Jarrett Jensen was the key for Post 22 in their win on Friday night. Jensen allowed two first inning runs then shutdown Sioux Falls West as Post 22 remained alive with a 4-2 win. Although he allowed 10 hits, Jensen made the key pitches at the right time. His complete game will help the Post 22 staff going into their game against Sioux Falls East on Saturday afternoon. Jake Bohne’s first homerun of the year broke a 2-2 tie in the fourth inning and Post made the plays down the stretch to win the game.

Rapid City catcher Sam Parkinson collided with West’s Damon Baruth at homeplate when he tried to score in the first inning. Baruth put his shoulder down and did not slide and attempted to knock over the Post 22 catcher. Parkinson stood his ground and held on to the ball for the out. Parkinson left the game after three innings and was cleared of any concussion, according to his father Chuck Parkinson. That was a key play early in the game as West could have gone ahead by three.

Sioux Falls East hammered Brookings 15-8. The game was not that close. Sioux Falls led 12-0 after four innings. East is balanced, and Coach Brandon Hunt has a great chance to win his first state tournament. Their shortstop Connor Schaefbauer is one of the best all-around players I have seen in a long time. East is in the drivers seat, and clinched a spot in the championship game. They will be tough to beat, and the team that can do it is Post 22. The question is how is Rapid City going to win the next two games. With the loss of Chleborad, pitching is not as deep, and only Coach Ploof knows for sure how he has his pitching lined up.

Earlier in the day Yankton rallied and sent Watertown home with an 8-6 win. It will be tough for either of those teams to win the title. Neither is deep in pitching.

Unsung players having good tournaments Post 22 include centerfielder Carter Wevik hitting .444 (4-for-9) along with two stolen bases and two RBI. Ryne Lees is 2-for-7 with 3 RBI. Post 22 pitching has allowed only five runs in three games. East has scored 48 runs in three games. It will be interesting on Saturday afternoon!

Saturday
2 p.m. Yankton vs. Brookings (elimination game)
5 p.m. Post 22 vs. SF East (Rapid City must win to stay alive) Broadcast on The Hills 97.5fm, KKLS 920am, and www.kkls.net