Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Velva infielder Blake Engebretson (white) slides past Rolla catcher Andre Elick (green) during the Class B Independent District 3 Tournament championship in Velva. The 39ers will face Langdon at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Friday in the Class B Independent State Tournament at Corbett Field in Minot.

VELVA — In the midst of an unprecedented summer baseball season, Velva head coach Brent Engebretson watched the 39ers coalesce. As Velva (28-7) prepares for the Class B Independent State Tournament at Corbett Field in Minot, Engebretson believes the 39ers will spring into action.

“When we call on them, they’re ready to go,” he said. “You just keep playing. There’s seven innings, a lot of baseball. You never give up. Just stay in it. Hopefully, we start to make some plays and put the ball in play at the right time. Start moving guys, whatever it takes.”

Velva followed an unconventional path to the state tournament. The 39ers went undefeated in the five-team District 3 bracket, but their wins over Cando and Rolla required some resolve.

After earning a 7-4 comeback victory over Cando at Buen Field, Velva needed to come from behind once again against the redoubtable Rolla squad. A four-run fifth inning helped the 39ers take control of the championship.

Starting pitcher Tace Pederson rewarded his teammates’ offensive firepower with a complete game in the 4-2 win. Once the 39ers recorded the final out, they celebrated the dramatic victory on their home turf.

“We wanted it to be more exciting, I guess,” pitcher/infielder Michael Thomas said with a chuckle. “It was great when we got those big wins and got to state. Great feeling. It feels great to represent the team and represent Velva.”

During games, Engebretson shuffles the deck often. Velva’s courtesy runners and relief pitchers have played key roles in wins.

“When we make a pitching change or move guys around, it doesn’t hurt us because everybody has played those positions,” Engebretson said. “It’s not a second position.”

Gunnar Mogen leads the team with a .400 (32-for-80) batting average in 30 games. Mogen has knocked in 23 runs and holds a team-high .550 on-base percentage.

Luke Zimmer spearheads Velva’s deep pitching staff. In eight starts, Zimmer has achieved a 7-0 record.

The hurler has allowed just 15 runs in 45 innings of work. Some extra motivation helped Zimmer post his sterling 0.62 ERA.

“Getting robbed of our high school season really hurt,” Zimmer said. “We all knew we had to come out firing.”

Inside the Velva dugout, gratitude is paramount. According to Engebretson, this particular campaign has helped the 39ers bond in new ways.

“They’ve always been friends,” he said. “They’ve always hung out, but it’s even closer this year because they lost their high school season. I think they now understand that nothing is ever given. You’ve got to take advantage of every opportunity.”

In 2018, Velva finished fourth in the state tournament in Langdon. As they approach this year’s tournament, the 39ers are emphasizing enjoyment on the diamond.

“We have so much fun,” Engebretson said. “You see them laughing and giggling every day. They just enjoy being around each other and being outside.”

Engebretson praised the Velva players for their ability to remain calm in tight situations. While finding their rhythm in a season unlike any other, the 39ers gained a newfound perspective on the game.

“You kind of look around and go, ‘Maybe this is it,'” Engebretson said. “‘Maybe we don’t get a fall season. Maybe we don’t get a winter season because of what’s out there.’ They’re just open to every opportunity right now. We’re making the most of it.”

Velva will face Langdon at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Friday at Corbett Field.

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.