WATERTOWN, S.D. — On a night dedicated to honoring its senior class, the Watertown Arrows bounced back from a tough opening loss to earn a doubleheader split against Brookings on Tuesday.
After dropping the opener 10-3, Watertown rallied behind a strong pitching performance from Jackson McClemans to take the nightcap 12-7.
Between games, Watertown’s nine seniors were honored, and Tanner Neale—who was unable to attend the Hall of Fame ceremony in May—threw out the ceremonial first pitch before game two.
Brookings 10, Watertown 3
In the opener, Brookings starter Nolan Krogman kept Watertown’s offense quiet, holding the hosts to just two hits over 6 1/3 innings. Krogman struck out seven and walked six while allowing three runs. Cooper Schneider closed out the game, giving up just one hit to secure the victory.
The Bandits’ offense racked up 14 hits, led by Tre Christopherson, who went 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Noah Lease, Jay Harris, Jase Bauer, and Schneider each collected two hits.
Watertown’s offense came from Cole Hansen, Carter Buisker, and Markus Pitkin, who each recorded a hit. Pitkin also drove in two runs.
Hunter Halajian took the loss, allowing eight runs on nine hits over four innings of work. Kasen Jensen pitched three relief innings, giving up two runs on five hits.
Photo: Bri Duerre
“It was unfortunately just a lot of misplays for us in game one,” said Watertown coach Ryan Neale. “There were opportunities where we tried to force the issue a little bit. Our bunt defense coverage was exposed, and we just didn’t play well defensively.”
Watertown 12, Brookings 7
Watertown quickly turned the tide in the second game, jumping on Brookings’ pitching and forcing the Bandits to use four different arms.
Watertown knocked out Brookings starter Noah Lease after scoring five runs on one hit and three walks. Baker Hanson settled things down, pitching four innings and allowing two runs on four hits. However, Watertown broke the game open against Nolan Wagner tagging him for five runs on just one hit and five walks in two-thirds of an inning, before Jay Harris closed out the final inning and a third.
Carter Buisker led the Watertown attack, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs, while Jaxon Falak added two hits and two RBIs.
McClemans delivered a gem on the mound, scattering seven hits and allowing three runs while striking out seven. He exited in the seventh inning after throwing 105 pitches and securing the first out.
“Clem was just phenomenal,” said Neale. He’s having a heck of a year on the mound.”
Photo: Bri Duerre
Brookings mounted a late rally in the seventh, scoring four runs on four hits off reliever Sam Olson. Pitkin then entered to record the final out, securing the victory and the split.
Talon Hyde and June Meendering each had two hits for Brookings in the loss, while Bauer added two RBIs.
“It was nice to be able to bounce back,” Coach Neale added. “If you’re going to split, might as well win game two, so we can leave the stadium on a good note.”
Up Next
Watertown (34-22, 18-14)closes out the regular season on Wednesday with a doubleheader against Spearfish at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Both games will be broadcast live on Post 17 TV on YouTube.
Game photos are available on the WTN Sports Facebook
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