History was made Thursday as Post 32 captured the Senior Legion Region 7B championship for the first time since 2010, punching its ticket to the state tournament with a 6-3 rematch victory over Martin Post 240.
The championship capped a dominant week for the Broncs, who outscored their opponents 34-10 during the tournament. Post 32 opened play with a 14-4 win over Martin on Tuesday, followed by a 14-3 semifinal victory over Chamberlain on Wednesday, and finished the job against Martin in Thursday’s championship game.
The Broncs broke through first in the third inning when Caeyn Howard delivered an RBI single to put Belle Fourche on the scoreboard.
Post 240 answered in the top of the fourth. Rush O’Neill drove in a run with a groundout, tying the contest at 1-1 and setting the stage for a pivotal fifth inning.
Belle Fourche seized control in the bottom of the fifth, erupting for five runs on three hits. The biggest hit of the inning came from leadoff batter Gavin Pearson, who lined a two-run single to help the Broncs build a 6-1 advantage.
That cushion was more than enough for starter Tate Thomsen, who turned in a complete-game performance on the mound. Thomsen worked all seven innings, allowing three hits and three runs, only one of them earned. He struck out eight batters while issuing just one walk in a dominating effort.
Pearson led the offensive attack, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two stolen bases. Howard added a key RBI, while the Broncs collected seven hits in the championship victory.
Post 240 was paced by O’Neill, who drove in two runs and also started on the mound. O’Neill pitched six innings, allowing seven hits and six runs, four earned, while striking out five. Gavin Risse, Lyle Noel and O’Neill each recorded a hit for Post 240.
The championship run was a complete team effort for Post 32. The Broncs opened the tournament with a convincing 14-4 victory over Martin and followed with another offensive explosion in a 14-3 semifinal win over Chamberlain. They then completed the title run by defeating Martin 6-3 in the championship game.
With the Region 7B trophy secured, the Broncs now turn their attention to the state tournament in Madison, starting July 31st.
For the first time in 16 years, Post 32 is Region 7B champion.
