The West Central Trojan high school baseball team had their season come to an end in the opening round of the 2022 South Dakota State B Tournament on Tuesday, May 31st. After having their opening round game against Dakota Valley postponed a day, the Trojans fell by a final score of 6-5.
West Central had the lead two times in the game. The first lead came in the top of the third. Grafton Stroup broke a scoreless tie with an RBI double. The Panthers responded with two runs in the bottom of the third for a 2-1 lead.
The Trojans took the lead again in the top of the fifth inning. Deuce Sherrard tied the game with an RBI single. Stroup drove home another run with a fielder’s choice RBI ground ball. Zach Madsen also had RBI fielder’s choice ground ball to give West Central a 4-2 lead. Dakota Valley responded again, this time with four runs to regain the lead, 6-4.
West Central put together a rally in the top of the seventh. Sherrard started the inning with a double. Stroup reached on an error, which also scored Sherrard. The next three batters, however, popped out leaving the tying run at second base.
Stroup had two hits, one a double, and two RBIs. Sherrard also had two hits, including a double, with one RBI. Madsen finished with an RBI as well. Stroup pitched all six innings allowing six runs, but only two earned, on six hits and a walk with seven strikeouts.
West Central finished the season with a 12-3 record.