RAPID CITY, S.D. — Markus Pitkin drove in four runs and Jackson McClemans threw a complete-game shutout to power Watertown past Rapid City Post 320, 7-0, in an elimination game at the Class A American Legion Baseball Tournament.
Watertown set the tone early as Pitkin launched a three-run home run in the first inning. Ashton Rabine quickly followed with a two-run double to extend the lead to 5-0.
Pitkin struck again in the second inning with an RBI double to make it 6-0. Moments later, Sam Olson reached base on a Rapid City error, allowing Pitkin to come around and score Watertown’s seventh run. Pitkin finished the night 2-for-3 with four RBIs. Jaxon Falak, Jonathan Lake, Carter Buisker, Cole Hansen, and Rabine added one hit apiece to round out Watertown’s attack.
On the mound, McClemans delivered a dominant performance, scattering six hits over seven scoreless innings while striking out four.
Ben Hassett provided a bright spot for Rapid City, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate. Hassett also tossed four scoreless innings in relief. Starter Noah Wald took the loss, allowing seven runs (four earned) on six hits across two innings.
With the win, Watertown advances to another elimination game Friday against Sioux Falls West at 5 p.m. The winner will advance to the Class A State Championship game on Saturday.
In other tournament action Thursday, Yankton ended Brookings’ season with a 10-1 victory, while Rapid City 22 moved on with a 12-2 win over Sioux Falls West.
Friday Tournament Schedule
Watertown vs Sioux Falls West – 5 p.m.
Rapid City 22 vs Yankton – 8 p.m.
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