BROOKINGS – A hit-by-pitch late in the bottom of the sixth inning helped Renner claim a 1-0 win over Brookings in the 2024 South Dakota Senior American Legion State Class A Tournament at Bob Shelden Field on Thursday morning.
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BROOKINGS – A hit-by-pitch late in the bottom of the sixth inning helped Renner claim a 1-0 win over Brookings in the 2024 South Dakota Senior American Legion State Class A Tournament at Bob Shelden Field on Thursday afternoon.
The Bandits, who are now 1-1 in the tournament, will play Brandon Valley in an elimination game at 5 p.m. this evening at Bob Shelden Field.
Thursday’s action was the continuation of a game on Wednesday when the game was suspended scoreless in the bottom of the second inning. When action resumed, Brookings starter Austin Clark was allowed to continue after throwing eight pitches on Wednesday but Renner starter Jake Wheeler was removed after throwing 44 pitches in the first two innings.
Clark picked up where he left off, holding Renner to just two hits entering the sixth inning but Renner pitcher Jackson Bjorkman was just as good. Bjorkman retired the first seven batters he faced and kept Brookings off the scoreboard until a pivotal moment in the bottom of the sixth.
The rally began with two outs when Sullivan Schlimgen drew a walk followed by a Zachary Dunham single. Hunter Den Boer was intentionally walked to after Clark fell behind in the count to load the bases an Brogan Moffitt was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in the go-ahead run.
Brookings mounted a comeback attempt in the top of the seventh inning after a Zach Struck lineout. Jack Merritt dove into first base on a single to put a runner on but Sam Johnson grounded into a fielder’s choice that required him to dive into first base to keep the game alive.
With the game on the line, Bjorkman struck out Tate Helmbolt on a check swing to send Renner to a championship bracket matchup against Watertown at 8 p.m.
Clark finished the game allowing one earned run on three hits and four walks over six innings.
The Bandits had five hits in the game including a 2-for-4 day from Helmbolt. Merritt went 2-for-3 and Owen Schneider went 1-for-3.
Bjorkman finished allowing two hits and a walk with four strikeouts over five innings.
Renner had three hits with Konechne, Dunham and B Bear each going 1-for-2. Konechne also had a walk, a double and a stolen base.
