Thompson, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – A frightening moment unfolded late Sunday during the North Dakota Class B American Legion baseball tournament when Thompson catcher Dex Avdem suffered a medical emergency in the sixth inning of the state semifinal game against LaMoure.
Witnesses say it’s unclear whether Avdem was struck by a baseball or a bat during play. On-site responders with medical training quickly rushed to Avdem’s aid and used a defibrillator to stabilize him. He was first taken to a hospital in Park River before being transported to Fargo for further care, where he was reported to be stable and in good spirits.
Teammates and family members gathered at the hospital following the incident. Avdem, an eighth-grader who played on Thompson’s state championship high school baseball team this spring, had gone 1-for-2 with an RBI before exiting the game.
Despite the delay, play resumed in the top of the sixth inning, and Thompson held on to defeat LaMoure 2-1, securing a spot in the state championship game. The tournament’s double-elimination format means a second championship game could be played Tuesday if Thompson loses Monday’s first title matchup.
Thompson’s offense was highlighted by Will Welke, who went 3-for-3 with a double, while pitcher Brayden Wolfgram threw a complete game, allowing just two hits and striking out five.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.