Titans Drop Two to Pierre Post 8

PIERRE, S.D. – Sturgis Post 33 traveled to the capital city for a doubleheader against Pierre Post 8 on Wednesday. The Titans fell behind early in game one and couldn’t come back in a 4-0 loss.

Lincoln Kienholz got the win for Post 8. Kienholz went seven innings, allowing zero runs on three hits, striking out 13 and walking one. Kienholz also led Pierre Post 8 with three hits in four at bats.

Conner Cruickshank took the loss for Sturgis Post 33. The righthander went six innings, allowing four runs on nine hits and striking out three. Dustin Alan went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Sturgis in hits.

The Titans came out strong in game two, leading 5-0 after 4 1/2 innings, plating runs on errors by Post 8. 

Pierre came alive late in the game, scoring two in the bottom of the fifth and three more runs in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game at 5-5. Both teams plated a run in the seventh to send the game to extra innings. 

Post 8 held Sturgis scoreless in the top of the eighth. Kienholz scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the eighth to secure the 7-6 win for Pierre.

Jack Merkwan got the win for Pierre, striking out three and walking one over two innings of work. Post 8 pounded out nine hits and stole five  bases. 

Sam Kooima took the loss for Sturgis (12-20). Kooima gave up two runs on two hits over 1 2/3 innings. Sturgis had 10 hits and three stolen bases. 

The Titans travel to Harrisburg on Sunday for a doubleheader.