Rapid City, SD – The night started with a dedication to Jalon Janke and students at Stevens but loved by all of Rapid City Schools who lost his battle with cancer in March of this year.  It was absolutely amazing to see the turn out on a chilly evening as temps dipped into the 30’s yet students from both teams gathered together in remembrance of Jalon and his family.  Followed by Central’s senior night where they acknowledged the contribution by two seniors Laken Uttecht and Tucker Jones.  

Despite a breakout offensive performance from Solano, the Rapid City Central Varsity Cobblers came up short Tuesday night in a wild 21-11 loss to crosstown rival Stevens.

Solano collected three hits in five at-bats, including a two-run double during a huge fourth inning for Central. He also added singles in the first and seventh innings as the Cobblers totaled 11 hits in the rivalry matchup.

Stevens struck first with a four-run opening inning fueled by aggressive baserunning and timely hitting. A sacrifice fly by No. 22 opened the scoring before RBI hits from No. 2 and No. 13 pushed the Raiders ahead early.

Central answered in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the fourth inning, erupting for eight runs on five hits to take an 11-8 lead. Solano delivered the biggest hit of the inning with a double that drove in two runs as the Cobblers briefly seized momentum in front of the home crowd.

The lead did not last long.

Stevens responded immediately in the fifth inning, scoring six runs on five hits to swing the game back in its favor at 14-11. A two-run double by No. 27 highlighted the rally as the Raiders regained control.

Stevens continued to apply pressure throughout the game, finishing with 18 hits and 12 stolen bases.

Pourier started on the mound for Central, working 5 1/3 innings while striking out five and walking two. Stevens starter No. 12 allowed six runs, three earned, over 3 1/3 innings before the Raiders’ bullpen helped close out the victory.

Central’s offense continued to battle throughout the game. Solano and Pourier each collected three hits, while Farnsworth added two hits in four at-bats.

Stevens was led offensively by No. 27, who finished with four hits and four RBIs. No. 22 also drove in four runs for the Raiders. Multiple-hit performances came from No. 2, No. 9, No. 13 and No. 28.

Rapid City Central will look to bounce back Friday when the Cobblers travel to face the Sturgis Brown Scoopers.