8th Inning Rally Sends Canova to District Finals

The Canova Gang came back from a three run deficit last night to beat the Flandreau Cardinals 10-7, and advance to the championship game of the District 4B Baseball Tournament. Canova took the first lead of the game on Tuesday, thanks to first inning RBI’s from Justin and Jason Miller. Flandreau responded with a run in the second inning, and third inning doubles from Bret Severtson and Luke Gassman to take the lead. 

Canova took a two run lead again in the sixth, on a two run single from Jared Miller. But Flandreau then tied the game in the next inning, when Derek Veldkamp launched a two run homer to center that put the Cardinals up 7-6. Canova scored a run in the bottom of the seventh to tie it up again at 7-7. In the bottom of the eighth, Derek Miller put the Gang up for good with a 2 RBI double. 

Tim Gassman picked up the win in relief. Justin Miller struck out both batters he faced in the 9th inning to record the save. Miller also had 3 hits, and 3 runs scored. Jared Miller and Kendal Gassman each drove in 2 runs for Canova. Veldkamp and Keith Cutler each drove in 2 runs for Flandreau in the loss. 

Flandreau still can advance to the State Tournament with a win on Friday. The Cardinals will take on either Salem or Humboldt/Hartford. Canova will play the Dell Rapids Mudcats in the District Championship game, Saturday, at 5:30. You can listen to that game on Dakota’s Best, AM 1390.