RAPID CITY, S.D. — It was an exciting evening at Fitzgerald Stadium as the Post 22 Hardhats took the field against the Forward Elite Ducks 18U. While the Hardhats came up short in a 10-6 loss, the game featured plenty of action, big plays, and a special Senior Night celebration that made it a memorable night for players, families, and fans.

Before the first pitch, scholarships were handed out to #20 Reagan Koskan, #12 Broeden Sales, #19 Lars Kieffer, and #25 Josh Elder during Senior Night, recognizing the hard work and dedication of the team’s seniors. The ceremony gave the crowd a chance to celebrate the athletes before an entertaining game got underway.

The Ducks came out swinging, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning to grab an early lead. The Hardhats answered right away in the bottom half of the inning. #3 Jason Reeder showed great awareness on the bases, stealing home to put Post 22 on the scoreboard and energize the home crowd.

Forward Elite continued its strong start by adding two more runs in the second inning, stretching its lead to 5-1. The Hardhats continued to battle and refused to let the game get away from them.

The biggest inning for Post 22 came in the bottom of the third. #18 Wyatt Reeder delivered a hard ground-ball single to second baseman E. Hensley, bringing #10 Aiden Roberts home to score. Moments later, #3 Jason Reeder crossed the plate after an error by the Ducks’ second baseman, giving the Hardhats extra momentum. Post 22 scored three runs in the inning, matching the Ducks’ three runs in the top half and cutting into the deficit.

Both teams settled in over the next two innings as neither side was able to score in the fourth or fifth. Pitchers on both teams found their rhythm, and the defenses made several key plays to keep runners from crossing the plate.

The Hardhats made another push in the bottom of the sixth inning, scoring two runs to keep the game within reach. The home crowd stayed behind the team, hoping for another late rally.

However, the Ducks answered in the top of the seventh with two insurance runs that gave them a little more breathing room. Post 22 was unable to respond in the bottom of the inning, and Forward Elite secured the 10-6 victory.

According to the final scoreboard, the Ducks finished with 10 runs on 11 hits and one error. The Hardhats collected six runs on nine hits while committing three errors.

Although the final score did not go the Hardhats’ way, Post 22 showed determination throughout the contest. The team never stopped competing, answered several early scoring runs, and continued to fight until the final out.

Senior Night added even more meaning to the evening as the players were recognized for their commitment to the program. Even in defeat, the Hardhats gave their fans plenty to cheer about with aggressive baserunning, timely hitting, and a competitive effort from start to finish.

The Hardhats will look to build on the positives from Tuesday night’s game as they prepare for their next matchup later this season.