RAPID CITY, SD – The Rapid City Post 22 Hardhats used dominant pitching and and array of offensive tactics to stymie the Sturgis Post 33 Titans in a doubleheader on Tuesday night at Fitzgerald Stadium. It was the American Legion season opener for the Titans.
The Hardhats took game one 15-0 and defeated Sturgis 15-0 in game two. Both games ended in five innings due to the mercy rule.
In game one, Post 22 plated five runs in the first, second and fourth innings to jump out to a 15-0 lead. The Titans managed only one hit in game one, a single by Jack Knutson.
Jadon Moreno got the pitching win for the Hardhats, walking three and striking out three in two innings of work. Post 22 banged out 11 hits and were led by Alex Dietrich, who went 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Aiden Wood took the pitching loss for Post 33.
Game two was almost a carbon copy of the opener, as Post 22 led 14-0 after three innings, then tacked on a run in the bottom of the fourth to get the 15-0 victory.
The Hardhats had 10 hits in game two, with Dietrich leading the way again with three hits and two RBIs. Hayden Leighty got the win for Post 22 and Knutson took the loss for the Titans. Sturgis managed only two hits in game two, singles by Xander Heller and Carter Williams.
Post 22 improves to 14-8 on the season and Sturgis falls to 0-2. Post 33 is in action next on Thursday night at Pete Lien Field in Rapid City as they take on the Post 320 Stars. First pitch is scheduled for 7pm.
