Rapid City, S.D. — Fans at Fitzgerald Stadium were treated to an exciting battle Wednesday night as the Post 22 Expos and Rocky Mountain Lobos 18U went back and forth before the Lobos held on for a 5-4 victory.

The game had timely hitting, clutch defensive plays, and a close finish as both teams battled until the final out.

Rocky Mountain struck first in the opening inning, scoring one run while holding the Expos scoreless to take an early 1-0 lead.

The bats came alive in the second inning as both teams found success at the plate. The Lobos added two more runs, but the Expos answered with two of their own to keep the game close. After two innings, Rocky Mountain led 3-2.

The Lobos continued their momentum in the third inning with another run, stretching their lead to 4-2. Once again, the Expos’ defense stepped up to limit any further damage and keep the game within reach.

Neither team was able to score in the fourth inning as both defenses settled in. Pitchers on both sides attacked the strike zone, forcing quick outs and keeping runners from advancing.

The turning point came in the fifth inning when the Expos refused to back down. After holding the Lobos scoreless, Post 22 rallied for two runs to even the score at 4-4. The comeback brought new energy to the dugout and the crowd, setting the stage for an exciting finish.

The sixth and seventh innings turned into a pitching duel as both teams battled for every out. Every pitch carried extra importance, and neither side was able to break the tie.

One of the biggest moments of the night came in the seventh inning when #9 Hunter Larson for the Expos ripped a triple, giving Post 22 a chance to spark a late rally. Although the Expos couldn’t bring the runner home, the extra-base hit energized the team and kept the pressure on the Lobos.

Rocky Mountain scored the go-ahead run later in the seventh inning to reclaim the lead, 5-4.

The Expos battled until the final out, looking to answer once again, but the Lobos’ defense stood strong to secure the victory.

Although Post 22 came up just short, the Expos showed determination throughout the game. They erased a two-run deficit, battled through every inning, and continued to fight until the final pitch. The close contest highlighted the team’s resilience and ability to compete against a talented Rocky Mountain squad.

When the final out was recorded, the Lobos had earned a hard-fought 5-4 victory over the Post 22 Expos in an entertaining matchup at Fitzgerald Stadium.