Bismarck Demons Softball Advances to State Title Game
The Bismarck Demons pulled off a thrilling comeback in the Class A state semifinal playoff game against Minot Ryan, as the Demons advance to Saturday's state title game.
The Demons found themselves down 6-0 as they headed to the bottom of the sixth inning, while they still had yet to get a hit at that point. Minot Ryan's starting pitcher Emma Garber was cruising until control problems struck, and so did some timely hitting from Bismarck.
After a hit-by-pitch and two walks to load the bases, Garber was able to record two consecutive outs before a wild pitch and a two-run single by Emma Barta cut the lead to 6-3. Two batters later Emma Steckler hit a two-run double to make it a 6-5 game as they headed to the seventh inning.
In the bottom of the seventh, Emily Omvig drew a two-out walk, before advancing to third on a single by Maddi Steckler. Logan Gronberg then hit a ground ball to shortstop that was mishandled, allowing Omvig to come in with the tying run to make it a 6-6 game.
The game stayed that way until the bottom of the eighth. With Emma Steckler on third and one out, Lakyn Stork hit a fly ball to center that was deep enough for a sacrifice fly to score Steckler on a close play at the plate capping off the extra inning comeback, 7-6.
Jaime Barta threw the complete game for the Demons (28-9).
Bismarck advances to the state title game to play West Fargo (32-3) at 3 p.m. Saturday in Mandan.