The Spearfish Sasquatch put together an impressive three-game stretch over the Independence Day weekend, sweeping a two-game road series against the Casper Spuds before returning home to defeat the Capital City Aviators on Sunday.
Spearfish outscored its opponents 35-14 across the three contests, improving momentum heading into a busy week that includes an exhibition matchup against Spearfish Post 164 and a series against the Bison.
Melendrez Powers Sasquatch in 18-5 Rout of Casper
Benjamin Melendrez delivered a monster performance in Thursday’s opener against the Casper Spuds, blasting two home runs and driving in three runs as the Sasquatch rolled to an 18-5 victory.
After falling behind 3-0 in the first inning, Spearfish battled back to tie the game in the second behind a solo homer from Melendrez and RBI singles from Braden Smith and Malakai Lopez. Casper briefly reclaimed the lead in the bottom half of the inning before Melendrez struck again, launching his second homer of the night in the third to put Spearfish ahead for good.
The game broke open in the fifth when the Sasquatch erupted for 10 runs. Noah Betanco highlighted the inning with a three-run home run, while Smith, Lawson Ward, Kendrick Aragon, and Wilson Kieffer all contributed key RBIs during the rally.
The offensive attack was relentless as Spearfish piled up 19 hits.
Ward led the charge from the No. 7 spot in the lineup, going a perfect 5-for-5. Smith finished 4-for-6 with four RBIs, while Lopez and Melendrez added multiple-hit performances.
Jacob Allinder started on the mound, allowing five runs over 4 2/3 innings before turning the ball over to the bullpen. Matthew Martinez, Caleb Hoppe, and Josh Kearney combined to shut down Casper the rest of the way.
Ninth-Inning Heroics Complete Sweep
The Sasquatch followed up with an 8-3 victory over the Spuds on Friday, but this one required late-game dramatics.
Spearfish jumped out to a 3-0 lead thanks to early RBIs from Noah Betanco, Sam Kwapnioski, and Lopez. Casper chipped away and eventually tied the game 3-3 in the eighth inning following an error and a catcher’s interference call.
Instead of folding, the Sasquatch responded with a decisive five-run ninth inning.
The biggest moment came off the bat of Melendrez, who crushed a full-count, three-run homer to left field that turned a tense tie game into a comfortable Spearfish advantage.
Whaetly Chaloupek picked up the win with 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. Starter JJ Manuel was outstanding, allowing just one run over five innings while striking out seven.
Offensively, Betanco, Lopez, Melendrez, and Maddox Morrison each recorded two hits. Melendrez drove in three runs, while the Sasquatch defense backed the pitching staff by turning three double plays.
Morrison, Lopez Lead Home Victory
Back at home Sunday, the Sasquatch overcame an early deficit to defeat the Capital City Aviators 9-6.
Capital City scored first on a Spearfish error, but the Sasquatch answered immediately with a three-run first inning behind RBI singles from Crew Moeller and Wilson Kieffer.
The Aviators surged ahead in the fourth, but Spearfish regained control in the fifth when Lopez delivered a two-run single, and Morrison added a sacrifice fly as part of a three-run inning.
Morrison reached base consistently throughout the afternoon, drawing three walks while collecting two hits. Lopez, Kendrick Aragon, and Morrison each had two-hit games.
Betanco, Lopez, Morrison, and Kieffer drove in two runs apiece as the Sasquatch offense produced 10 hits and seven walks.
Evan Hesse earned the win with four strong relief innings, allowing just one unearned run while striking out three. Joseph Cook closed the door for the save after starter Austin Oelke worked four innings.
Defensively, Spearfish was sharp once again, turning five double plays.
Up Next
The Sasquatch will host the Spearfish Post 164 baseball team in an exhibition game Monday night at 6:05 p.m. before returning to league action Tuesday against the Bison.
