Rapid City, SD – A disastrous first inning proved too much to overcome for the Post 320 Stars as they fell to the Sheridan Troopers 10-0 on Saturday in Sheridan. The Troopers exploded for seven runs in the opening frame, putting the Stars in an early hole they couldn’t climb out of at 1579 Thorne Rider Park Drive.
After Sheridan’s initial offensive outburst, Post 320 struggled to find their footing. Starting pitcher Alijah Ballard had a tough outing, allowing seven runs (four earned) on just one hit while walking six in only a third of an inning. Max Schoenhard provided some stability in relief, pitching three and two-thirds innings and surrendering three runs on three hits with two strikeouts.
Offensively, the Stars were limited to just two hits, both coming consecutively from Ayden Byrd and Colton Mehlhaff. Sheridan’s pitcher, William Greer, kept the Post 320 bats quiet, allowing no runs on two hits while striking out five over five innings.
Sheridan’s offense was powered by a big first inning that included an RBI single by Ethan Araas, bases-loaded walks, and defensive errors by the Stars. Araas led the Troopers with three RBIs, going 2-for-3 on the day.