Middle inning runs proved to be the difference as Dell Rapids PBR advanced to the second round of the 2024 South Dakota State B Amateur Baseball Tournament in Mitchell. PBR defeated Elkton 5-3 in the opening round on Saturday, August 10th.
After two scoreless innings, Elkton scored a run in the top of the third, but PBR responded with a run in the bottom of the inning for a 1-1 tie. Dell Rapids then added a run in both the fourth and fifth innings to take a 3-1 lead. The score remained 3-1 until the eighth inning. Elkton tied the game 3-3 with two runs in the top of the inning. Drew Sweeter hit an RBI triple, and Weston Hansen followed with an RBI single in the bottom of the inning to put PBR ahead 5-3 and secure the win.
D. Sweeter had two hits, including the triple, and an RBI. Hansen finished with two hits and two RBIs. Brayden Pankonen finished with a triple. Heith Williams, Conner Spindler, and Riley Calhoon all had one hit each. Riley Hoffman pitched eight innings and allowed three earned runs on seven hits and a walk with 11 strikeouts. D. Sweeter pitched the final inning allowing a hit and walk with two strikeouts.
