PIERRE, SD – The Sturgis Scooper baseball team traveled to Pierre and took one of two from the Governors, winning game two 10-9, but losing the opener 9-7.
The Scoopers led 7-6 in game one after scoring two runs in the top of the sixth, until Pierre plated three in the bottom half to take a 9-6 lead. Pierre relief pitcher Jayden Wiebe shut down Sturgis in the top of the seventh to get the win.
Wiebe got the win for Pierre and Jack Knutson took the loss for Sturgis
The Scoopers pounded out 12 hits and were led by Owen Cass, who went 2-for-3, scoring two runs with one RBI. George Stalley was 2-for-4 with one RBI for the Govs.
Right handed flamethrower Kain Peters started game two for Sturgis and held Pierre scoreless through two innings. The Scoopers heated up in the top of the third, scoring six runs on hits by Conner Cruickshank, Evan Stroud and Cass.
The Govs chipped away at the 6-0 deficit, scoring two runs in the fourth inning and two in the fifth before Sturgis plated four more in the top of the six to take a commanding 10-4 lead.
But the Govs weren’t done, scoring one in the bottom of the sixth and holding Sturgis scoreless in the top of the seventh. It looked like Scooper reliever Dustin Alan would close out Pierre quickly. The Govs had two on base with two outs, but a passed ball, a single by Lincoln Kienholz and a fielding error allowed Pierre to score four, and the Scooper lead was cut to 10-9.
Kienholz was the tying run and stole third with cleanup hitter Wiebe coming to the plate. Dustin Alan dug deep and struck out Wiebe to close out the Govs, 10-9 in game two.
Peters earned the win for Sturgis (8-11), striking out seven with just two hits, five walks and four runs. The Scoopers had 12 hits and two stolen bases. Leadoff hitter Dawson Inhofer went 2-for-4 with two runs scored.
Christian Busch took the loss for Pierre (7-8). The Govs had five hits in game two.
The Scoopers are in action next on Monday as they travel to Belle Fourche. First pitch is slated for 7:30pm.
