Eastview appeared as if it had been here before.

Playing in its first ever state tournament game, the Lightning calmly shut down Red Wing 3-1 in the Class 3A state tournament quarterfinals at Midway Stadium in St. Paul.

The Wingers' impressive one-loss record and standout outfielder Ryan Boldt were of no concern to Eastview; the group was only worried about proving themselves.

Starting pitcher Evan DeCovich highlighted the Lightning's statement, giving up only six hits, one walk and striking out five in the complete-game victory. After giving up his first run in the sixth, DeCovich returned in the seventh for a 1-2-3 inning to end the game.

AJ Stockwell was a perfect 3-for-3 and drove in a run for Eastview (20-5), and Chris Narum contributed two hits and scored two runs.

Boldt drove in Red Wing's (22-2) lone run on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the sixth. Zach Garner led off the inning with the game's first extra-base hit — a double to right-center field.

The Lightning advance to Friday's second semifinal game against Grand Rapids at 5:30 p.m.

JASON GONZALEZ, Star Tribune
 

Evan DeCovich, Eastview- DeCovich pitched a complete game to led Eastview onto the semi-finals Friday afternoon at Midway Stadium.  DeCovich gave up just one run along with five strikeouts, one walk and six hits.  

AJ Stockwell, Eastview- Stockwell was three for three and provided timely hitting with runners in scoring position.  His three hits contributed to Eastview's nine total hits Friday afternoon.  

Chris Narum, Eastview- Narum was three for two Friday afternoon and scored twice for the Lighting while batting one spot ahead of AJ Stockwell.  

-Ryan Brodd, MN Baseball Hub Staff