RAPID CITY, SD – June 8, 2025 – The Post 22 Hardhats 2025 fell to the Sheridan Troopers by a score of 6-2 on Sunday at Fitzgerald Stadium, as a late-game surge by the Troopers proved to be the difference.
The Hardhats initially took the lead, scoring their first run in the second inning through an unrecorded play. They extended their lead in the third when Kain McLeod doubled down the left field line, bringing in another run and making it 2-0.
However, the Sheridan Troopers mounted a decisive comeback in the top of the sixth inning. Tanner Hamrick ignited the rally with a double to center field, followed by a triple down the right field line by Blaine Phillips. Gauge Rodgers grounded out, Gunnar Lamb walked, and William Greer grounded into a fielder’s choice, with each of these plays contributing a run to put the Troopers in the lead.
Owen Mathews earned the victory on the mound for the Sheridan Troopers, pitching five and two-thirds innings. He allowed five hits and two runs (one earned), while striking out two and walking one. For Post 22, Colton Morlang was tagged with the loss, going five and two-thirds innings and surrendering six runs (five earned) on six hits, striking out seven and walking two.
Offensively for Post 22, Kain McLeod’s double was a highlight, as he went 1-for-4 and led the team with one run batted in. Wyatt Reeder also had a strong performance at the plate, collecting two hits in four at-bats to lead the Hardhats.
The Sheridan Troopers’ offense was spearheaded by Blaine Phillips, Tanner Hamrick, and Griffen Switzenberg, who each recorded two hits. Phillips, Dominic Destefano, Hamrick, Rodgers, Lamb, and Greer each contributed an RBI to the Troopers’ winning effort. The Troopers also executed one double play defensively.
