The Fort Dodge baseball team was six outs away from not qualifying for the state tournament in their substate final.

In their ensuing game, they were three outs from being sent home after the first round at Principal Park.

Yet through thick and thin, the fourth-ranked and fifth-seeded Dodgers have developed quite a swagger that has struck magic two games in a row.

Now, Fort Dodge will look to use that swagger and do something no Dodger squad has accomplished since 1989 - reach the state baseball finals.

Fort Dodge faces top-ranked and No. 1-seeded powerhouse Sioux City North at 6 p.m. here this evening.

With a win, the Dodgers would become just the third team in program history to make the championships. A win would also make the Dodgers and Gaels the second intra-city duo ever to both play in the finals.

Fort Dodge, which erased a 6-0 victory against Valley and knocked off West Des Moines Dowling in the opening round with a seventh-inning rally, has one last test to reach their ultimate goal - but it's a daunting one.

The Dodgers (29-12 overall) meet the Stars (34-7), who have been considered one of the state favorites all season long.

"Tournament baseball will really put you through adversity, and you just have to dig down and fight back," said FDSH head coach Matt Elsbecker. "This group has done a good job of understanding that and taking advantage of the momentum. They are an experienced group and are hungry for this opportunity.

"Knowing that a win would put us in the state finals is an exciting feeling. We want to get there for the fans, community and this program. With St. Edmond already there, we could really do something special for the city of Fort Dodge."

If a chance to play for a title isn't enough motivation, the Dodgers will also have the chance to snake away revenge in the process. The Stars decisively beat Fort Dodge in early June by a 10-1 score.

"North is a great team and very well-coached. Every year we play them, it seems they are a step ahead. Now we can prove we're right there with them when it matters most," said Elsbecker. "We know them and they know us. It's going to be a battle."

Stanford-bound Dean McArdle led Sioux City North to the win that day by tossing a two-hitter against Fort Dodge. McArdle will likely not be available after throwing all seven innings in their opening-round win against Marshalltown on Wednesday.

Eric McGlauflin is the likely starter for North. McGlauflin took on the bulk of the work for the Stars, as McArdle battled an injury. McGlauflin sports a 1.32 earned run average with 40 strikeouts.

The Stars are lead at the plate by Damek Tomscha's .465 batting average. He has 59 hits, 46 runs and 48 RBI. Nick Tillo (.415), McGlauflin (.369) and Chad Piersma (.385) are other threats.

"They have a lot of dangerous players that want to step up and make the plays, but we are the same exact way," said Elsbecker. "We look forward to the challenge and look forward to playing another day at Principal Park."

Left-handed senior hurler Jerry Ellendson - a four-year starter - is expected to make the start on the mound. Ellendson has a 4.58 ERA on the year with 25 strikeouts in in nine appearances.

Elsbecker might use a community effort, though, as the Dodger rotation will have many options in relief.

On the offensive side, senior slugger Eddy Diosdado is hitting .397 with 54 hits, 52 runs and 35 RBI. Tanner Beck (.395), Ricky Sandquist (.354) and Tim Kayser (.344) follow.

"We just have to execute on the things we have been working on since day one," said Elsbecker. "Either way, it has been a great time here. The support has just been amazing and we really want to give the fans another memorable experience."

While the Dodgers may come into the matchup as the underdog, one thing is certain - if it comes down to the seventh inning, don't leave your seat.

Contact Brady Johnson at (515) 573-2141, or by e-mail at sports@messengernews.net