Stars and Hardhats Win Thursday in American Legion Regionals

RAPID CITY, SD — Both Rapid City American Legion baseball squads were victorious in their first regional playoff games on Thursday.

The Post 320 Stars took Thursday night’s game in dramatic fashion, with a 9-8 walk-off victory over Harrisburg Maroon at Pete Lien Field. The game was tied at eight in the bottom of the seventh when Joe Corwin hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Caden Benke to secure the win.

Kolby Denke came in to relieve starting pitcher Jett Wetzler in the fourth inning and got the win for Post 320. Denke held Harrisburg scoreless and hitless over the final three innings, walking one and striking out three.

The Stars play Harrisburg Maroon in game two of the best-of-three series on Friday, with the first pitch scheduled for 11am.

Across the parking lot at Fitzgerald Stadium, Post 22 jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead over Pierre Post 8 in the second inning and never looked back, cruising to a 6-1 win.

Hayden Leighty threw 104 pitches over 6 2/3 innings to get the win for the Hardhats.

Post 22 hosts Pierre in game two of the best-of-three series on Friday at 11am at the Fitz.

In other American Legion Class A playoff action:

#2 Harrisburg Gold 11, #14 Sioux Falls West 0

#4 Brookings 16, #13 Huron 0

#7 Renner 5, #10 Brandon Valley 3

#9 Aberdeen 15, #8 Watertown 4

In American Legion Class B playoff action:
Region 2B

Dell Rapids 11, Volga 0
Region 4B

Wagner 5, Alexandria 4

Tabor 5, Parkston 0
Region 6B

Clark/Willow Lake 2, Warner-Ipswich-Northwestern 1

Redfield 14, Clark/Willow Lake 0
Region 7B

Winner/Colome 3, Platte-Geddes 0

Platte-Geddes 4, Winner/Colome 2