RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Post 22 Hardhats put together an impressive all-around performance Wednesday night at Fitzgerald Stadium, defeating the Post 74 Bandits 13-3 in a game that featured timely hitting, extra-base knocks, and an explosive start at the plate.

The Hardhats wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. In the bottom of the first inning, Jaxson Reeder (#3) and Wyatt Reeder (#18) reached base to give Post 22 an early opportunity. Josh Elder (#25) came through with a clutch hit that brought both Reeder brothers home, helping the Hardhats jump out to a commanding lead. By the end of the first inning, Post 22 had scored six runs and had all the momentum.

The Bandits were held scoreless through the first two innings as the Hardhats continued to control the game. Post 22 added three more runs in the bottom of the second inning to extend its lead to 9-0.

Elder stayed hot at the plate by leading off the inning with a double, putting himself in scoring position. Later in the inning, Kain McLeod (#2) delivered one of the biggest hits of the night with a triple that drove in two runners, giving the home crowd even more to cheer about.

Post 74 finally got on the board in the top of the third inning, scoring three runs to cut into the deficit. Despite the Bandits’ rally, the Hardhats quickly answered back in the bottom half of the inning.

Wyatt Reeder gave Post 22 an instant response by blasting a home run, adding another exciting moment to an already strong offensive performance. Not long after, Hadley Burrus (#14) stepped up and ripped a triple that brought another runner home, allowing the Hardhats to keep their comfortable lead.

By the end of the third inning, Post 22 had built a 12-3 advantage and never looked back.

The offense slowed slightly over the final two innings, but the Hardhats added one more insurance run in the bottom of the fifth inning while continuing to play solid defense. The Bandits were unable to score again after the third inning, as Post 22 shut the door to secure the 13-3 victory.

The Hardhats’ offense was led by several standout performances. Elder finished with a big night that included a run-scoring hit in the first inning and a double in the second. McLeod’s two-run triple gave Post 22 another spark, while Wyatt Reeder’s home run highlighted the third inning. Burrus added an RBI triple, and Jaxson Reeder helped set the tone early by getting on base and scoring.

From the first pitch to the final out, the Hardhats played with confidence and energy, putting together one of their strongest offensive performances of the season. With contributions throughout the lineup and a fast start that the Bandits could never overcome, Post 22 earned an exciting 13-3 win in front of the home crowd at Fitzgerald Stadium.