SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Watertown Arrow baseball team opened its season Saturday with a split in Sioux Falls, defeating Shanley, ND 12-5 before falling to Sioux Falls Lincoln 12-11 in a late-inning thriller.
Game 1: Watertown 12, Shanley 5
Jaxon Falak led the Watertown offense, going 3-for-5 with singles in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. Marcus Pitkin added two hits and two RBIs, while Cole Hansen contributed two hits and one RBI. Jonathan Lake, Carter Buisker, Jackson McClemans, Cain Everson, and Maxx Sears each recorded a hit in the victory.
The Deacons held a 3-2 lead entering the fourth inning, but the Arrows took control with a six-run surge on six hits. Watertown added two runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to pull away.
Kooper Heiser earned the win on the mound, allowing two runs on two hits over 57 pitches. He struck out two and walked four. Hunter Halajian and Kasen Jensen each provided two innings of work.
For Shanley, Cole Stimpson finished with two hits and two runs. Jenner Peasland took the loss, allowing eight runs on nine hits over two innings.
Game 2: Sioux Falls Lincoln 12, Watertown 11
In the nightcap, a five-run sixth inning proved to be the difference as Sioux Falls Lincoln rallied past the Arrows. Watertown held a 9-3 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth, but the Patriots stormed back with four runs in the fifth and five in the sixth.
Pitkin had a stellar performance in the loss, going 4-for-5 with a triple and three doubles. Lake, Buisker, and Lincoln Schutt each drove in two runs. McClemans started the game, pitching 3 2/3 innings and allowing three runs on two hits with two strikeouts. Tripp Jorgenson took the loss in relief.
Despite being outhit 11-8, Lincoln secured the win behind Jacksyn Raak’s four RBIs. Poland Sonnichsen earned the victory, striking out five and allowing five runs over 5 1/3 innings.
Up Next: Watertown (1-1) hosts Tea Area on Friday, April 17, for a doubleheader at Watertown Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m., and the games will be broadcast on Post 17 TV.
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