Welcome to the on-line home of the

2008 South Dakota American
Legion State 'A' Tournament

Post 22 survives, begins three-way championship battle

Kyle Larson of Mitchell is tagged out by Post 22's Jake Bohne on a pickoff play in the fourth inning.

    ABERDEEN -- Rapid City Post 22 continued to "survive and advance" Sunday afternoon, as they defeated Mitchell 11-5 in what was Rapid City's third straight elimination game. The Hardhats stroked 14 hits in the game off of Mitchell pitching, as Post 18 will still remain in line for a chance at the state title in later action today.
    Post 22 was able to get 20 different base runners in their eight innings of offensive play, and were able to score early and often. Post 22 grabbed their first lead at 1-0 in the third inning as a fielding error and two passed balls allowed Parker Sullivan to scamper home. Post 22 would trade blows with Mitchell through the fourth inning, and then take control of the game as they scored 7 runs in the fifth, seventh and eight innings before Mitchell mounted a single-run answer in the ninth.
    Post 22 starter Jarrett Jensen went five innings in the start, allowing just four runs, off of six hits. However, it was the dominant performance turned in by reliever Kolton Emery that ensured the Post 22 victory, as he went the final four innings, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out six.
    Post 22 will now match up with Aberdeen at 4:00 P.M. this afternoon in what becomes the semi-final game. Mitchell will play the winner; if Aberdeen wins, the two teams will meet at 8:00 P.M. on Sunday evening. If Post 22 wins, Mitchell and Rapid City will not meet up until 11:00 A.M. Monday morning, as per legion rules.