PAPILLION, Neb. — Watertown Post 17 racked up 15 hits to secure an 11-4 victory over Rocky Mountain on the final day of the Creighton Prep Tournament.
Jonathan Lake led the Arrows’ offensive surge, going 2-for-4 with three runs batted in. Cole Hasnen, Jaxon Falak, Markus Pitkin, and Kye Paulson all contributed to the multi-hit effort with two hits apiece.
Cain Everson earned the win on the hill in a relief role, allowing three hits and two runs over three innings. Kasen Jensen started on the mound for the Arrows, giving up four hits and two runs over three innings, while Pitkin pitched the final frame to close out the ball game.
JJ Johnson and Isaiah Pope each collected two hits for the Lobos in the loss. Ty Frank took the loss on the mound, allowing seven runs on eight hits while walking four in 3 2/3 innings of work.
With the victory, Watertown wraps up tournament play with a 4-1 record. According to Watertown Post 17 Coach Ryan Neale, this marks the first time the program has finished with a winning record in the history of the tournament.
“Our only loss came against Lincoln East, one of the top teams in the Midwest, and a team that advanced to the Final Four of the tournament,” Neale said. “To finish seventh out of 28 teams in Omaha is something our players should be proud of.”
Neale credited both the offense and defense for carrying the load throughout the weekend, while also praising his pitching staff’s depth.
“Kooper (Heiser), Clem (Jackson McClemens), and Hunter (Halajian) all gave us quality starts on the mound and put us in position to win baseball games,” Neale said. “Our bullpen was also outstanding, allowing us to stay in games, battle back when we fell behind, and come away with a couple of comeback victories.”
Overall, Neale noted it was a great weekend of baseball for the program as they look to maintain their momentum moving forward.
“The biggest thing for us is continuing to play with the mindset that every game matters and every pitch matters,” Neale said. “Baseball isn’t a sport where you can simply flip a switch and decide it’s go time. When we play with the right mentality and maintain our rhythm, we can be a very good baseball team.”
Watertown (28-16, 13-8) will look to extend its success on the road, traveling to Dell Rapids for a doubleheader on June 23.
WTNSports.com 