South Ridge baseball’s Zyere Alexander hit the game winning RBI in the bottom of the eighth on Wednesday to defeat Hayfield 2-1 in the Class A state quarterfinals at Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud. The Panthers are now off to the semifinals for the first time since 2018, despite this being their sixth state tournament in seven seasons.

Hayfield struck first in the top of the second taking a 1-0 lead. The Panthers responded in the bottom of the third when Benjamin Pretasky scored Parker Morse to tie it 1-1. Both defenses held steady forcing an extra inning, then in the bottom of the eighth Zyere Alexander drove in Pretasky winning the game for South Ridge.

Prior to the match South Ridge received a state sendoff from family and friends at the school. There a few of the Panthers shared their hopes for state.

“The adrenaline’s there, just got to stay relaxed and just play our game, we’ll be alright. I’ve been on the team since 7th grade, so I’ve got experience with varsity, so I know what it’s going to be like down there. Just keep the team prepared,” sophomore pitcher/outfielder Gavin Willeck said.

“I’m really just excited. I want to make a notion there, let them know we’re coming,” Zyere Alexander, a senior pitcher/outfielder said.

The Panthers (20-4) advance to the semifinals against New Ulm Cathedral (20-2) Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at Joe Faber Field. For the full Class A bracket, Click Here.