BILLINGS, MT – The Post 22 Hardhats faced off against the Missoula Mavericks AA in a Sunday doubleheader at Stewart Park, walking away with a mixed bag of results. The Hardhats dropped the first contest 12-6 before battling to a 5-5 tie in the nightcap.
Game 1: Mavericks Overpower Hardhats in High-Scoring Affair
The opening game saw the Missoula Mavericks’ offense come alive, leading to a 12-6 victory over Post 22. Missoula jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first, capitalizing on a single, two walks, and a wild pitch to plate four runs.
Post 22 responded quickly in their half of the inning, knotting the score at four apiece thanks to a Lars Kieffer double, a Wyatt Reeder double, an error, and a double play. However, Missoula regained the lead in the top of the second and never looked back.
The Hardhats briefly took a 6-5 lead in the bottom of the second after an Aiden Roberts single and a Reeder groundout brought runners home. But the Mavericks exploded for five runs in the top of the third, highlighted by a bases-clearing triple from Colter Nicolarsen, putting them ahead 10-6.
Devin Leary pitched a strong seven innings for Missoula, earning the win while allowing six runs (five earned) on nine hits and striking out three. Colton Morlang took the loss in relief for Post 22.
Offensively, Reeder led the Hardhats with two RBIs, going 1-for-4. Kieffer and Roberts each chipped in with two hits. Nicolarsen was the offensive standout for the Mavericks, driving in four runs on a 3-for-4 day.
Game 2: Hardhats and Mavericks Battle to a Tie
The second game of the doubleheader proved to be a much tighter affair, ultimately ending in a 5-5 tie. Missoula once again struck first, with Easton Reimers doubling in two runs in the top of the first.
Post 22 answered immediately when Lars Kieffer launched a solo home run to right field in the bottom of the inning. Missoula added two more runs in the top of the second courtesy of a Colter Nicolarsen home run, extending their lead to 4-1.
A passed ball allowed another Mavericks run to score in the top of the third, making it 5-2. However, the resilient Hardhats rallied in the bottom of the third, scoring three runs on a Kain McLeod single, a Jace Morgan groundout, and a Carter Johnson single to tie the game at five.
Ryan Neugebauer started on the mound for Post 22, pitching three innings and allowing five runs (four earned). Bryce Ostrom started for Missoula, giving up four runs in two innings. With neither team able to break the deadlock, the game concluded in a tie.
Offensively, Kieffer, McLeod, Hunt, and Johnson each recorded a hit and an RBI for the Hardhats. Kieffer also showcased his speed on the basepaths, stealing two of Post 22’s six stolen bases in the game. Reimers and Nicolarsen each had two RBIs for Missoula.
Post 22 will travel to Missoula next Sunday for another matchup against the Mavericks.
Meanwhile,
Rapid City Post 320 played Sheridan in a twin bill Saturday.
The Stars lost Game 1 by the score of 10-0 but came back to win Game 2 12-4 to split the series.
