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2008 South Dakota American
Legion State 'A' Tournament

Post 320 knocks off Parkston thanks to late-inning heroics

Chris Bingham is congratulated by his teammates after scoring the winning run in the 8th inning on a passed ball.    

    ABERDEEN -- Clutch relief pitching and late-inning hits led Rapid City Post 320 to its first opening-round victory in six years, as they defeated Parkston 5-4 Wednesday night.
    Despite being able to get the leadoff hitter on base in each of the first six innings, Post 320 was unable to push a more than one run across until the seventh inning against Parkston ace Tom Murtha. A bases loaded double by Brad Winkleman gave Post 320 its first lead of the game in the seventh, at 4-3. Parkston would rally to tie the game in the top of the eighth, but Rapid City would strike again thanks to a two-out passed ball.
    Both teams received solid pitching efforts; Murtha pitched all eight innings for Parkston, striking out 15 Post 320 hitters, and only allowing four earned runs. Murtha only allowed five hits in the contest, but his five walks and three Parkston errors cost Post 194 the game. Post 320 received solid contributions from both starter Adam Carroll (6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 4 K), and reliever Tyler Jones (3 IP, 0 ER).
    Post 320 advances to meet up with Watertown in winner's bracket action tomorrow night at 5:00 P.M. Parkston will play Rapid City Post 22 in an elimination game at 10:30 Thursday morning.