Post 18 splits with Nebraska, North Dakota teams in final games at Gopher Classic
Jul. 10—ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Mitchell Post 18 Legion baseball team nearly advanced to the Round of 16 at the Gopher Classic in the Twin Cities, but a late surge by West Fargo (N.D.) put an end to Mitchell's run.
On Saturday, July 9, Mitchell posted a 7-run inning at the top of the seventh to roll past Ashland (Neb.) 12-6 and advance to the pool play finale against West Fargo (N.D.).
In a game that saw four lead changes and a total of 26 hits, it would all come down to the final inning. Tied at eight heading into the eighth inning, Mitchell scored three runs to take an 11-8 lead, needing three outs in the bottom of the eighth to secure the win. West Fargo managed to score three runs on one crucial Mitchell error and one final run on a line drive single to end Post 18's run in the Gopher Classic.
Against Ashland (Neb.), Mason Geraets went 3-for-4 with four RBIs, including a triple in the fifth inning. Jace Larson went 2-for-3 with two RBIs while Peyton Mandel had one hit and drove in two runs as well. Jake Helleloid scored two runs and drove in one run, while Dylan Soulek scored three runs and had one hit.
Landon Waddell picked up the win and pitched five innings for Mitchell, as he threw three strikeouts and allowed two runs on three hits. Peyton Schroder pitched the final two innings and allowed four runs on two hits.
In the loss to West Fargo (N.D.), Mitchell was out-hit by 15 to 9 and committed two more errors than the Patriots.
Jonah Schmidt went 4-for-5 from the plate, scored two runs and drove in a game-high five runs. Jake Helleloid went 2-for-3 and drove in two runs, while Jace Larson had one hit and two RBIs. Dylan Soulek scored three runs, had one hit and one RBI, while Seth Muth scored four runs and one hit. Hudson Haley chipped in with one RBI while Brock Sparks and Joe VanOverschelde scored one run each.
Schmidt took the loss for Post 18 at the mound, surrendered two hits and two runs in less than one inning pitched. Soulek struck out three 2 1/3 innings pitched, but allowed four earned runs on five hits. Peyton Mandel surrendered five hits and three earned runs in two innings pitched, while Mason Geraets gave up three runs on three hits in 2 2/3 innings pitched.
Mitchell (22-11) is back in action at home for a doubleheader at Cadwell Park against Brookings, beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 14.
