Post 22 ends season on 13-game win streak
   (07.23.2009) - It's hard to win two games of a doubleheader much differently than Rapid City Post 22 did Thursday night.
   After annihilating St. Mary's (Colo.) 15-0 in three innings, Post 22 won the nightcap 3-2 on a throwing error in the seventh inning at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Post 22 improved to 38-18, and have won 13 in a row heading into Wednesday's State Championship Tournament
   Tanner Chleborad did not allow a hit in three innings, and Post 22 rapped out 12 hits in a 15-0, three-inning win in game one.
   Chleborad walked one batter, and another reached on an error, but both were erased on double plays. He struck out two in the game while inducing five groundball outs.
   Six different Post 22 hitters had doubles. Kolton Emery and Jarrett Jensen each had two hits for the winners.
   The second game saw Post 22 score single runs in the first and second, but St. Mary's tied the game with runs in the fourth and sixth.
   Taylor Muhlbeier led off the seventh with a walk, and moved to third on Parker Sullivan's single up the middle. With one out, Kolton Emery hit a line drive to right that Muhlbeier couldn't score on, but the right fielder airmailed his throw all the way to the backstop, allowing the winning run to score.
   Dana Hill struck out nine while allowing five hits in a complete game effort, improving to 6-3 on the season.
   Each team managed only five hits. Emery had two, and Jensen and Muhlbeier had RBIs for the Hardhats.
   Post 22 will play the final game of the opening round of the State Championship Tournament, Wednesday night at approximately 8 p.m. at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORES: Post 22 15, St. Mary's 0; Post 22 3, St. Mary's 2.

Post 22 wins 11th straight; sweeps Colorado Springs
   (07.23.2009) - Rapid City Post 22 ran its win streak to 11 games Wednesday night, after it swept St. Mary's (Colo.) 9-2 and 4-1 at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   In game one, Rapid City Post 22 scored eight runs in the first two innings, winning 9-2.
   Kolton Emery drove in the first four runs, going 2-for-4 with a three-run homer in the first.
   Parker Sullivan had three hits, and Jarrett Jensen recorded two hits and three RBIs for Post 22.
   Brad Horan held St. Mary's to one run on four hits in four innings of work. He remained unbeaten, improving his record to 5-0.
   Kyle Gorsuch tossed the last three frames, allowing three hits and a single unearned run.
   Emery shut down the visitors in game one, allowing only four hits and one run. He gave up two hits and a walk in the first frame before tightening the screws on the Pirates.
   The veteran righty retired 10 consecutive batters at one pint, striking out 11 while walking only two. He's now 6-4 on the year, with an ERA just over two.
   Post 22 managed only five hits itself, all coming from the top of the lineup. Leadoff hitter Parker Sullivan had two hits, as did cleanup man Emery. Sullivan had a triple, while Jensen, hitting third, provided the other single.
   The Hardhats scored all four runs in the fifth inning to overcome the 1-0 deficit.
   Post 22 (36-18) wraps up the regular season with another doubleheader against St. Mary's Thursday. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORES: Post 22 9, St. Mary's 2; Post 22 4, St. Mary's 1.

Hardhats win ninth straight behind Jensen's nine K's
   (07.20.2009) - Jarrett Jensen struck out nine Gillette, Wyo., batters, and did not allow an earned run, leading Rapid City Post 22 to a 3-1 victory Sunday at the Pev Evans Tournament at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Jensen retired the last 11 batters in a row, escaping a bases loaded jam in the fourth with consecutive strikeouts. He allowed five hits, and did not walk a batter.
   Post 22 permitted an unearned run in the first, but came back with two in the bottom half. Parker Sullivan led off the frame with a double, scoring on Donte Bledsoe's single. A hit and a walk loaded the bases, and Reece Steckler's walk scored Bledsoe.
   The Hardhats added an insurance run in the sixth. Brock Thomas' flyball to center was dropped, allowing the leadoff batter to reach second. He moved to third on a wild pitch, then scored on what officially is scored a stolen base.
   Caleb Stanley attempted a suicide squeeze bunt, but the pitch got away from the catcher, allowing Thomas to score.
   Sullivan and Bledsoe each had two hits for the 34-18 Hardhats, who have won nine in a row.
   Post 22 will conclude the regular season this week, hosting Colorado Springs, Colo., in doubleheaders Wednesday and Thursday at 5 p.m. each night at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 3, Gillette 1.

Big fourth inning leads Post 22 past Prior Lake
   (07.19.2009) - Every Rapid City Post 22 player hat at least one hit, and pitcher Jon Hass held Prior Lake, Minn., to two earned runs, as Post 22 recorded a 10-2, six-inning win Saturday night at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   The win is the eighth straight for Post 22, who ran its record at the Pev Evans Tournament to a perfect 4-0.
   Three scoreless innings preceded a two-run fourth for Prior Lake, but Post 22 responded immediately with seven in the bottom of the inning, before scoring two in the fifth and one in the sixth to end the game early.
   Hass threw all six innings, allowing seven hits and two runs, improving to 4-1 on the year. He struck out one and did not walk a batter in the win.
   Dana Hill went 3-for-3 to lead the Hardhat offense, with Donte Bledsoe singling and doubling.
    Post 22 (33-18) plays Gillette, Wyo., at 7;30 p.m. tonight to wrap up the Evans Tournament at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 10, Prior Lake 2.

Chleborad tosses gem as Post 22 downs Hopkins
   (07.18.2009) - Tanner Chleborad continues to stand out on the mound for Rapid City Post 22.
   For the third consecutive start, he limited the opposition to one earned run or less, as the Hardhats defeated Hopkins, Minn., 7-1 Friday night at the Pev Evans Tournament at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Chleborad carried a shutout into the seventh, scattering six hits. He walked two, struck out four, and recorded 10 flyouts.
   Post 22 outhit the visitors 11-6, with four players contributing two hits - Kolton Emery, Jarrett Jensen, Brock Thomas and Reece Steckler.
   The Hardahts (32-18) take on Prior Lake, Minn., tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 7, Hopkins 1.

Post 22 outlasts Colorado Bobcats
   (07.16.2009) - Rapid City Post 22 didn't play very well Thursday night, but it found a way to win.
   The Hardhats defeated the Denver (Colo.) Bobcats 9-7 in day two action at the Pev Evans Tournament at Floyd Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Post 22 scored seven runs in the first three innings, and held off the Bobcats, who left nine runners on in the contest.
   The Hardhats took advantage of a first inning error to plate three. Dana Hill hit a two-run double, and Jordan Carlson doubled Hill in.
   Colorado regained the advantage at 4-3, but four straight singles led to four more Post 22 runs in the third.
   Reece Steckler put the Hardhats up 9-5 with a two-run double to deep center in the fifth, apparently putting the game out of reach.
   The Bobcats responded with two in the sixth, and had the tying run at the plate, but reliever Thane Lees snared a line drive to end the threat.
   Lees allowed four hits in three innings of work, earning the save. He followed Hill, who threw four-plus innings, allowing five runs and five hits.
   Carlson went 3-for-3 with two doubles and two RBIs, while Hill and Brock Thomas added two hits each.
   Post 22 has won six straight and seven of its last eight. Now 31-18, the Hardhats will host Hopkins, Minn., Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 9, Colorado 7.

Emery leads Post 22 to win over Prior Lake
   (07.15.2009) - Kolton Emery took a shutout into the seventh inning, finishing with a three-hitter as Rapid City Post 22 defeated Prior Lake, Minn., 7-1, in the opening game of the Pev Evans Tournament Wednesday at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Emery struck out 10, walked only one, and induced nine groundball outs in the complete game victory. The strikeouts are a season high for the righthander, who previously sent down nine in a win over Mitchell May 29th.
   He didn't just do it on the mound, though. Hitting cleanup, Emery did just that, with two hits, one an RBI double.
   Jake Bohne and Dana Hill provided the other Post 22 hits, with Parker Sullivan, Jarrett Jensen and Bohne contributing RBIs.
   Post 22 scored a single run in the first and two in the third before blowing the game open with four in the sixth.
   The Hardhats have won five straight and six of their last seven, running their season record to 30-18. Wednesday's victory marks the 44th consecutive year that Post 22 has won 30 or more games under coach Dave Ploof.
   Post 22 plays the Denver, Colo., Bobcats at 7:30 p.m. Thursday night at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 7, Prior Lake 1.

Post 22 continues winning ways against Casper
   (07.15.2009) - Rapid City Post 22 swept its second doubleheader in three days, beating Casper, Wyo., 16-6 in five innings and 7-3 Tuesday night at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   The Hardhats have won four in a row, five of their last six, and nine of 12, running their record to 29-18.
   Casper built up a 6-4 lead in game one, but Post 22 posted 10 runs in the fourth inning to take control, and added two in the fifth to complete the early win.
   Post 22's offense was led by Parker Sullivan, who was a homer shy of the cycle. He went 4-for-4 with a double, a triple and two RBIs.
   Kolton Emery hit a three-run home run, one of his two hits and four RBIs. Donte Bledsoe, Dana Hill and Jarrett Jensen also had a pair of hits.
   Taylor Muhlbeier started and went three innings, with Brad Horan tossing two shutout innings of relief to earn the victory.
   The Hardhats scored three runs in two separate innings of game two, shutting out Casper for six innings in the 7-3 game two victory.
   Jake Bohne scattered three hits with four strikeouts in four innings, while Kyle Gorsuch had Casper shutout until a couple of two-out hits in the seventh put them on the board.
   Sullivan, Emery, Hill and Jordan Carlson all had two hits. Emery's both were doubles, while Carlson singled and doubled.
   Post 22 will play Prior Lake, Minn., tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the opening game of the Pev Evans Tournament at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORES: Post 22 16, Casper 6; Post 22 7, Casper 3.

Post 22 ends Gopher Classic with split
   (07.13.2009) - Rapid City Post 22 finished its trip to the Gopher Classic with a winning record after notching a pair of wins Sunday afternoon.
   Post 22 defeated Detroit Lakes, Minn., 22-3 in five innings, then downed Alexandria, Minn., 5-1 at Veterans Field in Minnetonka.
   The Hardhats took control of the Detroit Lakes game immediately, scoring 16 runs in the top of the first inning, winning in five innings thanks to the mercy rule.
   Jordan Carlson led the Post 22 attack, going 3-for-4 with a double and six RBIs.
   Parker Sullivan went 2-for-4 with a grand slam and five RBIs, and Donte Bledsoe, Kolton Emery, Dana Hill and Kyle Gorsuch all added two hits.
   Jon Hass threw all five, scattering six hits while permitting two earned runs. He struck out three in the winning effort.\
   Against Alexandria, Post 22 was in a scoreless battle until the fourth, when Sullivan drew a leadoff walk. Hill doubled him home, and Carlson doubled in Hill to put the Hardhats ahead.
   Alexandria cut the margin in half in the bottom of the inning, but Kolton Emery's solo home run in the fifth put Post 22 back up by two.\
   In the seventh, a pair of bunts led to two Hardhat runs. Emery hit a sacrifice fly to score one, and Hill hit a groundball to short that plated the other.
   Jarrett Jensen tossed a seven-hitter, striking out five without a walk. He is now 3-1.  
   GAME BOX SCORES: Post 22 22, Detroit Lakes 3; Post 22 5, Alexandria 1.

Post 22 splits during day two of Gopher Classic
   (07.12.2009) - Tanner Chleborad's complete game shutout led Rapid City Post 22 to a split in day two action at the Gopher Classic Saturday.
   The Hardhats defeated St. Louis Park, Minn. 4-0, before dropping an 8-3 decision to Excelsior, Minn., at Veterans Field in Minnetonka.
   Chleborad shutout St. Louis Park on eight hits, striking out four with one walk. The lanky right hander induced 10 groundball outs in the game.
   Parker Sullivan, Donte Bledsoe and Dana Hill all had two hits for Post 22. Hill and Kolton Emery each doubled, and Hill drove in two.
   Game two saw Post 22 take a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the third, when Excelsior posted six runs and cruised to an 8-3 win.
   Jordan Carlson drove in all three runs for Post 22, including a two-run double in the first. Bledsoe, Emery and Jarrett Jensen all added two hits.
   Hill suffered the loss in 2 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs. Thane Lees scattered five hits in 3 1/3 innings of relief to keep the game within reason.
   Post 22, 25-17, will play twice this morning to conclude pool play in the Gopher Classic. The Hardhats will meet Detroit Lakes, Minn., at 9 a.m., and Alexandria, Minn., at 11:30 a.m. at Veterans Field in Minnetonka.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 4, St. Louis Park 0; Excelsior 8, Post 22 3.

Post 22 splits during day two of Gopher Classic
   (07.12.2009) - Tanner Chleborad's complete game shutout led Rapid City Post 22 to a split in day two action at the Gopher Classic Saturday.
   The Hardhats defeated St. Louis Park, Minn. 4-0, before dropping an 8-3 decision to Excelsior, Minn., at Veterans Field in Minnetonka.
   Chleborad shutout St. Louis Park on eight hits, striking out four with one walk. The lanky right hander induced 10 groundball outs in the game.
   Parker Sullivan, Donte Bledsoe and Dana Hill all had two hits for Post 22. Hill and Kolton Emery each doubled, and Hill drove in two.
   Game two saw Post 22 take a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the third, when Excelsior posted six runs and cruised to an 8-3 win.
   Jordan Carlson drove in all three runs for Post 22, including a two-run double in the first. Bledsoe, Emery and Jarrett Jensen all added two hits.
   Hill suffered the loss in 2 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs. Thane Lees scattered five hits in 3 1/3 innings of relief to keep the game within reason.
   Post 22, 25-17, will play twice this morning to conclude pool play in the Gopher Classic. The Hardhats will meet Detroit Lakes, Minn., at 9 a.m., and Alexandria, Minn., at 11:30 a.m. at Veterans Field in Minnetonka.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 4, St. Louis Park 0; Excelsior 8, Post 22 3.

Grand Rapids blanks Post 22 at Gopher Classic
   (07.11.2009) - Rapid City Post 22 outhit Grand Rapids, Minn., Friday afternoon, but was unable to muster a run in a 4-0 loss at the Gopher Classic.
   It's game one at the event for each team, which is played at Veterans Field in Minnetonka, Minn.
   Minnetonka used a three-run first inning to take control, aided by an error on a groundball that would have gotten the Hardhats out of the inning unscathed. Instead, the Minnesotans took the lead and never let up.
   Trailing 3-0, Post 22 loaded the bases with one out, but a double play ended the threat. The Hardhats also had two on with one away in the fourth, but again failed to score.
   Kolton Emery took the loss despite tossing a five-hitter. He struck out seven in a complete game performance, walked only one, and just two of the four Minnetonka runs were earned.
   Parker Sullivan had two hits, and Donte Bledsoe doubled for Post 22.
   The Hardhats (24-17) play an evening doubleheader Saturday night. They'll take on St. Louis Park, Minn., at 5 p.m., and then Excelsior, Minn., at 7:30 p.m. in Minnetonka.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Grand Rapids 4, Post 22 0.

De Pere edges Post 22
   (07.09.2009) - Tony Cantalupo tossed a six-hitter, leading De Pere, Wisc., past Rapid City Post 22 4-1 Thursday night at Dick Siebert Field in Minneapolis.
   Each team had six hits, but De Pere jammed them into a pair of two-run innings, and the Hardhats stranded seven base runners.
   The game was scoreless until De Pere used three hits to score two in the bottom of the third.
   Post 22 came back with a run in the fourth. Dana Hill hit a one-out double, and scored when Donte Bledsoe's single was misplayed by the left fielder.
   The Hardhats advanced the tying run to second with one out in the sixth, but De Pere short stop Mikole Pierce made a spectacular running catch on a pop fly in shallow center, doubling off the runner to end the threat.
   De Pere then scored two in the bottom of the frame to put the game away.
   Reece Steckler and Hill each had two hits for Post 22.
   Starting pitcher Taylor Muhlbeier went three innings, allowing three hits and two runs. He struck out two, walked one, and suffered the loss.
   Thane Lees struck out four in three innings of relief, permitting three hits and two runs as well.
   Post 22 (24-16) opens up play in the Gopher Classic tomorrow (Friday), taking on Grand Rapids, Minn., at 11:30 a.m.
   GAME BOX SCORE: De Pere 4, Post 22 1.

Post 22 wins in Austin, Minn.
   (07.08.2009) - Brad Horan and Jake Bohne combined on a six-hitter, as Rapid City Post 22 held on to defeat Austin, Minn., 4-3 Wednesday night at Austin's Marcusen Park.
   The Hardhats scored four runs in the first three innings, and won despite leaving 10 men on base.
   Horan allowed two hits and a run in two innings, but had to leave the game due to a sore arm. Bohne rose to the occasion in relief, shutting out the hosts until a two-run home run in the seventh made things interesting.
   The tall southpaw went five innings out of the bullpen, striking out four, walking only one, and scattering four hits.
   Reece Steckler went 3-for-4 with an RBI, and Kolton Emery doubled twice and drove in a run for the Hardhats.
   Post 22 jumped ahead with a two-run first. Parker Sullivan led off the game with a walk, advanced on a wild pitch, and scored on Emery's double. Jarrett Jensen drove home Emery with a basehit, putting the Hardhats up 2-0.
   Austin scored a run in the bottom of the first, and Post 22 came right back in the second. Kyle Gorsuch reached on an error to lead off the second, was bunted along, and came home on Sullivan's single.
   In the third, Brock Thomas walked, stole second, and came around on a single by Steckler.
   The game remained 4-1 until the home run brought Austin within a run, but Bohne struck out the next two batters to end the game.
   Rapid City Post 22 improved to 24-15 with the win, and are on a four-game win streak.
   The Hardhats will play DePere, Wisc., Thursday at 6 p.m. at Dick Siebert Field, home of the University of Minnesota baseball team, in Minneapolis.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 4, Austin 3.

Gorsuch's 10th inning heroics lift Post 22 past Las Vegas

   (07.06.2009) - Kyle Gorsuch was not about to let an opportunity slip through his grasps again.
   With the bases loaded and one out in the tenth inning, Gorsuch ripped a ball of the base of the wall in left center, giving Rapid City Post 22 a 3-2, extra-inning win over Las Vegas, Nev., for fifth place in the Black Hills Community Bank Firecracker Tournament.
   Post 22 had left the bases loaded with one out in the eighth, but Gorsuch made sure that wouldn't happen again.
   Parker Sullivan and Jordan Carlson each had two hits for Post 22.
   Jon Hass threw seven strong innings, scattering eight hits without allowing an earned run. Las Vegas scored two unearned runs in the first, but Hass and reliever Thane Lees held them scoreless the rest of the way.
   Lees earned the win with three no-hit innings of work out of the bullpen.
   Post 22 (23-15) won fifth place in the tournament, going 4-4 overall in the event. The Hardhats will make the trip east for the Gopher Classic, starting Wednesday with a single game against Austin, Minn.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 3, Las Vegas 2.

Chleborad shuts down Coon Rapids

   (07.04.2009) - Rapid City Post 22 pitcher Tanner Chleborad limited Coon Rapids, Minn., to five hits, as the Hardhats claimed a 5-1 win Friday night at the Black Hills Community Bank Firecracker Tournament in Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Chleborad walked three, struck out five, and allowed only one run - an unearned score in the seventh inning.
   Parker Sullivan led the Post 22 offensive attack with a 3-for-4 night. Caleb Stanley hit an RBI triple, and Jarrett Jensen drove in two runs.
   Post 22 (21-15 overall, 2-4 in tournament play) takes on Las Vegas, Nev., tonight at 7:30 at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 5, Coon Rapids 1.

Rocky Mountain rallies past Post 22

   (07.03.2009) - Rocky Mountain scored three runs in the final two innings, coming from behind to defeat Rapid City Post 22 4-3 this morning at Floyd Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Post 22 is now 1-4 at the Black Hills Community Bank Firecracker Tournament.
   The Hardhats carried a 3-1 lead into the sixth, but the Lobos rallied for two in the sixth to tie the game, and won it with a run in the seventh.
   Parker Sullivan was 3-for-4, Kyle Gorsuch doubled twice, and Jordan Carlson also had two hits for Post 22.
   Brad Horan struck out six without walking a batter in 5 2/3 innings of work. Ethan Jarding threw the final 1 1/3 innings, taking the loss in relief.

   Post 22 (20-15) plays Coon Rapids, Minn., at 7 p.m. tonight in the Firecracker.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Rocky Mountain 4, Post 22 3.

Missoula downs Post 22 at Firecracker

   (07.02.2009) - A nightmarish fourth inning led the Rapid City Post 22's undoing this afternoon.
   The Hardhats committed two costly errors, leading to four Missoula, Mont., errors, as the Mavericks broke open a tie game and went on to defeat Post 22 8-3 at the Black Hills Community Bank Firecracker Tournament.

   The game had been tied at 2-2 and 3-3 until the fourth. Missoula added one in the fifth to seal the deal.
   Jordan Carlson and Jarrett Jensen led Post 22 with two his apiece. Both doubled once, and Jensen drove in two of the team's three runs.
   Taylor Muhlbeier was the losing pitcher, allowing three earned runs in 3 2/3 innings.
   Post 22 falls to 20-14 overall and 1-3 in tournament play. The Hardhats will play Rocky Mountain (Colo). tonight.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Missoula 8, Post 22 3.

Merced shuts down Post 22

   (07.01.2009) - Rapid City Post 22 managed only four hits and left 13 men on base, as Merced, Calif., defeated the Hardhats 7-1 Wednesday night at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Post 22 fell to 20-13 overall, and 1-2 in the Black Hills Community Bank Firecracker Tournament.
   Merced scored two in the first, while Post 22 left the bases loaded in the first, and the Mavericks were able to hold the Hardhats in check.
   The only Post 22 run came in the second on a two-out solo home run from Taylor Muhlbeier. His high, hooking fly ball stayed just inside the right field foul pole to put the Hardhats on the board.
   Parker Sullivan, Dana Hill and Jon Hass had the other three Post 22 hits.
   Jarrett Jensen allowed seven hits and five runs in four innings, his first loss in five starts this year.
   Post 22 will play Missoula, Mont., at 12:30 p.m., then Rocky Mountain (Colo.) at 8 p.m. today in day three of the Firecracker.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Merced 7, Post 22 1.

Post 22 splits first day of Firecracker

   (06.30.2009) - Rapid City Post 22 rebounded from a rough afternoon outing with an 8-0, five-inning win over West Warwick, R.I., in opening day action at the Black Hills Community Bank Firecracker Tournament.
   Kolton Emery threw a three-hit shutout, striking out four, as Post 22 cruised past West Warwick.
   Jarrett Jensen had two hits, including a double, and drove in two, Taylor Muhlbeier and Jordan Carlson each added two hits, and Parker Sullivan tripled for the Hardhats.
   Earlier in the day, Cheyenne, Wyo., wrapped out 14 hits, including 10 from its top three hitters, in a 9-4 victory.
   Each team scored in the first, but Cheyenne broke it open with three runs in the third and three more in the fourth.
   Post 22 managed three in the fifth, but could claw no closer.
   Kolton Emery went 2-for-3 with three RBIs for the Hardhats, while Parker Sullivan also had two htis.
   Dana Hill allowed seven runs - only four earned - in four innings of work.
   Post 22 (20-12) hosts Merced, Calif., tonight in the final game of the Firecracker's second day at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORES: Cheyenne 9, Post 22 4; Post 22 8, West Warwick 0.

Las Vegas edges Post 22 in Firecracker tune up

   (06.30.2009) - Hits were hard to come by Monday night at Fitzgerald Stadium, but Las Vegas pieced just enough together.
   Durango defeated Rapid City Post 22 5-3 in a warm up game for this year's Black Hills Community Bank Firecracker Tournament, which starts Tuesday.
   Tanner Chleborad limited Durango to eight hits in a complete game effort, but was saddled with the loss. The righty did not walk a batter, struck out four, and needed only 77 pitches - 53 strikes - to get through seven frames.
   Durango took the lead for good with three consecutive two-out hits, highlighted by first baseman Billy Richardson's two-run homer.
   Dana Hill had two of Post 22's four hits. Taylor Muhlbeier singled in a run, while the other two Hardhat runs were scored thanks to errors.
   In fact, Post 22 played errorless ball for the second consecutive game, and the third in five outings.
   Post 22 (19-11) will play twice Tuesday in the Firecracker. The Hardhats play Cheyenne, Wyo., at 12:30 p.m., then meet up with West Warwick, R.I., at 8 p.m. on the opening day of the Firecracker.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Las Vegas 5, Post 22 3.

Post 22 outlasts Omaha Westside

   (06.26.2009) - Rapid City Post 22 played nine innings of errorless baseball, and capitalized on six opposing errors, as the Hardhats defeated Omaha (Neb.) Westside 8-5 in a nine inning game Thursday night at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Post 22 out hit Westside 10-7, and won thanks to four unearned runs and some timely defense.
   Trailing 1-0 in the first, Post 22 took the lead with three of their own. Kolton Emery hit a sacrifice fly to left, and Brock Thomas and Caleb Stanley hit RBI singles.
   Omaha tied the game in the second, but Post 22 retook the lead in the third. It was Stanley again, whose one out bouncer through the right side scored Jordan Carlson.
   In the fifth, Carlson led off with a triple, and Thomas hit a sacrifice fly to putt Post 22 ahead 5-3.
   The Hardhats added two in the sixth without the benefit of a hit, and Kyle Gorsuch's seventh inning single up the middle provided Post 22 its last run.
   Stanley led the way offensively with three hits, including a triple. Carlson tripled and singled, and Gorsuch had two hits in his Post 22 debut.
   Emery earned the win, allowing three hits and three runs in five innings. He walked five, struck out four and hit four en route to his third win.
   Dana Hill tossed the final four frames, allowing four hits and two runs, striking out one while hitting two.
   Post 22 improves to 19-10 with the win. The Hardhats will enjoy a three-day weekend without games in preparation for the Black Hills Community Bank Firecracker Tournament. Post 22 plays Las Vegas, Nev., Monday night at 7:30 p.m. in the annual pre-Firecracker matchup before the tournament opens Tuesday at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 8, Omaha (Neb.) Westside 5.

Pierre uses big fifth inning to derail Post 22

   (06.23.2009) - A six-run fifth inning spurred Pierre past Rapid City Post 22, as the Hardhats fell 8-4 Tuesday night at Floyd Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Pierre out-hit Post 22 16-6, overcoming a 4-2 deficit with that big fifth inning.
   Post 22 jumped ahead in the first inning. Parker Sullivan led off the game with a single, stole second, and advanced to third on an error. He scored two batters later on Kolton Emery's single up the middle.
   Pierre took the lead with single runs in the second and third, but Post 22 regained the advantage in the fourth. After the first two batters were retired, Jordan Carlson singled, moving to second on an error. Caleb Stanley walked, and Jake Bohne hit a high flyball that eluded the Pierre left fielder for a two-run double. Sullivan was next, and his pop fly was dropped in left, scoring Bohne.
   Pierre responded with six in the fourth, and Post 22 never threatened.
   Thane Lees was the losing pitcher, throwing 4 1/3 innings, with Jon Hass finishing out the contest on the mound.
   Ryan Yackley tossed a complete game six-hitter, striking out seven for Pierre.
   Kolton Emery had two hits and an RBI to lead Post 22.
   The Hardhats (18-10) will host Omaha (Neb.) Westside Thursday in a 5 p.m. doubleheader at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Pierre 8, Post 22 4.

Post 22 sweeps on last day of Hinseth

   (06.21.2009) - Rapid City Post 22 earned a pair of wins on the final day of the 2009 Rich Hinseth Agency Tournament.
   Post 22 defeated Laramie, Wyo., 2-0, then downed Denver (Colo). Playball Sports 17's 14-6 in six innings Sunday at Floyd Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Jarrett Jensen's complete game, three-hit shutout Post 22 past Laramie in game one.
   Jensen threw 81 pitches in seven innings, 53 for strikes. He struck out five while walking only one, that coming in the seventh.
   The Hardhats scored a run in the fourth thanks to two Laramie errors, then scored an insurance run in the sixth.
   After a Reece Steckler one-out single, Parker Sullivan hit a line shot over the center fielder's head for a run-scoring triple.
   Laramie threatened in the seventh, with two of its first three runners reach. Jensen escaped the jam, however, with a strikeout and a groundout.
   Kolton Emery had two hits, including a double, for the Hardhats.
   In the second game, Denver jumped out to a 6-2 lead before Post 22 tallied three in the fourth, five in the fifth and four more in the sixth.
   Jordan Carlson went 4-for-4 with a double, triple, and two RBIs.
   Parker Sullivan, Donte Bledsoe, Jarrett Jensen, Brock Thomas and Jake Bohne all added two hits for Post 22, who had 15 total.
   Taylor Muhlbeier threw 2 1/3 shutout innings, striking out two in a winning relief effort.
   Post 22 improved to 18-9, and hosts Pierre Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORES: Post 22 2, Laramie 0; Post 22 14, Denver Playball 6.

Post 22 splits in day three of Hinseth

   (06.21.2009) - Rapid City Post 22 played a pair of tightly contested games Saturday at the Rich Hinseth Agency Tournament, splitting two games at Floyd Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Post 22 defeated Watertown 6-5, then fell to Great Falls, Mont., 6-2.
   In the Watertown contest, Post 22 rallied with single runs in the seventh and eighth innings to win 6-5.
   Jon Hass threw five shutout innings, and had a 4-1 lead going into the seventh. But after a walk and a single, Post 22 committed consecutive infield errors. A sacrifice fly and another infield error followed, giving Watertown a 5-4 edge.
   Donte Bledsoe was hit by a pitch to lead off the seventh, stole second, and moved to third on a groundball. With the infield in, Jarrett Jensen pulled a groundball through the right side to tie the game and force extra innings.
   Reliever Tanner Bisgaard allowed a hit and a walk in the eighth, but escaped the jam unscathed, setting up Post 22's game winning eighth.
   Brock Thomas led off the frame with a single down the left field line, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and advanced to third on a wild pitch.
   With two outs, Parker Sullivan hit a hard grounder to second. Watertown's second baseman dove and corralled the ball, but a bad throw allowed Thomas to score the winning run.
   Brock Thomas led Pos 22 with two hits.
   Against Great Falls, Post 22 and the Stallions were deadlocked at two until the visitors plated three in the fifth, taking the lead for good.
   Tanner Chleborad went five innings, scattering 10 hits, striking out four. He permitted five runs, only three earned, in his first losing effort of the year.
   Parker Sullivan went 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI, and Jarrett Jensen had two hits for the Hardhats.
   Post 22, 16-9, hosts Laramie, Wyo., at 2:30 p.m., and Denver, Colo., Playball Sports 17's at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the final day of the Rich Hinseth Agency Tournament at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 6, Watertown 5; Great Falls 6, Post 22 2.

Post 22 handles Cherry Creek at Hinseth Tourney

   (06.20.2009) - Rapid City Post 22's bats came back to life Friday night at the Rich Hinseth Tournament.
   After Thursday night's three-hit performance against Albuquerque, N.M., the Hardhats rapped out 13 hits in a 9-1, five-inning victory at Floyd Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Post 22 broke a scoreless tie with a four-run third inning. Cherry Creek plated a run in the top of the fourth, but Post 22 responded with two in the fourth and three more in the fifth, stopping the game thanks to the tournament's eight-run rule.
   Jordan Carlson and Donte Bledsoe led the way for Post 22, each going 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI.
   Jarrett Jensen and Dana Hill each added two hits for the Hardhats.
   Hill was the winning pitcher, allowing two hits with three strikeouts in five full innings.
   Post 22 (15-8) will play twice today at the Hinseth Tournament. The Hardhats host Watertown, S.D., at noon, followed by a 7:30 p.m. meeting with Great Falls, Mont.
   You can follow both of today's Post 22 games live with our Post 22 StatTrack, available exclusively here at Post22Baseball.com
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 9, Cherry Creek 1.

Albuquerque hits way to win over Post 22

   (06.19.2009) - Albuquerque, N.M., didn't forget to pack their bats on the long trip to Rapid City.
   The New Mexicans pounded out 15 hits in a 10-3 victory over Rapid City Post 22 Thursday night during day one of the Rich Hinseth Agency Tournament at Floyd Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Along with their bats, pitcher Nathan Snell limited Post 22 to three hits in a complete game victory.
   Post 22 scored all its runs in a third inning that featured only one RBI - a solo home run from Caleb Stanley to lead off the frame.
   The two other runs scored on wild pitches, as the Hardhats trimmed the margin to 4-3, only to allow three runs in both the fourth and fifth.

   Kolton Emery allowed eight hits in three innings, with two of his four runs allowed being earned. Thane Lees worked the final four innings, scattering seven hits with six runs, three earned.
   Albuquerque improved to 21-3 on the summer, while Post 22 dropped to 14-8.
   Post 22 hosts Cherry Creek, Colo., Friday night at 7:30 p.m. in the final day of the Hinseth's second day.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Albuquerque 10, Post 22 3.

Post 22, Spearfish, split doubleheader

   (06.17.2009) - Following a disappointing one-run loss, Rapid City Post 22 rebounded in a big way, earning a split of a doubleheader against Spearfish, S.D., last night at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   The visitors took game one 4-3 before the Hardhats won decisively in the nightcap, 16-1 in four innings.
   Spearfish outhit Post 22 11-4 in game one, taking the lead with a two-run third inning and never trailing the rest of the way.
   Brock Thomas hit a two-run single, Tanner Bisgaard and Kolton Emery doubled, and Donte Bledsoe supplied the other Hardhat hit.
   Jake Bohne struck out four in four innings, and was the losing pitcher. Brad Horan scattered four hits while allowing a run in three innings of relief.
   There was no power outage in game two for Rapid City Post 22, as the Hardhats pounded out 16 hits in the four inning victory.
   Parker Sullivan was 4-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs. Dana Hill, Jake Bohne, Taylor Muhlbeier, Emery and Bledsoe all added two hits for the winners.
   Jarrett Jensen earned his first win of the year. He allowed four hits in four innings, striking out two.
   Post 22 will play six games at Fitzgerald Stadium this weekend, hosting the Rich Hinseth Agency Tournament Thursday thru Sunday.
   GAME BOX SCORES: Spearfish 4, Post 22 3; Post 22 16, Spearfish 1.

Post 22 wins big to conclude CWS Tourney

   (06.15.2009) - A 10-run fifth inning explosion spurred Rapid City Post 22 to a 15-3, five-inning victory over Ralston, Neb., Sunday afternoon at the College World Series Tournament in Omaha, Neb.
   Post 22 scored a run in the first, three in the second and one in the fourth, carrying a 5-3 lead into the big fifth inning that blew the game open, allowing the Hardhats to win via the ten-run rule.
   Rapid City hit three home runs - Donte Bledsoe, Reece Steckler and Taylor Muhlbeier all went deep for the first time this season. Muhlbeier's three-run blast in the second gave the Hardhats the lead for good.
   Tanner Chleborad earned the win. he went all five innings, scattering five hits and three walks with one strikeout.
   Jarrett Jensen, Dana Hill and Jordan Carlson all had two hits, with Jensen, Hill and Steckler each driving in two.
   Post 22 finished the College World Series Tournament 1-2 with another game that was rained out.
   The Hardhats are back home Tuesday, hosting Spearfish in a 5 p.m. doubleheader at Floyd Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 15, Ralston 3.   

Post 22 drops pitchers' duel to Creighton Prep

   (06.13.2009) - Rapid City Post 22 and Omaha (Neb.) Creighton Prep once again locked horns in a pitchers' duel, and again the Nebraskans proved victorious.
   Creighton Prep used a three-run fourth inning to defeat Post 22, 4-2, Saturday afternoon at Seymour Smith Park in Omaha. It was the second game for each in the College World Series Tournament.
   Prep scored in the first, but Post 22 took the lead with single runs in the second and third.
   Caleb Stanley's two-out single scored Kolton Emery to tie the game in the second, then Emery knocked in a run on a groundout in the third.
   Post 22 had five hits - Emery, Stanley, Parker Sullivan, Donte Bledsoe and Taylor Muhlbeier.
   Dana Hill took the loss, allowing 11 hits in six innings. He did not walk a man, recording five strikeouts along with three wild pitches.
   Post 22 (12-6) concludes its trek to Omaha and the College World Series with a 10 a.m. contest vs. Ralston, Neb, Sunday morning.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Creighton Prep 4, Post 22 2.

Post 22 falls to Omaha Northwest
   (06.13.2009) - For the third time this year, Rapid City Post 22 found itself on the wrong end of a one-run decision.
   Post 22 lost a heartbreaker, a 3-3, 10-inning defeat at the hands of Omaha (Neb.) Roncalli Saturday in the College World Series Tournament at Roncalli High School Field.
   The Hardhats built a 2-0 lead with single runs in the first and fifth, but Westside tied the score with two unearned runs in the bottom of the fifth.
   The score remain tied until the 10th, when a two-out error permitted Northwest's winning run.
   Kolton Emery threw the entire ballgame, 9 2/3 innings of six-hit baseball. He walked two, struck out seven, and allowed only one earned run.
   Caleb Stanley led Post 22 with two hits and an RBI. Donte Bledsoe also had a pair of hits for the Hardhats, with Jarrett Jensen supplying the other Post 22 RBI.
   Rapid City Post 22 (12-5) will face a rematch with Creighton Prep today at 12:30 p.m. at Seymour High School Field in Omaha.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Omaha Roncalli 3, Post 22 2,

Post 22 splits with Nebraska's best

   (06.12.2009) - Rapid City Post 22 faced the top two finishers in the Nebraska state high school baseball tournament last night - and earned a split.
   In a tune up for the College World Series Tournament, Post 22 defeated state champion Omaha Westside, 9-7, before falling to Creighton Prep 5-1 Thursday night at Warrior Field on the Westside High School campus.
   Against Westside, Post 22 rallied with two in the sixth and two in the seventh, holding off the hosts for its 12th win of the season
   Jordan Carlson went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI, with Kolton Emery, Dana Hill and Donte Bledsoe all adding two hits.
   Thane Lees was the winning pitcher. He scattered four hits in 2 2/3 innings of relief.
   Seven different Hardhats singled in the Creighton Prep contest, but their opponents hit two home runs, as Post 22 fell 5-1.
   Reece Seckler's second inning single scored the only Rapid City run.
   Tanner Bisgaard allowed eight hits in six innings, dropping his first decision of the year.
   Post 22 (12-4) will play a pair of games this afternoon in the College World Series Tournament.  
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 9, Omaha Westside 7; Creighton Prep 5, Post 22 1.

Horan, Post 22, handle Mitchell
   (06.11.2009) - Brad Horan threw five solid innings, and five Rapid City Post 22 players had two hits, as the Hardhats defeated Mitchell, S.D., 11-1 in five innings Wednesday night at Mitchell's Cadwell Park.
   Horan struck out four batters while scattering four hits in five frames, allowing only one run.
   Jarrett Jensen's three-run home run was the offensive highlight. The third baseman had two hits and four RBIs to lead Post 22.
   Jordan Carlson, Kolton Emery, Donte Bledsoe and Reece Steckler also added a pair of hits.
   Nine of Post 22's first 10 batters reached base in a six-run first inning that blew the contest wide open. The Hardhats added three in the third and two more in the fifth, winning the contest by the ten-run mercy rule.
   Rapid City Post 22 won its seventh straight, improving to 11-3 overall and 4-0 against the state's high school baseball champions.
   Post 22 will play a 5 p.m. doubleheader in Omaha Thursday before opening up play in the College World Series Tournament Friday thru Sunday.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 11, Mitchell 1.

Denver Playball series rained out
   (06.06.2009) - Rain continues to wreak havoc on the Rapid City Post 22 schedules.
   This weekend's much anticipated home series featuring Post 22's two varsity teams and Denver (Colo.) Playball Sports has been canceled due to rain.
   Post 22 has now had six of its first 19 games lost to rain, while the Expos have now lost three of their first scheduled 18.
   Post 22 is 10-3 and makes its yearly trip to Omaha this week to take part in the College World Series Tournament.
   They'll play at Mitchell, S.D., Wednesday night, at Omaha (Westside) for a doubleheader Thursday before opening up play in this year's CWS Tournament.
   The Expos, 11-4, head north this week, competing in the Economart/Delaney Recycling Invitational in Williston, N.D., Thursday-Sunday.

Post 22 cruises past Gillette
   (06.02.2009) - Rapid City Post 22's first seven batters all reached base, leading to a four-run first inning that was more than enough to pick up its tenth win of the year.
   Post 22 easily handled Gillette, Wyo., 7-0, on a cold Tuesday night at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Tanner Chleborad was excellent on the mound, earning the first victory of his varsity career. The tall right limited the Roughriders to two hits in five innings, while striking out seven batters.
   Offensively, Parker Sullivan went 3-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. Reece Steckler had two hits and two RBIs, including a double. Mike Reagan had a two-run double, Kolton Emery tripled, and Brock Thomas singled in a run for Post 22.
   It's the sixth consecutive win for the Hardhats, who improved to 10-3 with the victory. They'll host Denver (Colo.) Playball Sports both Saturday and Sunday at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 7, Gillette 0.

Post 22 squeaks by Mitchell
   (05.31.2009) - Pitching was the name of the game Sunday at Floyd Fitzgerald Stadium. And Rapid City Post 22 had just enough of it.
   Post 22 won a 4-3 decision over Mitchell, improving its record to 9-3 while sweeping the three-game weekend set.
   The hosts jumped ahead early. Jordan Carlson hit one-out triple in the first, and scored on Jarrett Jensen's groundout to short.
   Mitchell tied the game in the third on three hits and a walk, but left the bases loaded.
   Post 22 retook the lead in the third. With one out, Kolton Emery walked, stole second and advanced to third on an error. Mike Reagan drove him home with a double down the left field line to put the Hardhats back on top.
   Then Donte Bledose doubled, and Jake Bohne singled home Reagan, giving Post 22 a 3-1 edge.
   Mitchell narrowed the gap with a pair of two-out singles in the sixth, making it 3-2, before Emery's run scoring double pushed the lead back to 4-2.
   In the seventh, Mitchell's first two batters singled, and the visitors were within 4-3 with a runner on second and one out. Post 22 reliever Jon Hass induced a groundout, then catcher Mike Reagan caught a runner trying to advance on a wild pitch at third to end the game.
   Mitchell outhit Post 22 9-8, but the Hardhats had four extra base hits. Emery went 2-for-3, as each of the top seven hitters in the order had hits.
   Brad Horan earned the win in relief. He lasted three innings, striking out five while scattering three hits and one run.
   Hass gave up two hits but earned the save, stranding the game-tying run.
   Jarrett Jensen threw the first three frames, allowing four hits and one run, striking out four.
   Post 22, now 9-3, hosts Gillette, Wyo., on Tuesday. The Expos play Gillette at 5 p.m., followed by Post 22 and Gillette dueling at 7:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 4, Mitchell 3.

Pitching powers Post 22 past Mitchell
   (05.29.2009) - Rapid City Post 22's pitching staff permitted just one run and six hits in a doubleheader sweep of Mitchell, S.D., 9-1 and 5-0, Friday night at Fitzgerald Stadium
   Mitchell scored in the first inning of game one - their only run of the night - before Post 22 tied the game in the second and broke it open with a five-run third.
   Dana Hill was the winning pitcher, hurling five innings. He struck out nine while scattering four hits. Thane Lees threw the last two in relief, striking out three.
   Brock Thomas went 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs, while Mike Reagan also had three hits for Post 22.
   In the nightcap, the Hardhats scored all five of their runs in a big third innings, thanks in part to two Mitchell errors.
   Kolton Emery threw five frames of one-hit baseball, striking out nine. Tanner Chleborad allowed a hit with two strikeouts in the final two frames to secure the win.
   Reece Steckler had two hits, including a two-run single, and Donte Bledsoe added two hits for Post 22.
   Improving to 8-3, Post 22 will host Mitchell in the third game of the weekend series Sunday at 1 p.m. at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORES: Post 22 9, Mitchell 1; Post 22 5, Mitchell 0.

Post 22 splits at Pierre
   (05.25.2009) - Rapid City Post 22 bounced back from a heartbreaking game one loss to earn a split Monday afternoon at Pierre.
   Post 22 fell 4-3 in eight innings, then turned around and notched a 16-9 victory on Memorial Day at Pierre's Hyde Stadium.
   The Hardhats fell behind 3-0 in the opener before putting together a seventh inning rally. With two on and two outs, Jarrett Jensen's high fly ball cleared the center field fence for a three-run homer, tying the game.
   Pierre then scored on consecutive hits in the eighth to secure the win.
   Kolton Emery allowed five hits and three runs in five innings, striking out six with zero walks. Thane Lees threw two shutout frames of relief - with three strikeouts.
   Emery also went 3-for-4 at the plate, while Jensen had two hits.
   The Post 22 bats came alive for 16 runs and 12 hits in the nightcap, a 16-9 defeat of the hosts.
   Emery went 3-for-4 with two doubles, Dana Hill had two hits, including a double, and five RBIs, and Jordan Carlson tripled and drove in four.
   Tanner Bisgaard hurled the first three innings, while Brad Horan threw innings four through six for the victory. Tanner Chleborad finished the contest by dealing the seventh.
   Post 22 (5-3) will play its next eight games at home, starting Wednesday with Sturgis. Game time is 7:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORES: Pierre 4, Post 22 3; Post 22 16, Pierre 9.

Rain takes care of Post 22, Scottsbluff
   (05.24.2009) - A downpour of rain at Fitzgerald Stadium brought Sunday night's Post 22-Scottsbluff twinbill to a halt.
   Post 22 held a 4-1 lead after three innings of play, but the weather made finishing the contest an impossibility.
   Scottsbluff, Neb., will spend the night in Rapid City in order to play the Expos in a doubleheader Monday at noon.
   Meanwhile, Post 22 will head west to the Capitol City for a 2 p.m. doubleheader with Region 3A rival Pierre.

Post 22 rallies past Cheyenne
   (05.18.2009) - Sunday afternoon, the ball bounced the right way for Rapid City Post 22.
   Jake Bohne's line drive up the middle caromed off of pitcher Andrew Fanning's leg, as Post 22 claimed a 6-5, come-from-behind victory over Cheyenne, Wyo., at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Bohne's single concluded a two-run seventh inning rally that included a walk, an error and an intentional walk. Jordan Carlson walked to lead off the frame, moved over on a bunt, and scored on an error.
   After a hit, an intentional walk and a flyout, Bohne's last inning heroics put Post 22 in the win column.
   Carlson led off the first with a solo homer, going 2-for-3 while adding a diving catch in left field. Jarrett Jensen also had two hits for Post 22.
   Tanner Bisgaard was the winning pitcher, striking out two in two innings of work.
   Post 22 (4-2) returns to action Sunday, hosting Scottsbluff, Neb., at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 6, Cheyenne 5.

Cheyenne sweeps Post 22
   (05.17.2009) - Cheyenne, Wyo., won a pair of close games over Rapid City Post 22 last night, 6-3 and 2-1 at Floyd Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Cheyenne outhit Post 22 8-4 in game one, carrying a 6-0 lead into the bottom of the sixth.
   The Hardhats rallied for two in the sixth and another in the seventh, but were unable to overcome the early deficit.
   Parker Sullivan went 2-for-3 with a double to lead the hosts. Dante Bledsoe doubled, and Brock Thomas and Kolton Emery added RBIs.
   J.J. Johnson was the losing pitcher.
   Game two featured a tremendous pitchers' duel between Post 22's Emery and Cheyenne's Myles McVeigh.
   Each team scored once early, and the the two teams were deadlocked until Cheyenne pushed across the winning run in the sixth.
   Despite suffering the loss, Emery was outstanding. He allowed only four hits in seven innings, walking two in the contest.
   Sullivan led off the game with a double and came around to score the lone Post 22 run.
   The two teams wrap up their weekend series today at noon at Fitzgerald Stadium.
   GAME BOX SCORES: Cheyenne 6, Post 22 3; Cheyenne 2, Post 22 1.

Post 22 wins pair in Gillette
   (03.10.2009) - Rapid City Post 22 rapped out 24 hits en route to a pair of wins Sunday in Gillette, Wyo.
   Post 22 defeated Gillette 10-9, then downed Billings, Mont., 9-4, at Roughrider Stadium.
   In the opener, Post 22 needed every run it could muster due to six errors. Those miscues led to six unearned Gillette runs, keeping the hosts in the game.
   Kolton Emery led the offensive charge for Post 22. He went 4-for-5 with six RBIs, including a three-run homer. Jarrett Jensen went 3-for-5, while Dana Hill and Parker Sullivan each added a pair of hits.
   Hill was even better on the mound, throwing 3 2/3 innings of shutout relief, permitting only a hit and a walk during that span. He earned the win, with Tanner Bisgaard throwing the seventh for the save.
   Against Billings, Sullivan exploded for four hits, including a pair of solo home runs. Hill had two more hits and two RBIs, while Jordan Carlson added two singles.
   Emery was the winning pitcher, striking out six in his four innings of work. He allowed two runs, one earned, without walking a man. Thane Lees worked the sixth and seventh, picking up the save.
   Post 22 will begin a five-game homestand this weekend against Cheyenne, Wyo. Game times are a 5 p.m. doubleheader Saturday, followed by a single game Sunday at noon.
   GAME BOX SCORES: Post 22 10, Gillette 9; Post 22 9, Billings 4

Big second inning leads Post 22 over Spearfish
   (05.09.2009) - A five run bottom of the second, combined with Jon Hass' 4.1 innings of shutout relief, helped Rapid City Post 22 start the year off right. The Hardhats notched an 8-3 victory over Spearfish Saturday night at Fitzgerald Stadium
   Hass needed only one pitch to escape a bases loaded, two out jam in the third and was never threatened the rest of the way. He scattered three hits, walked one and struck out six to earn the victory.
   Catcher Dana Hill led the offensive attack for Post 22, going 3-for-3 with a double.  Dante Bledsoe had two hits and drove in two, and Kolton Emery added a pair of hits.
   Post 22 won't have much time to enjoy the win, though. The squad will head to Gillette, Wyo., for a pair of games Sunday.
   The hardhats will take on both the hosts and then Billings, Mont., beginning at 11 a.m.
   GAME BOX SCORE: Post 22 8, Spearfish 3

Season opener canceled  
   (04.30.2009) - The long wait for the 2009 season will last another week.
   Rapid City Post 22's four-game weekend series at Cheyenne has been canceled.
   Poor weather currently in the Cheyenne area, along with a weekend forecast dominated by rain, caused the games to be called off.
   "It's awful tough to make up games with our schedules," Post 22 manager Dave Ploof said.
   So Post 22 will open up the 2009 season at home. Next Saturday, May 9, the Expos and Post 22 will host Spearfish. The Expos game begins at 5 p.m., while the Post 22-Spearfish first pitch is set for 7:30 p.m. at Floyd Fitzgerald Stadium.
   Those of you who can't attend the doubleheader next Saturday can follow the action live via our game cast at Post22Baseball.com. Play-by-play, live stats, box scores and more will be available as both games are played.
   Also, Saturday's Post 22 contest will be aired live on True Oldies 920 AM KKLS. Tom Rudebusch will have the call, with pre-game coverage beginning at 7:15 p.m.

SEASON OPENS SATURDAY
Post 22 travels to Cheyenne 
   (04.28.2009) - It's been nearly nine months since Rapid City Post 22 took the field. That August Sunday afternoon was a disappointment, as host Aberdeen eliminated the hardhats one game shy of a state championship appearance.
   That team was young by most standards, but this year's team isn't. A veteran crew that returns five starting position players and five of its top six pitchers is poised to reclaim the state championship - last achieved by the program in 2006.
   All the time in the gym, the indoor workouts, the pre-season scrimmages - that all becomes an afterthought Saturday, when Post 22 opens the year with a four-game series at Cheyenne, Wyo.
   Manager Dave Ploof, beginning his 46th season, has a deep talent pool from which to pick this year's squad. In fact, this weekend will be the first of what amounts to a two-month tryout. The postseason roster will be decided in early July.
   "We'll be taking about 24 kids this weekend," Ploof said. "We'll play a lot of different kids. We want to see what they can do when the bell rings."
   Kolton Emery returns to anchor the pitching staff. The workhorse in 2008, he went 9-6 in 93.1 innings, compiling a 2.99 ERA.
   Plenty of quality arms will follow Emery, but who will take the No. 2, 3, and 4 spots in the rotation is very much up in the air.
   "We have a lot of good arms, but those kids really need to step up. It'll start this weekend. They need to do the job and throw quality strikes."
   J. J. Johnson went 7-2 last season, including victories over Rapid City Post 320 in the Region 3A championship, and Parkston in the second round of the state tournament. His 2.74 ERA was the best on the staff.
   Other returners who logged significant innings for Post 22 last season include Jarrett Jensen, John Jarding and Jon Haas.
   Five starting position players also return - catcher Dana Hill, infielders Jensen, Emery and Jake Bohne, and center fielder Parker Sullivan.
   Sullivan hit .347 a year ago, the highest average among those returning. "He roams it pretty good," Ploof said of Sullivan's defense.
   A number of players who spent much of last year with the Bullets or the Split Squad are also pushing for playing time, as Ploof expects to use almost everybody this weekend.
   "They've been a real power in this area for probably the last ten years," Ploof said of Cheyenne. "We're going to have to put it on and do a lot of things right.
   "We haven't had the weather to put a lot of polish on, but neither have they. We just need our pitchers to throw quality strikes and pitch ahead, hitters to know the strike zone and have a lot of discipline, and the infielders and outfielders to move their feet."
   "Then we'll find out what are strengths and weaknesses are, and we'll work on them from there."
   Post 22 opens up the home schedule next Saturday, May 9, with a 7:30 p.m. contest against Region 3A rival Spearfish.

Emery returns to lead pitching staff
   (02.19.2009) - Standing atop the pitching rubber at a packed Fitzgerald Stadium can be intimidating. But the thought excites Kolton Emery.
   The 17-year-old junior at Stevens High School is already counting down to July 29, the opening day of the State Championship Tournament. Post 22 will host the five-day event, and Emery figures to start game one.t game one.
   "It will be one of the most important games I'll ever pitch," Emery said. "It'll be a big advantage to our team because we'll have a lot of our home fans here and we won't have to sleep in a motel."
   The 6-foot, 170-pound right hander is already a veteran of big games, as one of the program's top starting pitchers the past two seasons.
   Last summer, Emery led the team with nine wins and a 2.99 ERA in 93.1 innings. Much of his success could be attributed to his control - he struck out 91 while walking just 11.
   "He's got command of three pitches - fastball, curveball and change up - and he'll come right at you," head coach Dave Ploof said of Emery. "He'll challenge you. He's a tough competitor."
   If anyone doubted Emery's ability to pitch in big games, last August should be proof enough.oof enough.
   He made three appearances in postseason play, walking only two while allowing seven earned runs in 20 innings of work.
   First, he struck out five in a seven-inning regional victory over Pierre. Then in the opening round of last year's state tournament, he went the distance against Watertown, striking out nine in a hard luck 3-2 loss. He came back three days later to throw four solid innings against Mitchell, striking out six without a walk.
   "We learned what we needed to do to win," Emery said of last year's third place finish at state. "We know we have to be focused every game."
   Emery played football this past fall at Stevens High, but has spent the past few months focusing entirely on improving his arsenal of pitches.
   "I was worried about my change up last year, so we've been working on it. The coaches have shown me some different grips, and I think I've got it figured out," Emery said.
   With Emery leading the way, and the state tournament at home, Post 22 looks to have figured out the ingredients for another successful postseason run in 2009.