Brandon. Whichever team wins, the tournament will crown a first-time champion.
Pitching Performance
Northern State product Jake Helleloid threw a complete game for Parkston, his second complete outing of the tournament. He worked 107 pitches, allowing seven hits and two runs while striking out six and issuing one walk.
Game Summary
Parkston manufactured the first run in the opening inning. Seth Muth doubled, advanced to third and scored when a rundown play on James Deckert went awry, giving the Rays a 1-0 lead.
The Angels responded quickly. Jerrod Zens ripped a triple and later scored on an RBI single by Cole Wenande to tie the score.
Parkston answered in t...