Behind a balanced offensive attack and a standout performance from Braden Smith, the Spearfish Sasquatch iLB rolled to a 14-4 victory over the Casper Spuds iLB on Tuesday at Black Hills Energy Sports Complex in Spearfish.
Smith was a constant problem for Casper pitching, going 3-for-4 at the plate with two singles and a double as the Sasquatch collected 14 hits in the convincing win.
Casper struck first in the opening inning when Hunter Stonecipher lifted a sacrifice fly to score a run and give the Spuds a 1-0 lead. Spearfish answered immediately in the bottom of the frame. Grant Sommers delivered a two-run single to put the Sasquatch in front 2-1.
The Spuds battled back to tie the game in the third on an RBI groundout by Hunter Billingsley, and they briefly reclaimed the lead in the fourth when Carter Ptak drove in a run with another ground ball, making it 3-2.
That advantage did not last long.
Spearfish erupted in the bottom of the fourth to take control of the game. Smith started the rally with an RBI single down the left-field line before Crew Moeller lined an RBI double down the right-field line. Kendrick Aragon added a sacrifice fly, and Bo Iandoli capped the inning with an RBI single, helping the Sasquatch regain the lead for good at 6-3.
From there, the Spearfish pitching staff took over.
Starter Colter Wilson worked four innings, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out four. Evan Hesse earned the win in relief, tossing three scoreless innings and surrendering just two hits while striking out five without issuing a walk. Josh Kearney also provided relief work as the Sasquatch closed out the victory.
Casper starter Anthony Sanders was charged with the loss after allowing six runs on seven hits over four innings.
The Sasquatch offense featured contributions throughout the lineup. Aragon drove in a team-high three runs, while Moeller, Iandoli, Sommers and Zach Pearrow each recorded multiple hits. Spearfish also showed patience at the plate, drawing eight walks and turning one double play defensively.
Casper was led offensively by leadoff hitter Elijah Reeves, who went 3-for-4. Ptak, David Denton, Billingsley and Stonecipher each collected an RBI for the Spuds, who turned two double plays in the field.
With the win, the Sasquatch improve their momentum heading into a quick turnaround. Spearfish will remain at home Wednesday for a rematch against the Casper Spuds as the teams continue their series. The Sasquatch take the home series with a win.
