The Dell Rapids Phils took a step forward in defense of their state title with an opening round win in the 2024 South Dakota State B Legion tournament on Friday, August 2nd. The Phils pulled away from Big Stone City for a 10-0 win in Salem.
CJ Smith put Dell Rapids in front 1-0 with an RBI double in the bottom of the first. Lincoln Fersdahl added an RBI single in the bottom of the second for a 2-0 score. After a scoreless third, Dell Rapids exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the fourth, all with two outs. Dell Rapids ended the game in the bottom of the fifth on the 10-run rule with one more run.
Smith finished with two hits, one a double, and two RBIs. Tad Tjaden had two singles and two RBIs. Mason Stubbe and Fersdahl both had two hits with an RBI each. Cole Ruesink also had two hits, including a triple. Treyse Eastman and Talan Millage both had a single and RBI each. Sutton Williams added a double.
Tjaden pitched five innings allowing just four hits and a walk with eight strikeouts.
