Four unearned runs would doom Pierre Post 8 in the first game of the Region best-of-three series with a 6-1 loss on Thursday to the Rapid City Post 22 Hardhats.
The Eights would get just five hits as Spencer Easland would drive in the game’s only run for the Eights in the top of the fifth. Post 22 would score four runs in the second using two Post 8 errors to open up the lead for good. Aiden Roberts would drive in three runs for the Hardhats going 2-4 in the win. Miles Doyle would take the loss on the mound giving up five runs, only one earned on six hits, four walks and three strikeouts. Matt Hanson, Carter Sanderson, Nolan Peterson and Cooper Terwilliger would have the other four of the five hits for Pierre. Hayden Leighty would get the win going six and 2/3 innings allowing one run on five hits, four walks and three strikeouts. The impressive stat from Leighty on the night was the 17 ground balls which included 14 putouts.
Post 22 will go for the sweep at noon central time on Friday. Pierre will have to win both games to advance to the state tournament. Coverage will begin at 11:45 on KCCR and on YouTube at KCCR Sports with Jon Winkler on the call.
First Round Game One Final Scores
Sioux Falls East 3, Sturgis 1
Harrisburg Gold 11, Sioux Falls West 0
Brookings 16, Huron 0
Rapid City Post 320 9, Harrisburg Maroon 8
Renner 5, Brandon Valley 2
Aberdeen 15, Watertown 4