RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Post 22 Hardhats put together another strong performance Tuesday night at Fitzgerald Stadium, defeating the Watertown Arrows Post 17 by a final score of 10-2. Before the game even began, fans were treated to a special moment as Jean Elder, a former Hardhats player and Post 22 Hall of Fame member, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to celebrate the team’s rich baseball tradition.

Once the game got underway, the Hardhats wasted no time taking control.

Post 22 jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning. Jaxson Reeder (#3) sparked the offense with a hard-hit triple into right field, driving in the game’s first run and giving the home crowd plenty to cheer about. The aggressive baserunning that has become a trademark of the Hardhats continued as Wyatt Reeder (#18) stole second base before Jaxson Reeder (#3) later stole home, helping Post 22 build an early advantage.

The Hardhats finished the opening inning with four runs, putting Watertown in an early hole.

While the offense was clicking, the defense also came through when needed. In the top of the fourth inning, Hudson Ogle (#9) made a nice catch on a high pop fly to end the threat and keep Watertown from building momentum.

Post 22 continued to pressure the Arrows on the bases. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Wyatt Reeder (#18) added another highlight by stealing home, extending the Hardhats’ lead and showing just how aggressive the team was throughout the night.

The offense stayed hot in the fifth inning. Aiden Roberts (#10) lined a double to keep the rally going before Jaxson Reeder (#3) followed with a double of his own, putting runners in scoring position once again. Those extra-base hits helped the Hardhats add more insurance runs and stay comfortably in front.

Watertown managed to score twice in the top of the fifth inning, avoiding the shutout, but the Hardhats answered with another run in the bottom half of the inning before adding two more in the sixth to put the game out of reach.