Spearfish Post 164’s opening weekend proved to be a tough test, as Rapid City Post 22 showcased its depth and discipline in a doubleheader sweep Tuesday at Fitzgerald Stadium, winning 13-2 and 11-0.
In the opener, Spearfish jumped out early but couldn’t keep pace with a relentless Hardhats lineup. Post 164 plated two runs at the top of the first inning, getting on the board when Walker Viessman drove in a run on a fielder’s choice and another scored on a wild pitch.
Rapid City responded immediately and decisively. Post 22 surged ahead 4-2 in the bottom half of the inning, highlighted by Josh Elder’s two-run single and a sacrifice fly from Kain McLeod. The Hardhats broke the game open in the second inning, scoring five runs with timely hitting and patience at the plate, then added three more in the third to put the contest out of reach.
Spearfish starter Sean Sewell was tagged with the loss after surrendering six runs (five earned) in one inning of work. Post 22’s Brayden Stapert earned the win, allowing just three hits and two runs over four innings while striking out six.
Offensively, Post 164 managed only three hits, one each from Darin Crooks, Jack Scharf, and Tucker Viessman. Walker Viessman led the team with an RBI. Despite the lopsided score, Spearfish flashed some defensive sharpness, turning three double plays.
The nightcap followed a similar script, with Post 22 pulling away late to secure an 11-0 victory in a game shortened by the run rule. After taking a modest 3-0 lead in the second inning on productive outs and a sacrifice fly from Jaxson Reeder, the Hardhats delivered the decisive blow in the fourth.
Rapid City erupted for eight runs in the frame, collecting five hits and capitalizing on walks. Lars Kieffer’s two-run single and Elder’s two-run double were key hits, while additional runs scored on walks, a groundout, and a wild pitch.
Spearfish again struggled to generate offense, managing just two hits in the game from Owen Bruner and Walker Viessman.
Post 164 starter Bray Bowar took the loss after allowing 11 runs (nine earned) over three innings. Post 22’s Brody Lee was dominant on the mound, striking out eight over four scoreless innings while allowing just two hits.
Across the doubleheader, Rapid City’s disciplined approach stood out. The Hardhats combined for a large number of walks, aggressive baserunning, and error-free defense, committing no errors in either game. Offensively, contributions came from throughout the lineup, with Elder, Kieffer, and Reeder driving in runs in multiple innings and Brixton Steen and Reagan Koskan providing additional spark.
Spearfish will look to regroup after the opening setback, showing flashes of defensive strength but searching for more consistent offense and pitching as the season begins. Post 164 next returns to action Friday against the Rapid City Post 320 Stars in the home opener at Black Hills Energy Stadium. Fans can catch the game on KDSJ Radio, KDSJ980.com, and watch live on KDSJ-TV on YouTube and on Facebook.
Replay of Game #1: https://www.youtube.com/live/yKpjd_0f29A?si=jZqj6rQESHsJ5Sfs
Replay of Game #2: https://www.youtube.com/live/FhMqUwY2XCg?si=XNN7sRGtWId8GZ0k
