By Rodney Haas 
605 Sports 

SIOUX FALLS — Persistent severe thunderstorms in the Sioux Falls area caused officials from the South Dakota High School Baseball Association to postpone the Class B tournament on Monday. 

The postponement came about an hour before first pitch of the Platte-Geddes/Dakota Christian/White Lake vs. Madison game was scheduled. The game was originally scheduled for 2 p.m. but was delayed after a severe thunderstorm blew through the ballpark following player introductions — producing heavy rain, pea-size hail and strong winds. 

At the time of the storm, the Sioux Falls area was under a tornado warning. 

Following the storm, the schedule was reshuffled to move the scheduled second game of the afternoon to 7 p.m with the two night games being played at Augustana University’s Ronken Field at 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the “Birdcage.” 

However, at around 6 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Sioux Falls area and tournament officials shortly thereafter called the tournament for the day. 

According to tournament officials the field at the “Birdcage,” which recently under went a major renovation including the installation of a turf infield would not hold up after the latest rains. Officials said the sod where the new turf meets the outfield grass has not had time to take hold. 

Tuesday's Schedule:

West Central vs. Dakota Valley, 10 a.m., Ronken Field

Winner/Colome vs. Redfield Area, noon, Ronken Field

Madison vs. Platte-Geddes/Dakota Christian/White Lake, 12:05 p.m., Sioux Falls Stadium

Dell Rapids vs. Madison or Platte-Geddes/Dakota Christian/White Lake, 2:05 p.m., Sioux Falls Stadium

West Central or Dakota Valley vs. Winner/Colome or Redfield Area, 5:35 p.m., Sioux Falls Stadium

Wednesday

Championship Game, 6:05 p.m.

In the only game that was played Monday, Dell Rapids defeated Parkston/Tripp/Ethan 3-1 and will face the winner of PG/DC/WL and Madison in the semifinals.