RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sourcesAug. 4—ALEXANDRIA, S.D. — A decade and a half of consistency has become the standard in Alexandria.
The Angels are headed back to the Class B state amateur baseball tournament for the 16th consecutive season, extending a streak that dates back to the program's revival in 2011. Alexandria punched its latest ticket by defeating the Parkston Rays in the District 5B championship game, securing the team's 10th district title in the last 14 seasons.
Now, the No. 1-ranked team in the state enters this week's tournament at Cadwell Park in Mitchell carrying a 15-3 record, winners of 11 of its last 12 games and viewed as one of the favorites to capture the state championship. Alexandria, five-time state championship winners since 2013, opens the state tournament at 7:30 p.m. Thursday against Crofton (Neb.).
And the formula behind this year's success has been a blend of familiar faces who have experienced numerous postseason runs together with a wave of talented newcomers who have helped boost the squad, particularly on the mound.
"We brought in some younger kids this year and it kind of revitalized our older bunch," Alexandria captain Jordan Gau said. "And I think coming into the season, there were a lot of question marks where everyone was going to position themselves. Through the first two weeks, we were feeling everyone out, but we have really gelled together well and we're feeling pretty good right now."
The veteran core remains the heartbeat of the club. Brothers Jordan and Tyson Gau have been staples throughout Alexandria's sustained run of success, while brothers Pierce Smith and Peyton Smith have also played significant roles in many of the Angels' state tournament appearances. Peyton Smith serves as the team's manager, guiding a roster filled with players who understand the expectations that come with wearing an Angel uniform.
Jerrod Zens adds another experienced player to the team after spending nearly a decade with the program, giving the Angels a core that has seen almost every situation during postseason play.
But while experience has long defined Alexandria, the addition of several Dakota Wesleyan University players has transformed the team's summer.
DWU head baseball coach Charlie Dubanoski joined the team and helped connect several of his players with the Angels, making Alexandria an ideal spot to play given its close proximity to Mitchell. That group includes Alex Mizsak, Dakota Munger, Carter Brown and AJ Wilber, each of whom has made an immediate impact. Following Platte's elimination from District 5B contention, Alexandria also added Preston Nedved to further strengthen its roster as a pickup player.
No additions, however, have proven more valuable than those who have boosted the pitching staff. Wilber has emerged as Alexandria's ace, compiling a 6-2 record while also collecting three saves. Across 61 1/3 innings, he has surrendered five earned runs, striking out a team-best 65 batters while posting a remarkable 0.73 earned-run average and 0.86 WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched).
Behind him, Munger has delivered a 2-1 record with 31 2/3 innings pitched, 24 strikeouts and two saves, while Mizsak has gone a perfect 4-0 with 29 strikeouts and a 1.61 ERA. Returning pitcher Jack Gray has also been instrumental, logging the second-most innings on the team with 36 2/3. Gray owns a 4-0 record with 46 strikeouts, giving Alexandria four reliable options capable of starting games and coming in to relieve and shut down opposing lineups.
"AJ Wilber's stats speak for themselves, but he has thrown a lot of innings and he has been a great weapon for us," Jordan Gau said. "Then, you know, a mix of Jack Gray, Alex Mizsak and Dakota Munger; it's the same thing. They have revitalized our pitching staff. Having some different arms has been huge, and those guys have done well this summer by throwing strikes consistently."
The Angels only have three losses this season in the Sunshine League, which has done little to shake their confidence. Two of those defeats came against fellow state tournament qualifier Winner/Colome, including Alexandria's regular-season finale. But rather than allowing that loss to linger, the Angels used it as motivation.
Alexandria responded by winning three straight games in the District 5B tournament, capped by its championship victory over the Parkston Rays, who handed the Angels their other loss this season. And with the momentum and confidence at its peak, the Angels arrive in Mitchell understanding that every opponent will be eager to knock off the state's top-ranked squad.
"We always want to play with a chip on our shoulder, because if we are the No. 1 team everyone is going to try to put an X on our back and try to beat us," Peyton Smith said.
After 16 straight trips to the state tournament, the expectations in Alexandria remain as high as ever. With a 15-3 record, the No. 1 ranking, confidence built from winning 11 of their last 12 contests, and the state tournament back in Cadwell Park, Alexandria enters the 11-day tournament believing all the pieces are in place for a championship run.
"With this being back in Cadwell Park, it's kind of in our backyard," Jordan Gau said. "We have great support from the community over there, and have since Day 1 back when we started. The small town of Alexandria kind of embraces this and they enjoy it. It's fun going out to the park on a Thursday night and seeing the crowds that we get at a home game. So, having a short drive for our fans, we know we've got the support and we're excited to do something with it."
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.