A commanding pitching performance from Jayna Johnston powered the Sturgis Scoopers to a 4–0 win over the Spearfish Lady Spartans in Tuesday’s season opener.
Johnston was nearly untouchable in the circle, striking out 14 batters while allowing six hits and no walks in a complete game shutout. Spearfish put runners on throughout the night but could not break through against the senior right-hander.
Sturgis set the tone early, scoring twice in the bottom of the first. Tylee Bestgen doubled to center, driving in the first run, and Kierra Killinger added an RBI groundout to make it 2–0. Bestgen led the Scoopers’ offense with a perfect 4 for 4 performance, including two doubles and two singles.
The Scoopers added insurance in the middle innings, finishing with 13 hits overall. Bestgen, Killinger, and Brinley Heikes each drove in a run, while Avery and Carsyn Anderson recorded multiple hits. Sturgis played error-free defense, with Bestgen recording a team-high 14 defensive plays.
Spearfish starter Emme Johnson worked 5⅓ innings, allowing four runs on 13 hits while striking out one. The Lady Spartans collected six hits of their own, with Johnson, Liv Johnson, Abby Feyereisen, Vanorah Carlson, Olivia Lyons, and Everly Whitlock each tallying one. Spearfish also turned a double play defensively.
Sturgis improves to 1–0 and will host Tea Area on Saturday. Spearfish (0–1) travels to Rapid City Stevens on Thursday. The game will stream live on KDSJ TV on YouTube and KDSJ’s Facebook Live.
Replay: https://www.youtube.com/live/VpQYTrROHCY?si=Fv0GP6Mzlv35d_3x
