Crofton just didn’t have enough offense to get off the ground against Castlewood in the South Dakota Class B State Amateur Baseball tournament this past week.
In the first-round game against the Ravens last Friday, Aug. 8, the Jays couldn’t get on the board until the fourth inning, mustering two hits to seven by Castlewood in the 15-2 loss.
Castlewood was up 9-0 before the Jays were able to cross home plate. In the fourth, Zach Hegge led off with a walk. That’s when Connor Merriam doubled to right field, scoring Hegge. Jared Wiebelhaus later scored off a James Kaiser grounder, but that was it for the Jays.
Wilson Munzke pitched three and two thirds innings for the Jays in relief, striking out seven. Hegge started on the mound, striking out three. Along with Merriam, Colton Schieffer collected a hit.
South Central League rival Wynot lost their first round game to Milbank on Friday, 5-3. On Saturday, Aug. 9, Tabor beat Wessington Springs 11-1; and Freeman downed Burke, 19-4. Both Freeman and Tabor were scheduled for second round games this Wednesday.
Class A Yankton is still alive as well in state tourney action, losing a first round game to Brookings, 8-6, but taking the second round game against the Black Hills A’s, 19-1. The Lakers played Tea on Friday, Aug. 15.
The South Dakota State tourney is being played this year at First National Bank Field in Brandon and Legion Field in Valley Springs.