CLARK, S.D. — Clark/Willow Lake took advantage of early defensive miscues to defeat Salem 5-3 on Thursday in the opening round of the Clark Rotary Tournament.
Clark/Willow Lake jumped ahead in the first inning, capitalizing on an error that brought home two runs. After Salem responded, another defensive misplay in the second inning allowed Clark/Willow Lake to regain a 3-2 lead.
Cooper Pommer delivered the game’s decisive blow later in the frame, ripping a two-run single to extend the Clark/Willow Lake advantage to 5-2.
Salem attempted a comeback in the fifth inning, cutting the deficit to 5-3 on a wild pitch, but the Clark/Willow Lake pitching staff held the line.
Charlie Luvaas earned the start for Clark/Willow Lake, navigating through traffic to allow two runs on two hits while striking out three and walking four. Pommer and Watson Grantham provided strong relief efforts, combining to surrender just one run on three hits the rest of the way.
At the plate, Clark/Willow Lake featured a balanced attack with Luvaas, Grantham, Pommer, Damian Severson, and Bennett Pommer each collecting a hit.
Salem was led offensively by Korbin Shumaker, who put together a stellar 3-for-4 performance with a run batted in. Clayton Hoffman went the distance on the mound for Salem, allowing five runs on five hits while striking out three and walking five over six innings of work.
With the victory, Clark/Willow Lake (12-7) advances to the next round of the Rotary Tournament, where they are scheduled to face Milbank on Friday.
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