STURGIS, SD – Spearfish Post 164 needed a win over Sturgis to solidify their postseason position in the American Legion standings and they got one, beating the Titans 5-1 at Strong Field on Wednesday night.
Post 164 came into the game sitting at #15 in the Legion power point rankings. Â The top 15 teams make the post season playoffs. Sturgis entered the contest in the 18th spot.Â
Sturgis right hander Brody Royer and Spearfish hurler Cody Chapman worked the strike zone, keeping batters on both sides on their heels through the first five innings. The game was tied at one run each headed into the sixth.Â
Spearfish capitalized on Sturgis mistakes in the top of the sixth, plating two runs to take a 3-1 lead. Chapman shut down Post 33 in the bottom half of the inning and Post 164 scored two insurance runs in the seventh to secure the 5-1 victory.Â
Chapman earned the win for Spearfish, giving up three runs while striking out three and walking none. Sean Sewell got the save. Post 164 had seven hits and left five on base. Aiden Meverden, Cody Chapman and Jack Branum each had two hits for Spearfish (19-24).
Royer took the loss for Post 33, striking out 10 and walking just three batters on 99 pitches. The Titans had three hits and left four on base. Aiden Wood, Elijah Stroud and Xander Heller each had a hit for Sturgis (5-18).
Post 33 is in action again next week on Thursday as they travel to Aberdeen to take on the Smittys.Â
