RAPID CITY, SD – The Sturgis Scoopers and Rapid City Stevens met for the second time this baseball season, with the Raiders winning again in workman-like fashion, 8-2 at McKeague Field. The loss was the third straight for Sturgis.

The game looked like it would be a pitchers duel, with Easton Sabers getting the start for the Scoopers and Conor Konvalin manning the bump for Stevens.

The Raiders scored first in the bottom of the first after Tucker Waddell and Caidan Comparetto each scored a run. Sabers got pulled by Scooper head coach Paul Pool after just one inning and 35 pitches, replacing the lefty with Tate Johnson.

The Scoopers tied the game in the top of the third on runs by Johnson and Sabers.

The Raiders answered In the bottom of the third, as the top of the order plated three runs by Comparetto, Brady Waddell and Tucker Waddell to extend the Stevens lead to 5-2.

The scoring drought continued for Sturgis as they couldn’t get a run across late in the game to cut into the Raider lead. Tucker Waddell added a solo home run in the fifth inning for Stevens to help put the game out of reach.

Conor Konvalin earned the win for Rapid City Stevens (16-5-1). The right-hander gave up just two hits and two runs over four innings, striking out eight and walking three. Brady Waddell earned the save for Stevens. Easton Sabers took the loss for Sturgis.

The Raiders finished with seven hits and left five on base. Stevens was led by Tucker Waddell, who pounded out two singles, a HR, and two runs batted in. Stevens was aggressive on the bases, collecting nine stolen bases for the game.

Sabers, Elijah Stroud and Ethan Cermak each had a hit for the Scoopers, who dropped to 7-4 on the season. Sturgis left seven on base and stole two bases.

Sturgis hosts the Pierre Governors on Sunday in a doubleheader at Strong Field at 1pm and 3pm.