Mandan, N.D. ? Travis Blankenship allowed just one earned run in 61â3 innings, and Jake Hoover was 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, helping the Lawrence Raiders stay alive at the American Legion Central Plains Regional with a 8-3 victory Saturday over the host team, Mandan, N.D., at Memorial Ballpark.

Their reward? A matchup with Eden Prairie, Minn., the two-time defending national champion which already knocked the Raiders into the consolation bracket with a 12-8 victory Thursday.

Game time is set for 7:30 tonight against the team Raiders coach Kevin Tucker called “by far probably the best team in this tournament.”

To advance, though, the Raiders (37-7) had to get past Mandan, which Blankenship made possible with his outstanding outing. He struck out nine and walked just two during his stint, allowing five hits.

“He did really well,” Tucker said. “He had command of two or three pitches, was in the zone early and threw a lot of strikes.

“We came in and did an excellent job of throwing strikes and shut them down.”

Will Falk kept Mandan on its heels, relieving Blankenship with 22â3 shutout innings.

Plus, it helped that the Raiders scored four runs in the second inning and led, 8-0, after four innings, allowing Lawrence’s pitchers to coast.

“The past two games, we’ve been able to establish a lead. Anytime you can do that, it’s a good way to win,” Tucker said.

Cole Massey was 3-for-4, Lorenzo Ricketts and Brett Lisher each added two hits and an RBI, and Hogan Matson scored twice.

But Eden Prairie looms tonight, and Tucker said Matt Wingert would start for the Raiders.

“They won the world series the last two years and have great experience coming back,” Tucker said.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge.”