BELLE FOURCHE, SD — Ridge Inhofer would not be denied at the plate on Saturday, driving in seven runs on three hits to lead Sturgis past Belle Fourche 15-9. Inhofer’s bat was smoking as he bashed a two-run home run and a grand slam in the top of the first, and a double in the fourth.
Sturgis got things moving early in the first inning, when Inhofer, the second batter, homered on a 1-2 count, scoring two runs. The Scoopers went through the batting order and Inhofer came to the plate again, this time with the bases loaded. The senior crushed a grand slam deep to left to stun the Broncs. The Scoopers put up 10 runs on five hits on Belle Fourche in the top of the first.
Belle Fourche got on the board early as well, scoring two in the bottom of the second on a single by Harvey Walding. Sturgis tacked on a run in the third and two in the fourth to lead 13-2 and were looking to end the game after five innings by the mercy rule, but the Broncs scored three runs in the fifth inning to cut into the Scooper lead and extend the game.
Belle Fourche scored two in the sixth on singles by Walding and Alex Ferguson, but two insurance runs by Sturgis in the top of the seventh secured the victory.
Dawson Inhofer earned the win for Sturgis (11-12). The righty went five innings, allowing six runs on eight hits and striking out five. Dustin Alan and Beau Peters entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.
Jack Stearns took the loss for Belle Fourche (8-6). The pitcher allowed three hits and nine runs over one-third of an inning.
Sturgis had 14 hits and were led by Owen Cass, Ridge Inhofer and Alan, who each collected three hits to lead the Scoopers. Sturgis was sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error.
Belle Fourche racked up 12 hits and were led by Walding, who went 4-for-4 with two RBIs. The Broncs didn’t commit a single error in the field.
The Scoopers play their final two games of the season on Sunday as they host Rapid City Stevens in a doubleheader at Strong Field. First pitch is scheduled for 3pm.
