Eastview Legion Ousted From State Tournament

The American Legion baseball team ended its season Saturday at the Minnesota State Legion tournament in Eden Prairie.

The Thunder lost 5-2 to Centennial (Lino Lakes) in their third game of the tournament. They finished the state tournament with a 1-2 overall record in the double-elimination event.

Eastview fell behind early against Centennial at Round Lake Stadium and never recovered. Centennial scored four runs in the top of the third to jump out 4-0, then added a run in the seventh to take a 5-0 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth.

But the Thunder tried to mount a comeback. In the bottom of the ninth, with a runner on base, Stu Daly launched a two-run home run to left field that cut the lead to 5-2.

After Matt Decovich singled, Matt Galloway doubled to right-center field. Galloway’s double scored Decovich, cutting the lead to 5-3.

Centennial shut the door from there, advancing to face Lakeville North at 7 p.m. at Miller 8 Field in Eden Prairie.

Eastview finished the season with a 27-8 record. The Thunder won the District 3 tournament and advanced to state for the second consecutive year.

The Thunder advanced to Saturday's game by in their first game of the state tournament, then beating Willmar 9-8 to stay alive on Friday night.